Application Deadline:
11 November 2026
About Organisation
UNICEF is the United Nations agency dedicated to protecting children’s rights and improving their health, education, safety and well-being. Through its Office of Innovation and UNICEF Venture Fund, it supports technology-driven solutions developed in emerging economies to address critical challenges affecting children, young people, women and their communities.
About the Grant
UNICEF Femtech Ventures is a five-year initiative running from 2025 to 2030 that invests in locally developed frontier-technology solutions to improve the health, well-being and sexual and reproductive health and rights of girls and women. Through its second annual call, the programme is inviting companies developing innovative solutions using technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain and data science.
The call focuses on three thematic areas: improving healthcare access for women and girls; making reproductive health information and services safer and more accessible; and strengthening mental wellbeing, safety and protection. Solutions may include digital maternal-health platforms, reproductive-health information tools, community health-worker applications, HPV screening technologies, digital psychosocial support and tools addressing gender-based violence and online harm.
Selected companies will receive up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding, 12 months of technical mentorship and access to UNICEF’s global network, including government partners. The programme prioritises locally developed solutions with the potential to scale in emerging markets and low-resource settings..
Who can Apply?
The opportunity is open to early- and growth-stage companies registered in UNICEF programme countries. Applicants must have a functional prototype and demonstrate a commitment to open-source licensing and principles. Their proposed technology must address one or more of the programme’s three thematic pillars and demonstrate potential for measurable impact and scalability.
Women-led startups and founders under 35 are particularly encouraged. Applicants should also be prepared to demonstrate responsible technology practices, including data privacy, consent, safeguarding and user safety.
How to Apply?
Interested companies should review the official UNICEF Femtech Ventures call page and its eligibility guidelines. Applicants must submit information about their company, technology, functional prototype, intended users, impact pathway and plans for open-source development through the official application process.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 11 November 2026
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
