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Entries open for Women’s Leadership in STEM Entrepreneurship Grand Challenge (India)

Deadline: 23-Jan-2026

The Women’s Leadership in STEM and Entrepreneurship Grand Challenges invites applications from women leaders developing innovative, scalable solutions at the intersection of STEM and health entrepreneurship. The initiative supports projects that combine technical excellence, real-world impact, and leadership development, aiming to reduce gender disparities and foster inclusive innovation ecosystems.

The Women’s Leadership in STEM and Entrepreneurship Grand Challenges program provides funding and support to women leading projects that integrate science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and entrepreneurial innovation. The initiative targets solutions addressing critical health challenges while emphasizing scalable impact, leadership, and sustainable change.

Objectives of the Initiative

This programme aims to:

  • Elevate women leaders in STEM and entrepreneurship

  • Support innovative health-focused solutions

  • Facilitate real-world application and scalability of projects

  • Strengthen leadership and project development capacity

  • Promote inclusive innovation ecosystems where women can thrive

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Women leading projects at the intersection of STEM and entrepreneurship

  • Innovators developing solutions for critical health challenges

  • Leaders who can demonstrate technical excellence and real-world impact

  • Entrepreneurs and researchers with the potential to scale their innovations

Priority Areas

The initiative supports projects that:

  • Advance new technologies or innovations in health

  • Improve health services and accessibility

  • Develop sustainable business models for health interventions

  • Address gender disparities in STEM and leadership

  • Demonstrate potential for systemic and lasting impact

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare proposals that include:

  1. Project vision and objectives demonstrating transformative impact

  2. Technical description of the innovation or solution

  3. Implementation plan with clear pathways for real-world application

  4. Scalability and sustainability strategy

  5. Leadership potential and capacity-building needs

Selected participants will receive:

  • Tailored mentorship and leadership development

  • Connections to partners, funders, and innovation ecosystems

  • Support to enhance project design, implementation, and scaling

Why This Initiative Matters

This programme is significant because it:

  • Addresses gender disparities in STEM and entrepreneurial leadership

  • Supports innovations that improve health outcomes

  • Builds a network of women change-makers and leaders

  • Catalyzes scalable, sustainable solutions in health and STEM sectors

  • Inspires the next generation of women innovators

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting projects without a clear real-world application or impact plan

  • Neglecting the scalability or sustainability of the innovation

  • Failing to articulate leadership potential and vision

  • Overlooking the need to link technical innovation with entrepreneurial strategy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply?
Women leading STEM-driven projects with entrepreneurial approaches that address health challenges.

What types of projects are supported?
Projects advancing technology, health services, business models, or innovations with potential for impact.

Is leadership experience required?
Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to scaling their solutions.

Will selected participants receive mentorship?
Yes, participants gain tailored support, mentoring, and access to networks of partners and funders.

What is the focus of impact?
Solutions must have scalable, sustainable, and transformative impact on health outcomes.

Are collaborative projects allowed?
Yes, collaboration is encouraged, especially if it strengthens technical and entrepreneurial capacity.

How should applicants demonstrate innovation?
Proposals should combine technical excellence, creative problem-solving, and actionable implementation plans.

Conclusion

The Women’s Leadership in STEM and Entrepreneurship Grand Challenges empowers women to lead transformative, health-focused innovations, bridging STEM expertise and entrepreneurial vision. By fostering leadership, scaling solutions, and promoting inclusive innovation ecosystems, the initiative strengthens women-led change and sustainable impact in global health and STEM sectors.

For more information, visit WomenLift Health.