Deadline: April 13, 2026
The Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award 2026 is a prestigious global initiative designed to recognise and support women founders leading impactful ventures in health and food security. This award provides financial support, capacity building, and international visibility to help women entrepreneurs scale their businesses and strengthen their social impact.
About the Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award 2026
The Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award 2026 aims to empower women who are driving sustainable change through innovation in key areas of health and food security. The programme is part of Bayer Foundation’s commitment to fostering female entrepreneurship and creating equitable access to resources that improve lives and livelihoods around the world.
A total of 15 outstanding women-led ventures will be selected to receive funding, business acceleration support, and global exposure to advance their mission and impact.
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 13 April 2026, 23:59 CEST
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their entries well before the closing date to ensure eligibility and proper review.
Eligibility Criteria
Women entrepreneurs from around the world are invited to apply if they meet the following criteria:
- You are a woman founder, co-founder, or senior leader with decision-making authority in your venture.
- Your business is beyond the idea stage and demonstrates operational traction.
- The venture addresses health and/or food security challenges with measurable impact.
- Your organisation operates in or serves communities across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and/or the Middle East.
- Your enterprise has annual revenue of up to USD $1,000,000.
- Your company was legally incorporated on or before 1 January 2025.
Eligible business models include:
- For-profit or hybrid social enterprises
- Non-profits transitioning to a for-profit structure within 12–24 months
Not eligible: Registered charities or sole proprietorships without business registration.
Focus Areas
Applicants must demonstrate how their ventures align with one or more of the focus areas under health or food security.
Health
- Cardiovascular and women’s health
- Oncology and diagnostics
- Strengthening community health systems (digital tools, community health worker support)
- Affordable health financing and insurance models
Food Security
- Reducing food loss and waste
- Tackling malnutrition
- Ensuring fair market access and pricing for smallholder farmers
- Enhancing productivity and resilience of smallholder farmers
- Water justice and sanitation initiatives linked to food systems
Benefits of the Award
Awardees of the Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award 2026 will receive comprehensive support to accelerate their business growth and expand their impact. The benefits include:
- €25,000 in non-dilutive funding to grow and scale their business
- A 6-month tailored accelerator programme, including mentorship, investor readiness, and strategic guidance
- A fully sponsored trip to Amsterdam for Awardee Days and the official Award Ceremony (26–30 October 2026)
- Global visibility and media exposure to strengthen brand recognition and reach
- Access to the Bayer Foundation alumni network and a growing ecosystem of partners, including Impact Hub and other innovation collaborators
Application Process
Interested applicants must complete an online application form detailing their business model, measurable impact, and future growth plans. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual pitch session before a jury panel.
Final selection will be based on the venture’s innovation, sustainability, scalability, and the founder’s leadership potential.
How to Apply
Ready to take your venture to the next level?
Click here to read more about the programme
Need Support with Your Application?
If you require assistance with proposal drafting, refinement, or review, feel free to contact us for professional support to strengthen your submission and increase your chances of success.
