NFPA, in collaboration with MIT Solve, IE University and Women of Wearables, is launching The Equalizer Challenge: Scaling Women’s Health Innovations – an innovation challenge designed to provide catalytic, equity-free funding while empowering innovators to amplify their impact and scale up transformative solutions for women’s health. The Equalizer Challenge is enabled by the generous support from the Governments of Germany and Luxembourg to the UNFPA Equalizer Accelerator Fund.
About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Our mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.
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Equalizer Challenge: Scaling Women’s Health Innovations
Requirements for Equalizer Challenge: Scaling Women’s Health Innovations Qualification
- Women-led social enterprises4 registered and operating in UNFPA programme countries with a scalable health innovation addressing women’s health needs.
- Organizations – startups, social enterprises, non-profits and hybrid models – committed to expanding access to critical women’s health solutions, with clear business models and pathways to scale through markets or the public sector.
- Applicants must provide:
- A minimum viable product (MVP).5
- Proof of ownership of the MVP.
- Application submission in English (with team members demonstrating working knowledge of English).
- Commitment to virtual innovation cohort activities from May to December 2025, adhering to all programme requirements.
Interview date, Process and Venue for Equalizer Challenge: Scaling Women’s Health Innovations
Evaluation criteria
Applications will be reviewed in two phases: initial screening by the UNFPA team, followed by interviews with an expert judging panel.
The selection criteria include:
- Alignment with the challenge focus: The innovation addresses health conditions uniquely affecting women and girls.
- Innovative approach: A novel solution or novel application of an existing solution.
- Potential for impact: Proven effectiveness in improving health outcomes.
- Sustainable business model: A well-defined approach for cost recovery or revenue generation.
- Feasibility and scalability: A clear, practical and sustainable growth plan.
- Inclusive, women-centred design: Solutions designed by, for and with women, especially in underserved communities
Timeline
- Call for submissions: April 9 – May 4, 2025.
- Winners announced: June 2025.
- Innovation support programme: June – November 2025.
- Catalytic funding: Up to $20,000 per winner.
- Global exposure: Direct access to health innovation networks, mentorship and investors.
- Post-challenge support: Ongoing engagement, networking and participation in health forums.
Application Deadline
May 4, 2025How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on docs.google.com to apply
For more details, visit UNFPA program
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