UNICEF Femtech Ventures Funding 2026 is inviting eligible companies in emerging markets to develop innovative technology solutions that improve the health, wellbeing, and safety of women and girls. Selected companies can receive up to US$100,000 in funding, 12 months of technical mentorship, and access to UNICEF’s global network to help scale their innovations.
The funding opportunity targets businesses developing open-source technologies using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain, and data science. Applications close on 4 November 2026, making this an important opportunity for eligible startups working in women’s healthcare and digital health innovation.
At a Glance
| Opportunity Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | UNICEF Femtech Ventures |
| Funding Amount | Up to US$100,000 |
| Technical Support | 12 months of mentorship |
| Target Applicants | Eligible companies and startups |
| Preferred Founders | Women-led businesses and founders under 35 |
| Eligible Locations | Companies registered in UNICEF programme countries |
| Technology Focus | AI, machine learning, blockchain, data science |
| Application Deadline | 4 November 2026 |
| Official Application | Apply Here |
About UNICEF Femtech Ventures Funding 2026
UNICEF Femtech Ventures is an initiative operating under the UNICEF Venture Fund, established to support locally developed technologies that address challenges affecting women, girls, and children in emerging markets.
The five-year initiative, running from 2025 to 2030, seeks to expand access to healthcare, reproductive health information, mental wellbeing services, and protection through innovative technology.
Through UNICEF Femtech Ventures Funding 2026, the organisation aims to support businesses that understand local challenges and can develop practical solutions with the potential to benefit underserved communities.
The programme combines financial investment with technical mentorship and opportunities to connect with UNICEF’s international network, including government partners. These resources can help selected companies strengthen their products, improve implementation, and prepare for wider adoption.
Women-led startups and young founders under 35 are particularly encouraged to apply. However, applicants should review the official eligibility criteria rather than assume that these preferences replace the programme’s requirements.
What Funding and Support Are Available?
Selected companies may receive up to US$100,000 in funding to advance their technology solutions. The opportunity also includes 12 months of technical mentorship and access to UNICEF’s global network.
The programme is designed to support businesses beyond the initial funding stage. Through technical guidance and potential connections with relevant stakeholders, participating companies can work towards developing sustainable solutions that address real healthcare needs.
Key benefits include:
- Funding: Up to US$100,000 for selected companies.
- Technical mentorship: Twelve months of support to strengthen technology development and implementation.
- Global network access: Opportunities to engage with UNICEF’s wider network, including government relationships.
- Product development: Support for locally developed, open-source innovations.
- Potential to scale: A pathway to expand solutions that demonstrate relevance and impact.
The programme should not be treated as an unrestricted grant available to every applicant. Funding is competitive, and selection depends on eligibility, the proposed solution, and the programme’s assessment.
Three Key Areas UNICEF Wants to Support
1. Healthcare Access for Women and Girls
The first focus area covers technologies that improve access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.
UNICEF is interested in affordable screening tools, digital maternal healthcare platforms, and technologies that help frontline health workers interpret medical information and coordinate referrals.
Other relevant solutions may improve antenatal and postnatal care, newborn health, community healthcare delivery, and the availability of essential medical supplies.
Businesses developing practical tools for low-resource healthcare facilities may find this area particularly relevant.
2. Sexual and Reproductive Health
The second focus area supports technologies that help women and girls access reliable reproductive health information and services.
Potential solutions include AI-powered health information platforms, digital tools for community health workers, HPV screening technologies, and systems that improve access to reproductive healthcare financing.
UNICEF also seeks privacy-focused innovations that give users greater control over sensitive personal health information.
Solutions should address real barriers, including distance, cost, stigma, language, and limited access to healthcare services.
3. Mental Wellbeing, Safety and Protection
The third area focuses on mental health, emotional wellbeing, and protection from abuse and exploitation.
Examples include digital mental health support, tools that help community health workers identify risks, AI-enabled systems for responding to gender-based violence, and technologies that detect online harassment or exploitation.
Solutions supporting adolescent mental health, maternal wellbeing, and child protection may also align with this pillar.
Across all three areas, UNICEF is interested in innovative solutions that can work in challenging environments while respecting privacy, consent, safeguarding, and user safety.
Who Can Apply for UNICEF Femtech Funding?
UNICEF Femtech Ventures Funding 2026 is intended for companies developing locally relevant, technology-driven solutions in emerging markets.
According to the published opportunity, particularly important eligibility considerations include:
- The company must be registered in a UNICEF programme country.
- The business should have a functional prototype rather than only an untested concept.
- The proposed solution must follow open-source licensing principles.
- The technology should address women’s or girls’ health, wellbeing, reproductive health, safety, or protection.
- The solution should demonstrate potential for practical use, measurable impact, and wider adoption.
Women-led startups and founders under 35 are strongly encouraged to apply.
Important: This opportunity is designed for eligible companies, not simply individuals seeking personal financial assistance. Applicants should confirm their country’s eligibility and review the official application guidance before submitting a proposal.
How to Apply
Companies interested in UNICEF Femtech Ventures Funding 2026 can follow these steps:
- Review the eligibility criteria: Confirm that the company is registered in an eligible UNICEF programme country.
- Identify the relevant focus area: Determine whether the solution addresses healthcare access, reproductive health, or mental wellbeing and protection.
- Prepare the prototype: Ensure that the technology has progressed beyond the idea stage and that a functional prototype is available.
- Review open-source requirements: Understand the programme’s licensing and openness expectations.
- Submit the application: Complete the official online application and provide the requested company and solution information.
Official application link: https://form.jotform.com/262722015144346
Applicants can also consult the UNICEF Venture Fund application guidance for further information about the funding process.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for UNICEF Femtech Ventures Funding 2026 is 4 November 2026.
Interested companies should begin preparing their applications early, allowing sufficient time to verify eligibility, document their prototype, and explain how their proposed technology will address a specific challenge affecting women and girls.
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection or funding.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Women’s health innovation remains an important area for investment, particularly in communities where access to quality healthcare and reliable information is limited.
UNICEF Femtech Ventures Funding 2026 offers eligible technology companies an opportunity to develop solutions that respond to these challenges while receiving financial and technical support.
For startups working in digital health, AI, reproductive healthcare, maternal health, or online safety, the programme could provide a valuable route to strengthen an existing product and expand its potential impact.
The strongest applications are likely to demonstrate a clear problem, a functional solution, a credible implementation plan, and a commitment to protecting users’ data and wellbeing.
Final Thoughts
UNICEF Femtech Ventures Funding 2026 presents an opportunity for eligible companies in emerging markets to secure up to US$100,000 in funding and receive 12 months of technical mentorship.
Businesses developing open-source technologies for women’s healthcare, reproductive health, mental wellbeing, and protection should review the requirements and submit their applications before 4 November 2026.
Visit the official application page to confirm the latest requirements and apply: UNICEF Femtech Ventures Application.
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