BRICS launches global contest for women-led startups in 2025
The contest will select innovative businesses led by women in BRICS countries, promoting gender equality and sustainable economic growth.
The Brasil’s BRICS Presidency, in collaboration with the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Serviço Brasileiro de Apoio às Micro e Pequenas Empresas/SEBRAE), the National Confederation of Industry (Confederação Nacional da Indústria/CNI), and the BRICS Women's Business Alliance (Aliança de Mulheres de Negócios do BRICS/BRICS WBA), has announced the launch of the BRICS Women's Startups Contest 2025 —a competition aimed at boosting female entrepreneurship as a driver of economic development and sustainable innovation. The initiative seeks to spotlight women-led businesses that offer practical and innovative solutions to the challenges faced by their communities and markets.
The launch of the award aligns with the priorities set by Brasil's BRICS Presidency in 2025, focusing on economic integration, expansion of strategic partnerships, and promotion of initiatives that generate lasting social and economic impact. This year, the expectation is to attract up to 2,000 applications, demonstrating the initiative's reach and relevance in strengthening female entrepreneurship.
The BRICS Women's Startups Contest 2025 is open to women-led startups from BRICS member countries—Brasil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates—as well as from partner nations including Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. Additionally, startups from Kyrgyzstan, Mozambique, Lesotho, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are eligible to participate, provided they operate within BRICS markets or have concrete plans to expand into these regions.
Award Categories: Applicants may compete in six main categories, reflecting strategic areas for sustainable development and economic inclusion within BRICS countries:
● Health and Well-Being
● Agriculture and Food Security
● Education and Skills Development
● Energy, Infrastructure, and Mobility
● Trade, Services, and Digital Transformation
● Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions
With the support of the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Serviço Brasileiro de Apoio às Micro e Pequenas Empresas/SEBRAE), which is leading the organization of this edition, the BRICS Women's Startups Contest 2025 aims to foster a supportive environment for female entrepreneurs to connect with investors, accelerators, and global innovation ecosystems. The initiative seeks to drive business growth and expand access to new markets.
Awards and Benefits
The 18 finalists will participate in a Technical Mission in Rio de Janeiro from July 1-8, 2025, with all expenses covered—including airfare, accommodation, and a per diem. During the week, they will have the opportunity to visit innovation hubs, pitch their projects to investors and business leaders, and attend the Award Ceremony at the BRICS Business Forum.
The contest reinforces Brasil’s commitment to promoting female entrepreneurship and facilitating global market access for startups and innovative small businesses. Recently, discussions within BRICS have underscored the importance of technological cooperation and productive inclusion as engines for sustainable growth. Initiatives like the BRICS Women’s Startups Contest 2025 demonstrate the joint efforts of member countries to ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to the opportunities and networks that drive innovation and international competitiveness.
Applications are open until May 4, 2025, and must be made through the official website of Brasil’s BRICS Presidency.