UNICEF Offers Up to $100,000 to Support Women’s Health Startups

Women’s health remains an overlooked area of private-sector investment, despite its significant impact on communities worldwide. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), only 6% of private healthcare investment is directed towards women’s health. Even more concerning, 90% of this funding is concentrated in just three medical areas, leaving many other critical needs underfunded.

The investment gap is particularly severe in low- and middle-income countries, where women and girls often face greater barriers to accessing quality healthcare.

UNICEF Opens $100,000 Funding Opportunity for FemTech Startups

In an effort to address these challenges, UNICEF is inviting innovative startups to apply for its Femtech Ventures programme, which supports technology-driven solutions aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for women and girls.

The initiative is targeting entrepreneurs developing solutions using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain and data science across three priority areas:

• Maternal and child healthcare: Improving access to healthcare services for women and girls, including antenatal support and care during a child’s first 1,000 days.
• Sexual and reproductive health: Developing solutions for services such as HPV screening, reproductive healthcare and secure tools that protect personal data and consent.
• Mental health and personal safety: Supporting maternal mental health screening, psychological wellbeing and responses to gender-based violence, including solutions integrated into the DHIS2 health information system.

Funding, Mentorship and Eligibility

Successful applicants can receive up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding, meaning they will not have to surrender company ownership in exchange for the financial support.

Selected startups will also benefit from 12 months of technical guidance and mentorship to help strengthen and develop their innovations.

The programme’s first cohort provides an indication of its investment potential. According to the UNICEF Venture Fund, approximately US$640,000 was distributed among 10 companies, representing an average investment of US$64,000 per startup.

Women-founded businesses and entrepreneurs below the age of 35 are particularly encouraged to submit applications.

How to Apply

Interested startups and founders can submit their applications through the UNICEF Femtech Ventures programme.

Application deadline: November 4, 2026.

Apply here: https://us.list-manage.com/RG5sWANPTsE?e=6dc9ecfc23&c2id=0374ed187db9c4dde2d319c07ac347ed