Standard Chartered Foundation Women in Tech Accelerator Program – Egypt 2026

Applications are now open for the Standard Chartered Foundation Women in Tech Accelerator Program – Egypt 2026. Launched by the Standard Chartered Foundation in partnership with Village Capital and Entlaq Holding, the programme is designed to support women-led, tech-enabled startups with the tools, mentorship, and funding needed to scale their businesses.

The accelerator features 12 structured training sessions, personalized mentorship, networking opportunities, and a Demo Day where the top-performing startups will compete for a share of up to USD 35,000 in equity-free funding. The initiative aims to strengthen Egypt's entrepreneurial ecosystem while empowering women founders to build sustainable, high-impact businesses.

About the Program

The Women in Tech Accelerator is part of the Standard Chartered Foundation's global Futuremakers initiative, which supports women entrepreneurs across multiple markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

In Egypt, the programme is implemented in collaboration with Village Capital and Entlaq Holding to provide founders with practical business support, strategic mentorship, investor readiness training, and access to valuable business networks. Participants will work with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts to refine their business models and prepare for sustainable growth.

Program Benefits

Selected startups will receive:

• A share of up to USD 35,000 in equity-free funding from the Standard Chartered Foundation.
• Twelve structured business training sessions.
• One-on-one mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
• Tailored workshops covering business strategy, governance, fundraising, and scaling.
• Access to Standard Chartered's regional and global business networks.
• Opportunities to connect with investors, ecosystem partners, and potential customers.
• Participation in a Demo Day where finalists will pitch their businesses.
• Increased visibility within Egypt's startup ecosystem.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Have a gender-diverse founding team with at least one female co-founder.
• Operate an early-stage, tech-enabled startup.
• Have been operating for at least one year.
• Possess a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
• Be at the seed or pre-Series A stage.
• Demonstrate that the solution is innovative and scalable.
• Show measurable environmental, social, or economic impact.
• Be legally registered and operating in Egypt.
• Be available to participate in both online and in-person programme activities throughout the accelerator.

Eligible Sectors

The programme welcomes startups developing technology-enabled solutions across sectors, including:

• Financial Technology (FinTech)
• Health Technology (HealthTech)
• Education Technology (EdTech)
• Agricultural Technology (AgriTech)
• Climate and Sustainability
• E-commerce
• Digital Services
• Artificial Intelligence
• Enterprise Technology
• Other innovative technology-driven sectors.

Programme Structure

The accelerator includes:

• Twelve structured learning sessions.
• Business growth workshops.
• Personalized mentoring.
• Investor readiness coaching.
• Networking with entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders.
• Pitch preparation.
• Final Demo Day competition for funding.

Required Documents

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Completed online application form.
• Startup profile and company information.
• Details of the founding team.
• Information about the product or service.
• Business traction and growth metrics.
• Pitch deck or presentation (where requested).
• Any additional documents required during the application process.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Innovation and originality of the solution.
• Scalability and growth potential.
• Market opportunity.
• Strength and diversity of the founding team.
• Technology-driven approach.
• Potential social, environmental, or economic impact.
• Readiness to participate fully in the accelerator programme.

How to Apply

To apply:

1. Complete the official online application form.
2. Provide information about your startup, founding team, and technology solution.
3. Demonstrate your business traction, innovation, and impact.
4. Submit all required information before applications close.
5. Shortlisted startups will be contacted regarding the next stages of the selection process.