Are you building tech that helps women and girls live healthier, safer lives? Then here is a big chance. UNICEF has opened its Femtech Ventures funding call for 2026. Selected startups can get up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding. In other words, UNICEF does not take a share of your company. Read on to see if your startup qualifies.
About UNICEF Femtech Ventures 2026
Femtech Ventures is a five-year initiative (2025–2030) of the UNICEF Venture Fund. It backs local tech solutions for the health, wellbeing, and sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls in emerging markets. This is the second call for applications. The first cohort had 11 companies from eight countries in Africa and Asia.
UNICEF wants startups that use frontier technology, such as AI, machine learning, blockchain or data science. Moreover, all solutions must be open source. That way, others can adapt and reuse them.
Focus Areas for the Femtech Funding
Your solution should fit one of three areas:
- Healthcare access: tools for maternal, newborn and child health, affordable screening, point-of-care support for health workers, and supply planning.
- Reproductive health information and services: safe, accurate information in local languages, support for community health workers, and tools that protect private health data.
- Mental wellbeing, safety and protection: mental health support, safe reporting of gender-based violence, and protection from online abuse.
In addition, UNICEF is keen on solutions that work in low-resource or emergency settings, including places with poor internet.
Benefits of the UNICEF Femtech Ventures Programme
Selected startups will receive:
- Up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding from the UNICEF Venture Fund
- 12 months of technical mentorship
- Access to UNICEF’s global network, including links with governments
- Support to scale the solution to more women and girls
Who Can Apply? Eligibility for UNICEF Femtech Funding
Your startup should:
- Be registered in a UNICEF programme country
- Have a working (functional) prototype
- Commit to open-source licensing and principles
- Use frontier tech such as AI, machine learning, blockchain or data science
- Be an early-stage or growth-stage company
- Show how the solution fits local needs and can grow
Women-led startups and founders under 35 are strongly encouraged to apply. However, the call is not only for women-led companies.
Application Deadline
The deadline is November 4, 2026. So, you have a few weeks. Still, a good application takes time, so start now.
How to Apply for UNICEF Femtech Ventures
First, read the official UNICEF call in full. Next, check that your company is registered in an eligible country. Then, prepare details on your team, prototype, technology, users and expected impact. Also explain how you protect user data. Finally, submit your entry through the official application form.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start with the problem. Show who faces it and why it matters.
- Prove that your prototype works. Use data, pilots or user feedback.
- Explain your privacy and safety plan clearly. UNICEF treats safety as a condition of funding.
- Show how your solution can work in low-connectivity settings.
Want more funding for women in business and tech? See the Standard Chartered Women in Tech Accelerator, the AWIEF Programmes for Women Entrepreneurs and the SafeTech Africa HackLab 2026.
