UNICEF Femtech Ventures – Call 2.0
UNICEF's Venture Fund is backing early-stage for-profit companies that use frontier technology to improve the health of women and girls. Selected startups receive equity-free funding plus a year of technical support, in exchange for making their solution open source.
Who can apply
- Registered private for-profit company (NGOs, universities and individuals cannot apply)
- Registered in a UNICEF programme country — check UNICEF's country list
- Working prototype that has already produced some initial data
- Frontier-tech solution (e.g. AI, data science, blockchain) benefiting vulnerable girls and women
- Willing to release the solution under an open-source licence
What you get
- Up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding
- 12 months of technical mentorship
- Access to UNICEF's global network and country offices
- Founders keep all other IP — the open-source code is UNICEF's only 'return'
UNICEF's Venture Fund is backing early-stage for-profit companies that use frontier technology to improve the health of women and girls. Selected startups receive equity-free funding plus a year of technical support, in exchange for making their solution open source. Closes 11 Nov 2026. Funded companies must have an OSI-approved (or equivalent) open-source licence in place by month six. Women-led teams and founders under 35 are strongly encouraged.
Quick answers
What is the last date to apply for UNICEF Femtech Ventures – Call 2.0?
The deadline is 11 November 2026.
How much funding does UNICEF Femtech Ventures – Call 2.0 offer?
Up to US$100,000 equity-free + 12 months mentoring.
Does UNICEF Femtech Ventures – Call 2.0 take equity?
No. It is non-dilutive — founders keep full ownership.
Who can apply for UNICEF Femtech Ventures – Call 2.0?
Registered private for-profit company (NGOs, universities and individuals cannot apply); registered in a UNICEF programme country — check UNICEF's country list; working prototype that has already produced some initial data; frontier-tech solution (e.g. AI, data science, blockchain) benefiting vulnerable girls and women; willing to release the solution under an open-source licence.
Who runs UNICEF Femtech Ventures – Call 2.0?
UNICEF Venture Fund (Office of Innovation), open to applicants worldwide including India.
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