The BRICS Women’s Startups Contest 2026 is a prestigious international competition designed to empower women entrepreneurs across BRICS nations. Hosted in India as part of the BRICS 2026 initiatives, this program provides a powerful platform for women-led startups to gain global visibility, connect with investors, and scale their businesses internationally.
If you are a female founder looking to expand your startup, attract global partnerships, and showcase your innovation on an international stage, this contest is an excellent opportunity.
What is the BRICS Women’s Startups Contest?
The BRICS Women’s Startups Contest is a global initiative aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among women. It brings together startups from BRICS countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newly expanded partner nations.
The 2026 edition marks the third cycle of the program and continues its mission to:
- Support women-led innovation
- Promote economic inclusion
- Strengthen collaboration across BRICS markets
- Encourage sustainable and scalable business solutions
Participants gain exposure to international markets, investors, policymakers, and business leaders.
Key Benefits of the Program
Participating in this contest offers numerous advantages for women entrepreneurs:
- Global recognition for your startup
- Access to international investors and funding opportunities
- Networking with industry experts and policymakers
- Opportunity to expand into BRICS markets
- Participation in the final event in India
- Increased visibility and credibility for your business
The program is designed not only as a competition but also as a growth platform for startups.
Startup Stages and Categories
The contest is open to startups at different stages of development:
1. Early Stage: Startups in the idea, prototype, or MVP phase, focusing on validation and market entry.
2. Growth Stage: Startups with an existing product or service and early market traction.
3. Scale-Up Stage: Established startups with strong performance, expanding into new markets.
Key Sectors
Startups can apply under various high-impact sectors, including:
- Healthcare and wellbeing
- Agriculture and food security
- Education and skill development
- Energy, infrastructure, and mobility
- Digital transformation and commerce
- Climate and sustainability solutions
These sectors align with global challenges and BRICS development priorities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the contest, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a woman founder, co-founder, or key leader in the startup
- Be a citizen or resident of a BRICS country or operate within BRICS markets
- Demonstrate a viable business model and market potential
- Show innovation, scalability, and impact
- Provide evidence of traction or growth (if applicable)
Applicants must also demonstrate how their startup aligns with BRICS priorities and contributes to economic or social development.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on several important factors:
- Impact and sustainability (25%)
- Innovation and solution quality (25%)
- Commercial viability and traction (20%)
- BRICS alignment and scalability (10%)
- Technology readiness (10%)
- Partnerships and networks (10%)
This structured evaluation ensures that selected startups have strong growth potential and real-world impact.
Application Requirements
To apply for the contest, applicants must submit:
- A business pitch deck (maximum 5 pages)
- A short video presentation (up to 3 minutes)
- Financial and operational details (if available)
- Proof of eligibility or business registration
A clear and compelling application is essential for progressing through the selection stages.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of three main stages:
- Qualification Stage: Initial screening to verify eligibility and completeness
- Technical Evaluation: In-depth review by industry experts
- Final Review: Selection of top startups based on impact and scalability
From all applicants, only 18 finalists are selected across different categories and stages.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the BRICS Women’s Startups Contest 2026 is April 6, 2026
Applications must be submitted before this date, as late entries are not accepted. Early submission is strongly recommended due to the competitive nature of the program.
Program Timeline
Here is an overview of the contest timeline:
- March 2026: Applications open
- April 6, 2026: Application deadline
- June 2026: Winners and finalists announced
- September 2026: Final event and awards ceremony in India
Selected finalists will be invited to India for the final stage of the competition.
Why You Should Apply
The BRICS Women’s Startups Contest 2026 offers a unique opportunity for women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses globally.
1. Global Exposure: Showcase your startup on an international platform.
2. Investor Access: Connect with investors and funding opportunities.
3. Market Expansion: Explore business opportunities across BRICS countries.
4. Networking: Engage with global experts, founders, and policymakers.
5. Recognition: Gain credibility and visibility for your startup.
Conclusion
The BRICS Women’s Startups Contest 2026 is a powerful platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase innovation, gain international recognition, and scale their businesses across global markets. With strong support from the BRICS ecosystem, this program offers valuable opportunities for growth, collaboration, and impact.
With the application deadline set for April 6, 2026, interested applicants should act quickly and prepare a strong application. This contest is ideal for women leaders who are ready to take their startups to the next level and make a meaningful contribution to global innovation.
Apply Here
Link: https://bricswomen.com/brics-womensstartups-contest-2026/
