Are you a woman building a fintech or enterprise tech startup? Then here is a big chance. The UBS Female Founder Award 2026 is now open. The winner takes home US$10,000. Moreover, every finalist can join a year-long programme with mentors and investors. However, the deadline is close, so read on and apply soon.
About the UBS Female Founder Award 2026
UBS, the global bank, runs this award every year. The 2026 edition is the sixth. It celebrates women who lead early-stage tech companies with strong ideas and room to grow. The award has two focus areas: financial technology (fintech) and enterprise technology.
Fintech covers tools such as digital payments, digital banking and financial data. Enterprise tech covers software that helps businesses run better, such as data analytics, AI tools and business platforms.
Benefits of the UBS Female Founder Award
- US$10,000 for the overall winner
- A special Rising Star award for another standout founder
- A place in Project Female Founder, a year-long programme for every finalist
- Mentoring from UBS advisers and experienced entrepreneurs
- Introductions to venture capital firms and investors, including female-focused funds
- Global visibility through publicity and speaking chances
Who Can Apply? Eligibility for the UBS Female Founder Award
You can apply if you:
- Are a woman founder, co-founder or C-level executive of a startup
- Run an early-stage company in fintech or enterprise technology
- Offer a clear solution to a real market problem
- Have a business model that can scale
The award is open worldwide. Still, some rules may depend on where you live. So, read the official rules before you apply.
How the Judges Choose
UBS looks at four main things:
- Diversity: what you and your company add to the tech world
- Financial track record: your results and progress so far
- Growth potential: how far the business can scale and attract investment
- Leadership: your vision and ability to deliver
Application Deadline
Applications close on October 25, 2026. Therefore, start your application now rather than in the final week.
How to Apply for the UBS Female Founder Award 2026
First, visit the official UBS Female Founder Award page. Next, read the rules for your country. Then, prepare a short, clear story of your startup: the problem, your product, your numbers and your plans. Finally, submit your application online before the deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Lead with numbers. Show revenue, users or growth if you have them.
- Explain the problem in one or two plain sentences.
- Show what makes your solution different from others.
- Share your vision for the next two to three years.
Looking for more support for women founders? See UNICEF Femtech Ventures 2026, the Standard Chartered Women in Tech Accelerator and the C3 EmpowerHer Program 2026.
