UNFPA has joined forces with MIT Solve, IE University and Women of Wearables to unveil The Equalizer Challenge – an initiative designed to help women-led ventures in sexual and reproductive health break free from the pilot phase and scale their impact. Backed by generous contributions from Germany and Luxembourg, this challenge aims to accelerate promising solutions so they can reach the women and girls who need them most.

Winners will each receive up to $20,000 in equity‑free funding, along with a six‑month capacity‑building journey. Through biweekly coaching sessions and one‑on‑one mentorship from seasoned experts, innovators will refine their strategies, sharpen their business models and gain introductions to global health and investment networks. The goal is to equip each enterprise with practical tools and connections to unlock new markets and deepen their social impact.

The Equalizer Challenge prioritizes innovations that are ready for expansion—those that have proven their core concept and now require the right resources to grow. Projects addressing needs such as early detection of cervical and breast cancers, improved menopause care or advances in infertility treatment are especially encouraged to apply. By focusing on solutions that already demonstrate viability, the program seeks to fast‑track meaningful improvements in women’s health outcomes.

What sets this challenge apart is its holistic support and respect for innovators’ ownership. Participants retain full intellectual property rights, whether they operate as social enterprises, non‑profits, hybrid models or for‑profit businesses. Beyond funding, the initiative offers tailored market‑entry guidance, peer learning opportunities and a pathway to forge partnerships with industry leaders, ensuring that gender equity in health technology moves from buzzword to reality.

To be eligible, organizations must be led by women and registered in countries where UNFPA operates. They should present a working minimum viable product with clear proof of ownership and a roadmap for scaling—either through commercial channels or partnerships with the public sector. All application materials must be in English, and teams should be prepared to engage fully in virtual cohort activities running from May through December 2025.

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