Applications are open for the BRICS Women's Startups Contest 2025. The BRICS Women's Startups Contest 2025 marks another exciting edition of this prestigious initiative led by the BRICS Women's Business Alliance (BRICS WBA) to empower women entrepreneurs across BRICS nations.
About BRICS Women's Startups Contest
Opportunity Details
Organised by SEBRAE under Brazil's BRICS Presidency, the contest highlights innovative, high-impact startups led by women, fostering economic integration and global collaboration. As Brazil takes the lead in 2025, this edition builds on the success of its inaugural launch, offering a platform for visibility, networking, and business expansion within the BRICS ecosystem.
OBJECTIVES
- Foster Sustainable Development
- Promote Economic Inclusion
- Strengthen Integration Among BRICS Markets
- Support Innovation in Key Sectors
- Build Entrepreneurial Resilience
- Highlight Women-Led Solutions for Global Challenges
- Enhance Collaboration Between BRICS Nations
- Raise Awareness of Sustainable Business Practices
- Promote Technological Adoption and Digital Transformation
- Strengthen Local Economies Through Global Connections
Categories
- Healthcare and Wellbeing
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Education and Skills Development
- Energy, Infrastructure, and Mobility
- Commerce, Service, and Digital Transformation
- Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions
BUSINESS STAGE
Startups will compete in three different development stages:
1. Early-stage
Startups in the MVP or prototype phase. These businesses are focused on validating their concepts, identifying market needs, and establishing a foundation for future growth.
2. Growth
Startups with an established product or service that has achieved initial customer engagement or market acceptance, focused on expanding their operations and refining their models.
3. Scale-up
Mature startups that have achieved significant growth and are expanding into new markets, demonstrating strong operational performance and scalability.
- Sponsor Organisation: BRICS
Benefits of BRICS Women's Startups Contest
- Trip to Rio de Janeiro (1-8 July 2025)
18 Finalists will join an exclusive Technical Mission:
- Visits to top innovation hubs & businesses
- Networking with investors & industry leaders
- BRICS Business Forum & Award Ceremony
BRICS Women's Startups Contest Requirements
Residency & Market Presence
- Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa,
Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, UAE) or BRICS partner countries (Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia,
Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan).
- Alternatively, they must operate primarily within BRICS markets or have a clear expansion plan into these regions.
Female Leadership Role
- Must hold a key leadership position (Founder, Co-Founder, or equivalent).
- Must play an active role in the startup’s operations & strategy.
- Multidisciplinary teams with diverse expertise are encouraged.
Innovation & Scalability
- Must be an innovation-driven startup addressing significant challenges.
- Should have a strong technological foundation, leveraging AI, Blockchain, IoT, or advanced tech.
- Deep-tech ventures based on cutting-edge scientific research are encouraged.
- Must demonstrate growth potential and scalability within and beyond BRICS markets.
Evaluation Criteria
- Innovation: 20%
- Positive Impact: 20%
- Scalability in BRICS Markets: 15%
- Commercial Viability: 15%
- Partnerships & Networks: 10%
- Technical Capability: 10%
- Processes, Intellectual Property & Operations: 5%
- Presentation Quality: 5%
Application Date and Process
- Click on the link to the application website to apply.
Application Deadline
04 May, 2025
Scholarship Application Portal
View details of
BRICS Women's Startups Contest
Apply for BRICS Women's Startups Contest
