Call for Applications: BRICS Women’s Startups Contest 2026

Application Deadline: April 19, 2026

About the Contest

The Women’s Startups Contest 2026 is a prestigious initiative led by the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (BRICS WBA), aimed at empowering and accelerating women-led startups across BRICS nations. The initiative provides a dynamic platform for visibility, networking, and business expansion, enabling women entrepreneurs to scale their ventures and engage with investors, industry leaders, and policymakers across BRICS countries. The BRICS Women’s Business Alliance was established to promote women’s entrepreneurship and economic cooperation among BRICS member states. This contest represents a key initiative of the Alliance, bringing together the most promising women-led startups from across the bloc to showcase their innovations, connect with potential partners, and access new markets.

Contest Benefits

Startups will be evaluated across six categories. Winners will be selected under each development stage, culminating in 18 finalists who receive:

• Visibility and Recognition: Exposure through BRICS WBA platforms and events, showcasing winning startups to a global audience of investors, industry leaders, and policymakers
• Networking Opportunities: Access to a powerful network of fellow entrepreneurs, potential partners, and mentors across all BRICS nations
• Business Expansion Support: Connections to investors, corporate partners, and government agencies interested in supporting women-led innovation
• Access to BRICS Markets: Opportunities to explore expansion into other BRICS countries with guidance and connections from the Alliance
• Prestige and Credibility: Recognition as a top women-led startup within the BRICS ecosystem, enhancing brand reputation and investor confidence

Evaluation Categories: The contest evaluates startups across six categories (specific category details may be obtained through the application portal), with winners selected under each development stage, ensuring that both early-stage and growth-stage ventures have opportunities for recognition.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered:

Citizenship and Location: Must be citizens or permanent residents of BRICS nations, including:

• Brazil
• China
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Currently operating in one or more BRICS markets
• Actively exporting or supplying within these markets

Leadership Position:

• Must hold a key leadership position (Founder, Co-Founder, or equivalent)
• Must play an active role in the startup’s operations and strategy

Team Composition:

• Multidisciplinary teams with diverse expertise are encouraged to apply
• Women must be central to the leadership and decision-making of the venture

Impact and Sustainability:

• Demonstrate the long-term social, economic, or environmental impact and sustainability of the solution
• Show evidence of a viable business model, market demand, and any existing traction or growth
• Clearly describe the solution, the problem it addresses, and its innovative and scalable features

Alignment with BRICS Priorities:

• Demonstrate alignment with BRICS priorities and the potential to scale, replicate and create impact across BRICS countries

What the Contest Looks For

The BRICS Women’s Startups Contest seeks women-led ventures that demonstrate:

Innovation and Scalability:

• A clear, innovative solution to a significant problem
• Potential for growth and expansion across multiple markets
• Technology or business model that can be adapted to different contexts

Market Traction:

• Evidence of market demand and customer validation
• Revenue, users, or other indicators of traction (where applicable)
• Viable business model with path to profitability or sustainability

Impact:

• Long-term social, economic, or environmental benefits
• Contribution to sustainable development goals
• Positive effect on communities, particularly women and marginalized groups

Cross-Border Potential:

• Ability to operate in or expand to multiple BRICS countries
• Understanding of diverse market conditions and regulatory environments
• Readiness to engage with international partners and investors

Leadership:

• Strong women-led team with clear vision and execution capability
• Active involvement of leadership in day-to-day operations and strategy
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion within the organization

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit the following materials through the official application portal:

Required Documents:

1. Business Pitch – Maximum 5 pages, PDF format

1. Describe the problem your startup solves
2. Explain your solution and its unique value proposition
3. Outline your business model and go-to-market strategy
4. Highlight your traction, achievements, and growth potential
5. Demonstrate alignment with BRICS priorities and cross-border scalability
6. Short Video Presentation – Link to video (maximum 3 minutes)

1. Introduce your startup and team
2. Explain your solution and impact
3. Share your vision for growth across BRICS markets
4. Showcase your passion and leadership
5. Financial and Operational Summary – If available (optional but recommended)

1. Key financial metrics (revenue, funding, etc.)
2. Operational highlights and milestones
3. Team composition and expertise
4. Proof of Eligibility – Citizenship/residency or business registration document

1. Copy of passport or national ID
2. Business registration certificate
3. Evidence of operations in BRICS markets

Why This Contest Matters

The BRICS bloc represents over 40% of the world’s population and nearly 30% of global GDP. Yet women entrepreneurs across these nations face significant barriers to scaling their ventures, including limited access to capital, networks, and cross-border markets.

The BRICS Women’s Startups Contest addresses these barriers by:

• Connecting women entrepreneurs across eleven diverse economies
• Providing visibility to investors and partners operating in BRICS markets
• Facilitating knowledge exchange between startups at different stages and in different sectors
• Demonstrating the power of women-led innovation to policymakers and business leaders

By participating in the contest, women entrepreneurs gain not only potential recognition but also access to a community of peers and supporters who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of building businesses across BRICS nations.

The contest also contributes to the broader mission of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance: to advance women’s economic participation and leadership across the bloc, driving inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Click here to apply for BRICS Women’s Startups Contest 2026

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the BRICS Women’s Startups Contest