Opportunities can shape careers, unlock funding, expand professional networks, and open doors to leadership, research, and entrepreneurship. To help you stay informed, we have compiled a selection of opportunities currently open to female founders, researchers, scientists, and academics from around the world. Whether you are looking for funding to grow your venture, a fellowship to advance your research, a scholarship to further your studies, or an international platform to showcase your work, this list brings together opportunities that can support your next step. Be sure to review the eligibility criteria, prepare your application early, and submit before the respective deadlines.
1. SheConnects Digital Accelerator – Africa 2026 (up to $1,000,000)
The SheConnects Digital Accelerator – Africa supports high-impact organisations and partnerships working to improve women and girls’ meaningful participation in the digital world. The programme is designed for organisations with proven solutions that can strengthen women’s access to digital tools, online opportunities, livelihoods, services and safer digital ecosystems across Sub-Saharan Africa. Selected initiatives may receive large-scale support to expand evidence-backed approaches, strengthen learning across countries, and shape more inclusive digital systems. The opportunity is suitable for civil society organisations, mission-driven companies, academic institutions, consortia and partnerships that can demonstrate a strong public-benefit mission and the capacity to deliver an 18-month programme. It is especially relevant for organisations working at the intersection of gender, technology, digital inclusion, livelihoods and systems change.
Click here to apply | Deadline: July 8
2. WECF Gender Just Climate Solutions Awards 2026 (€5,000 cash prize)
The WECF Gender Just Climate Solutions Awards recognise grassroots, activist and civil society initiatives that place gender equality, women’s rights and inclusive leadership at the centre of climate action. The award supports practical and transformative climate solutions in areas such as water, renewable energy, food systems, digitalisation, waste reduction, community learning and institutional change. Applicants may apply under technical climate solutions, non-technical climate solutions or transformative climate initiatives. Winning projects receive a €5,000 cash prize, tailored mentorship and fully funded travel for one representative to attend the awards ceremony at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye. This opportunity is ideal for women-led, gender-diverse and community-based initiatives in the Global South that are already implementing climate solutions and can show a clear gender-just approach.
Click here to apply | Deadline: July 12
3. AWIEF Pitch n Grow Competition 2026
The AWIEF Pitch n Grow Competition is a flagship women entrepreneurship programme created to identify, develop and amplify promising women-led ventures across Africa. The 2026 edition focuses on the theme ‘Deep Roots. Digital Futures,’ with special attention to deep technology ventures that are grounded in African realities and capable of scaling beyond local markets. Participants benefit from mentorship, training, visibility, media exposure, access to entrepreneurial networks, travel support for finalists and the opportunity to pitch on a global stage. Applicants must identify as women founders or co-founders, be citizens, residents or registered operators in an African country, and lead ventures serving or targeting African markets. This is a strong opportunity for women entrepreneurs building ambitious, technology-enabled businesses with clear growth potential.
Click here to apply | Deadline: July 20
4. Gender Responsive Research for Optimized Women (GROW) Fellowship 2026
The Gender Responsive Research for Optimized Women (GROW) Fellowship is designed for African women professionals working in plant breeding, livestock breeding and related crop improvement systems. The fellowship strengthens the leadership pipeline of women breeders by supporting their capacity to lead gender-responsive research, influence scientific and policy agendas, and become more visible leaders in agricultural innovation. Fellows participate in leadership and negotiation training, mentoring, peer learning, knowledge forums and professional networking over a two-year period. Applicants should be women professionals from African countries, hold at least a master’s degree in plant or livestock breeding, have a minimum of five years of relevant experience, and be actively affiliated with a university, research institution, private company or other crop improvement organisation. This is a strong opportunity for women shaping the future of food systems and agricultural research in Africa.
Click here to apply | Deadline: July 24
5. WeXchange Women STEMpreneurs Competition 2026
The WeXchange Women STEMpreneurs Competition seeks innovative women-led and women-powered STEM startups across Latin America and the Caribbean. The competition is designed for startups with at least one woman founder, co-founder or C-suite leader, especially those working in technology-driven sectors such as fintech, edtech, agtech, healthtech, biotech, cleantech, mobility, logistics, digital security, tourism and SaaS. Selected entrepreneurs will pitch their companies to investors and innovation leaders during the GET Forum, receive visibility and press support, and connect with venture capital networks. The opportunity is particularly suitable for companies that are raising capital or preparing to raise within the next year and can demonstrate market potential, scalability, traction and social or environmental impact. It is a powerful platform for women entrepreneurs building high-growth STEM ventures.
Click here to apply | Deadline: June 30
6. AWS She Builds Mentorship Program 2026
The AWS She Builds Mentorship Program is a free 12-week mentorship experience for women in technology across the world. The programme is designed to support women at different stages of their tech careers by matching them with AWS mentors who can provide guidance aligned with their goals, experience and location. Participants gain access to structured professional development, community learning, networking opportunities and events with senior AWS leaders. The programme is suitable for women seeking confidence, direction, technical exposure and stronger professional networks in cloud, digital technology and related fields. Applicants only need to create a free AWS Builder ID to begin the application process. This is a valuable opportunity for women who want to grow in technology, build confidence and connect with a global community of peers and mentors.
Click here to apply | Deadline: June 30
7. Women Who SPARK Awards 2026
The Women Who SPARK Awards celebrate women who demonstrate transformational leadership through courage, authenticity, measurable impact and service to their organisations and communities. The awards recognise women at different career levels, including rising stars, mentors, innovators and leaders who consistently create value and lift others as they grow. Nominations may be submitted by peers, colleagues or leaders who have witnessed the nominee’s contribution. Winners will be recognised during a gala held alongside the U2030 Annual SPARK Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This opportunity is ideal for women professionals in the utilities, vendor, innovation and transformation ecosystem whose work deserves wider visibility. It is also useful for organisations that want to publicly recognise women who are driving change, mentoring others and strengthening their sectors through practical leadership.
Click here to apply | Deadline: June 30
8. Standard Chartered Women in Tech Incubator South Africa 2026
The Standard Chartered Women in Tech Incubator South Africa supports aspiring women entrepreneurs in STEM, technology, engineering, manufacturing and innovation-related fields. Delivered in partnership with WomHub, the programme provides selected participants with structured incubation support, leadership development, mentoring, networking opportunities, financial coaching and access to a community of women building technology-based ventures. The programme also includes a pitch competition where the top five winners receive $10,000 each, followed by individual mentoring and financial coaching. Applicants should be aspiring women entrepreneurs based in South Africa with innovative tech-based business ideas or ventures ready for growth. This is a strong opportunity for women founders who need practical business support, confidence, investor exposure and ecosystem connections to move from idea to market or from early traction to stronger growth.
Click here to apply | Deadline: Unspecified
9. Rise Up Together Leadership & Advocacy Program in Kenya 2026
The Rise Up Together Leadership and Advocacy Program in Kenya will select 25 civil society leaders for an intensive Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator focused on advancing gender equity and justice. The 2026 cohort has a special emphasis on education-focused advocacy, supporting leaders working to improve educational opportunities and outcomes in Kenyan communities. Participants will take part in an in-person training from November 2-7, 2026, with additional virtual sessions before and after the workshop. After the accelerator, leaders may apply for competitive seed funding to launch advocacy strategies. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, work in selected Kenyan counties, hold a coordination or management role, and represent or work closely with marginalised communities, including women and girls with disabilities and other historically disadvantaged groups. This is a practical opportunity for leaders ready to influence policy and systems for girls’ education.
Click here to apply | Deadline: July 19
10. Women 4 Water – Swarovski Foundation Scholarships 2026/2027
The Women 4 Water – Swarovski Foundation Scholarships offer full scholarship support for female applicants admitted to the one-year MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development starting in November 2026. The scholarship is designed to increase women’s leadership and expertise in the water sector, especially among professionals from low- and lower- or higher-middle-income countries who are committed to returning home and applying their skills after study. Applicants must have academic admission to the regular MSc programme and should select the Water Resources and Ecosystem Health track, with particular interest in areas such as environmental innovation, hydroinformatics, biodiversity, wetlands, aquatic ecosystems, climate adaptation and nature-based solutions. This is an excellent opportunity for women water professionals who want advanced technical training and a stronger platform to contribute to sustainable water management, biodiversity protection and climate-resilient development.
Click here to apply | Deadline: Ongoing
11. Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia 2026
The Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia recognise outstanding young women aged 35 or under who are making visible contributions across diverse sectors including business, public service, science, technology, media, education, social enterprise, sustainability, sport and the arts. The awards are designed to celebrate the inspirational leaders of tomorrow and connect them to a powerful regional and global community of women who support, mentor and amplify one another. Candidates must be citizens or permanent residents of one of the eligible Southeast Asian countries, and nominations may be submitted by the candidate herself or by another person. Shortlisted candidates receive regional visibility, access to a strong leadership network and the opportunity to be recognised at the awards ceremony. This is a strong opportunity for emerging women leaders whose work, vision and achievements deserve broader recognition.
Click here to apply | Deadline: September 8
12. UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM 2026
The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM recognises young scientists whose work contributes to global socio-economic progress through science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Although open to eligible young scientists broadly, the prize strongly encourages nominations of young women scientists to promote gender balance and inspire more women and girls to pursue careers in STEM. Each recipient receives USD 50,000, a medal and a diploma. Candidates must be under 40 at the application deadline and must have made recognised contributions in STEM research, STEM education, dissemination of research, creativity, innovation or international and regional cooperation. This is a high-level global recognition opportunity for young scientists whose work is already advancing knowledge, education, cooperation and practical solutions linked to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Click here to apply | Deadline: November 30
13. AFS Global STEM Changemakers Virtual Exchange Program 2026
The AFS Global STEM Changemakers Virtual Exchange Program is a fully virtual scholarship opportunity for young people aged 15-20 who are interested in STEM, sustainability, intercultural learning and social impact. The programme brings together students from different parts of the world for a 12-week learning experience focused on global competence, climate action, sustainability and problem-solving. Participants complete interactive learning activities, engage with peers across cultures and develop capstone projects proposing solutions to real-world challenges, particularly around climate change and energy transition. The programme strongly encourages applications from young women, underrepresented populations and students with high financial need. This is a strong opportunity for girls and young women interested in science, technology, climate leadership and global citizenship, especially those seeking international exposure without having to travel.
Click here to apply | Deadline: August 2
14. Migration and Asylum Project (MAP) Catalyst for Change Fellowship 2026-2027
The Migration and Asylum Project Catalyst for Change Fellowship offers a 24-month opportunity to gain academic, legal and field experience in migration, women’s rights, displacement protection and rule-of-law-based social change. Fellows may be placed across MAP’s programmes, including support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, legal empowerment for migrant workers and direct assistance to displaced communities. The fellowship is suitable for highly motivated candidates who want to use law, policy, community engagement and research to strengthen protection for vulnerable migrant and displaced populations. Fellows will work with clients, community networks, civil society partners, experts and institutions while building practical skills in legal aid, casework, advocacy and rights-based programming. This is a meaningful opportunity for applicants interested in women’s rights, forced migration, justice and protection systems.
Click here to apply | Deadline: August 15
15. ARUA Early-career Research Fellowships 2026 (Cohort 2)
The ARUA Early-career Research Fellowships support African early-career researchers to conduct competitive research within ARUA Centres of Excellence and Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend, accommodation support, travel support and access to established research environments where fellows can publish, present and contribute to policy-relevant knowledge. The programme strongly encourages eligible women to apply and aims to award at least 70% of the fellowships to female candidates. Applicants should be African nationals, hold a PhD in a relevant discipline, be within five years of completing the doctorate, and be 35 or younger at the time of application. Additional support is available for eligible women who may need adjustment assistance such as childcare. This is a strong opportunity for African women researchers building academic careers and international research visibility.
Click here to apply | Deadline: July 15
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