The United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA) has launched The Equalizer Challenge with the theme Scaling Women’s Health Innovations.
The challenge is launched in partnership with MIT Solve, IE University, and Women of Wearables. Funded by the governments of Germany and Luxembourg, the challenge will support women-led enterprises in moving their projects beyond the pilot stage to achieving meaningful, scalable impact on women’s health.
It provides funding alongside a six-month capacity development programme, featuring biweekly coaching, expert mentorship, and direct connections to global health and investment networks.
Focus Areas
Cervical cancer screening, menopause care, breast cancer detection, and infertility treatment are targeted.
Why should you apply?
– UNFPA’s support extends beyond equity-free funding; it provides innovators with the resources to enter new markets and refine their impact models.
– It is inclusive of all models for impactful health solutions: social enterprises, non-profits, hybrid models, and for-profits featuring a sustainable business model are all welcome.
– Startups retain full rights to their innovations.
– As the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA brings unparalleled expertise and global reach to support innovators in their journey.
– The challenge supports high-impact innovations that enhance the health of women and girls.
Funding
Winners will receive up to $20,000 each.
Who qualifies?
– Women-led social enterprises registered and operating in UNFPA programme countries with a scalable health innovation addressing women’s health needs.
– Organizations – startups, social enterprises, non-profits, and hybrid models—committed to expanding access to critical women’s health solutions, with clear business models and pathways to scale through markets or the public sector.
Deadline
May 4, 2025
Where to apply
The UNFPA, in collaboration with MIT Solve, IE University, and Women of Wearables, has launched The Equalizer Challenge themed "Scaling Women’s Health Innovations."
Funded by Germany and Luxembourg, the initiative aims to advance women-led health enterprises from pilot projects to large-scale impactful solutions.
Participants will benefit from a six-month development program, which includes coaching, mentorship, and access to global networks.
The focus areas include cervical cancer screening, menopause care, breast cancer detection, and infertility treatment.
The challenge offers equity-free funding, resources for market entry, and support for social enterprises, non-profits, and for-profits with sustainable models. Innovators will retain full rights to their inventions.
Eligible applicants are women-led enterprises in UNFPA program countries with scalable health innovations.
Winners can receive up to $20,000, and the submission deadline is May 4, 2025.
