FemTech innovators could access up to US$100,000 in funding, 12 months of technical mentorship and connections to UNICEF’s global network through a new Sweden and UNICEF initiative supporting technology-enabled solutions for girls and women.
Sweden and UNICEF FemTech Ventures have opened applications for their second annual cohort, inviting innovative companies developing technology-enabled solutions that can improve the health, wellbeing, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of girls and women.
The initiative is designed to support companies using frontier technologies to develop open-source solutions with potential for wider adoption and scale.
For selected companies, the opportunity combines financial support with technical mentorship and access to an international network, making it particularly relevant to startups working at the intersection of technology, women’s health and social impact.
Up to US$100,000 in Funding Available from Sweden and UNICEF FemTech Ventures
Selected companies can receive up to US$100,000 in funding to support the development and advancement of their solutions.
In addition to financial support, successful participants will receive 12 months of technical mentorship designed to help them strengthen their technologies and move their solutions closer to scale.
Participants will also gain access to UNICEF’s global network, potentially providing valuable opportunities for collaboration, visibility and engagement with organisations working on health and development challenges.
The programme is therefore aimed at more than simply providing startup funding. It seeks to help promising FemTech solutions develop further and reach communities where they can have meaningful impact.
What is UNICEF FemTech Ventures?
FemTech Ventures focuses on technology-driven innovation addressing challenges affecting girls and women.
The current cohort is particularly interested in companies developing open-source solutions using frontier technologies. Applicants working with technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are particularly encouraged to apply.
Solutions may address different aspects of women’s health, wellbeing and sexual and reproductive health and rights, provided they demonstrate potential to create measurable impact.
Sweden and UNICEF FemTech Ventures: Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is targeted at companies rather than individual applicants.
To be considered, companies should meet key requirements outlined in the call, including:
- Be registered in a UNICEF programme country.
- Have a functional prototype of the proposed technology or solution.
- Be committed to open-source licensing and principles.
- Develop a technology-enabled solution addressing health, wellbeing or SRHR challenges affecting girls and women.
- Demonstrate potential for the solution to scale.
Applicants should carefully review the complete programme requirements before submitting an application, as meeting the basic criteria does not necessarily guarantee selection.
AI and Blockchain Startups Encouraged
The programme places particular emphasis on frontier technologies that can help transform how solutions to women’s health challenges are developed and delivered.
Companies using artificial intelligence and blockchain are specifically encouraged to apply.
For founders developing innovative digital health platforms, data-driven tools or other technology-enabled solutions, the programme could provide an opportunity to move an existing prototype toward wider implementation.
However, the technology itself is not the only consideration. The programme is focused on solutions capable of addressing real challenges affecting girls and women and operating according to open-source principles.
Women-Led Startups and Young Founders Encouraged
The call particularly encourages applications from women-led startups and young founders under the age of 35.
This focus creates an opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs developing solutions from their own communities and experiences to access international support.
Women-led companies working in digital health, reproductive health, healthcare technology, AI, data systems and related areas may find the opportunity especially relevant.
What Selected Companies Receive
Successful applicants can benefit from several forms of support during the programme.
Up to US$100,000 Funding
Selected companies can receive up to US$100,000 to support their innovation and development.
12 Months of Technical Mentorship
Participants will receive 12 months of technical mentorship, providing support as they develop and strengthen their solutions.
Access to UNICEF’s Global Network
Selected innovators will gain access to UNICEF’s global network, potentially opening doors to connections and collaboration within the international development ecosystem.
Support Towards Scale
The programme will also support participating companies in moving their solutions towards scale, helping promising innovations progress beyond the prototype stage.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Millions of girls and women continue to face barriers to quality healthcare, sexual and reproductive health information and services, and other forms of support.
Technology can help address some of these gaps, particularly when solutions are designed around the realities of underserved communities.
By combining funding, technical mentorship, global connections and scale-oriented support, the Sweden and UNICEF initiative seeks to help promising FemTech innovations move closer to real-world impact.
For startups that already have a functional prototype, the programme could provide an important opportunity to strengthen their technology and explore pathways for broader adoption.
Application Requirements
Companies considering the opportunity should ensure that their solution meets the core eligibility requirements before beginning the application process.
In particular, applicants should confirm that their company is registered in a UNICEF programme country, has a functional prototype and is prepared to work according to open-source licensing and principles.
Founders should also be prepared to demonstrate how their technology can contribute to improving the health, wellbeing or SRHR of girls and women.
Applicants should consult the official application information for the complete list of requirements, application questions and submission instructions.
How to Apply
Interested FemTech companies should follow the official application process announced by Sweden and UNICEF FemTech Ventures.
The opportunity is intended for companies with an existing functional prototype rather than individuals seeking funding for an idea that has not yet been developed.
Applicants should also verify the current application deadline and all programme conditions directly through the official source before submitting their applications.
Application Deadline
The application deadline was not included in the information supplied for this article.
Potential applicants should check the official Sweden/UNICEF FemTech Ventures application page for the current deadline and any updates to the call.
