Are you an early-stage startup using innovative tech to improve women’s and girls’ health, well-being, and economic participation? The UNICEF Venture Fund invites applications for up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding to support frontier technology solutions that make a social impact.

This opportunity is open to for-profit startups in low—and middle-income countries that are developing Open-Source solutions using technologies like AI, blockchain, or data science to improve health outcomes and access to essential services for women and girls.

Women-led companies and young founders under 35 are strongly encouraged to apply. Eligible startups must be registered in a UNICEF program country, have a functional prototype, and commit to open-source principles.

What Is the Fund Looking For?

UNICEF is seeking early-stage, for-profit startups using frontier technologies (AI, data science, blockchain) to create open-source solutions in three key areas:

• Health – Digital tools for prevention, diagnosis, maternal and adolescent health, and culturally relevant healthcare access.
• Inclusion – Solutions addressing gender-specific challenges, closing data gaps, and improving accessibility for underserved groups.
• Empowerment – Innovations that promote financial inclusion, education, skill-building, and greater decision-making power for women and girls.

Brief Details

• Organizer: United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
• Application Deadline: May 8, 2025 (11:59 PM (CET)
• Eligible Nations: UNICEF’s program countries, including Afghanistan
• Target Group: Open-source tech startups
• Startup Location: UNICEF’s program countries

Award Detail

The winning early-stage, for-profit technology startups will receive equity-free funding as follows:

• Up to $100,000 in equity-free funding
• Access to UNICEF’s global network and mentorship
• Support in developing open-source solutions
• Opportunity to collaborate with experts in frontier technologies
• Potential to shape the future of digital trust for children

Eligibility Criteria for the UNICEF Venture Fund

Only entities that meet these prerequisites will be qualified:

• Registered as a private for-profit company in a UNICEF program country
• Working on open-source technology solutions
• Has a product with an existing prototype of the open-source solution, with promising results from the initial test
• The solution must have the potential to impact the lives of the most vulnerable children positively.
• Generating publicly exposed real-time data that will be measurable.
• Applications must be in English.
• Women-led and women-founded startups are encouraged to apply.
• Startups run by youth under the age of 35 are encouraged to apply.

Selection Process

The selection process of the Startup is as follows:

• Initial Screening: Based on eligibility and prototype readiness
• Technical Review: Assessment of innovative potential and impact
• Pitch Presentation: Shortlisted startups present their solutions
• Final Selection: Chosen startups receive funding and mentorship

How to Apply?

• Visit the UNICEF Venture Fund website using the link below.
• Complete the online application form by May 8, 2025.

Apply Now

Please refer to UNICEF’s official website to learn about the UNICEF Venture Fund.

More Opportunities to Apply:

Special Research Fund (BOF) Doctoral Scholarship by Ghent University

MEDIT / ACI PhD Scholarships 2025-26 in Turkey (Funded)

AI Policy Fellowship 2025 in the USA (Fully Funded)