Deadline: February 2, 2026
The Female Founder Award 2026 is now open for applications, offering a powerful platform for women leading innovative tech startups to gain global visibility, investor access, and strategic business support. Hosted in partnership with Viva Technology (VivaTech), one of Europe’s largest technology events, this award recognises and supports female entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of technology.
The Female Founder Award 2026 is designed to spotlight exceptional women founders while accelerating their growth through exposure, mentoring, and fundraising opportunities at an international level.
About the Female Founder Award 2026
The Female Founder Award celebrates women who are founders, co-founders, CEOs, or co-CEOs of promising tech startups. The initiative forms part of VivaTech’s commitment to advancing gender equity in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Selected founders will benefit from direct engagement with investors, venture capital firms, industry leaders, and global decision-makers during VivaTech 2026 in Paris.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a female founder, co-founder, CEO, or co-CEO of a tech startup
- Be 18 years or older and a natural person
- Have played a role in the incorporation of the startup or be its legal representative
- Lead an independent tech company with an existing product
- The startup must be:
- Less than 8 years old
- Have fewer than 100 employees
- Open to applicants worldwide
- Previous applicants may reapply, except past winners
Benefits of the Female Founder Award 2026
Benefits for the Top 30 Selected Founders
- VivaTech Startup Pass, granting access to one of Europe’s most influential technology events
- Exposure to global tech leaders, investors, and innovation stakeholders
Benefits for the Top 5 Finalists
- Opportunity to pitch live in front of leading investors and decision-makers
- One-to-one meetings with venture capitalists
- Enhanced visibility across VivaTech communication channels
- Two Startup Passes for VivaTech 2026
Benefits for the Winner
- Live pitch during the VivaTech Global Awards Ceremony
- Fundraising coaching, supported by IRIS
- Extensive international media and ecosystem exposure
- A free Startup Corner at VivaTech
- A 5-month business development mentoring programme with Forvis Mazars XFactory
Selection Criteria
Applications for the Female Founder Award 2026 will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Level of innovation and technological relevance
- Scalability and viability of the business model
- Leadership strength and team profile
- Demonstrated market traction
- Environmental and social impact of the solution
Why Apply for the Female Founder Award 2026
Participating in the Female Founder Award 2026 offers more than recognition. It provides founders with the opportunity to refine their pitch, build meaningful investor relationships, gain international exposure, and accelerate their company’s growth within a competitive global ecosystem.
For women building impactful tech solutions, the Female Founder Award 2026 represents a unique gateway to scale, visibility, and long-term success.
Application Deadline
🗓 Deadline: 2 February 2026
Early preparation is strongly encouraged to maximise your chances of success.
Need Support with Your Application?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to ensure your application is compelling, clear, and competitive.
