Hosted by:
UNDP, Koç Holding & the Slovak Ministry of Finance

BOOST: Women Innovators

Submission deadline:
March 15 (Deadline extended)

Overview

In the wake of COVID-19, digital technology has become a lifeline for millions around the world, and a critical tool to cope with the crisis. But as we embrace digital transformation and new technologies to propel us forward, the widening gender digital divide is impacting women’s socio-economic opportunities in a wide range of fields – from healthcare and education to work and financial independence. 

BOOST: Women Innovators is an open call for innovative ideas that leverage the power of technology to address gender inequalities and boost opportunities for women and girls to advance and thrive. Tapping into the innovation potential of the region, together, we can bring about social change, articulate alternative futures, and lay the groundwork for a new inclusive reality. 

We invite women-led or women-owned startups, SMEs, social enterprises, non-profits and academic institutions in Europe and Central Asia* with innovative and/or tech-driven ideas in four key areas: women & digital access and use, women in the digital economy & STEM, women in data, and women in tech innovation.

The BOOST regional acceleration program will support 30+ women innovators from across Europe and Central Asia with training, mentorship, funding (up to USD $10,000 in grants or equity-free capital), investor access and much more to reimagine their organizations/business models and scale their social impact innovations.  

The call has two tracks based on applicant eligibility. See which one is the right fit for you and join BOOST’s next cohort of changemakers. 

*Find out what countries are eligible here. 

 

Our key partners

BOOST: Women Innovators, powered by UNDP Europe and Central Asia, was launched with the support of our key partners:  

  • Koç Holding, a leading Turkish investment holding company, that focuses on sustainable and profitable growth, with leadership positions in Turkey and the region. 
  • The Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic, under the umbrella of SlovakAid, pursues innovative cooperation programmes with partners from Western Balkans, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
  • Startup Grind, the world’s largest community of startups, founders, innovators, and creators. Its mission is to give startups everywhere the education and opportunities they need to build, grow, and scale. 
  • Koç University Entrepreneurship Center (KWORKS) is an entrepreneurship hub that assists tech startups to grow into sustainable, scalable, and successful ventures.
  • STEM4ALL is a UNDP platform that uses knowledge and advocacy to advance gender equality in STEM across Europe and Central Asia. 
Partner with us

Who can apply

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Type of applicant:
Academic institutions, Non-profits, SMEs, Startups
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List of eligible locations:
Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo (as per UNSCR 1244), Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan