UNICEF Femtech Ventures 2026: second call for open source startups

UNICEF Femtech Ventures has opened its second call for applications. The program is part of the UNICEF Venture Fund. It backs companies that use frontier technologies to build open source solutions for the health, wellbeing, and sexual and reproductive health and rights of girls and women.

Selected companies receive up to US$100,000 in funding and 12 months of technical mentorship. They also get access to UNICEF's global network, including its relationships with governments. The Venture Fund gives equity free funding. The first cohort had 11 companies from eight countries in Africa and Asia.

The call looks for companies registered in a UNICEF programme country that already have a functional prototype and commit to open source licensing. Technologies named include generative and agentic AI, machine learning, blockchain and data science. Women led startups and founders under 35 are strongly encouraged to apply. UNICEF has a particular interest in solutions ready for low resource or emergency settings.

Proposals should fit one of three pillars. The first is healthcare access for women and girls. The second is informed, safe and accessible reproductive health. The third covers mental wellbeing, safety and protection, including online harm and gender based violence. Safety by design is a condition of investment, with attention to data privacy and consent.

Apply through the online form linked from the UNICEF call page. The deadline is 4 November 2026 at 11:59 PM CET.

Quick answers

Does my project already have to be open source?

The call seeks companies committed to open source licensing and principles. UNICEF describes openness as both a principle and a practice for its investees.

Do I need a working product?

The call seeks companies working with a functional prototype. Both early and growth stage companies are considered.