The Women in Tech Accelerator returns for its eighth edition in the UAE, as Standard Chartered Foundation and Village Capital launched the 2026 programme on March 31, targeting women-led, tech-enabled startups at a critical growth stage.
The 2026 cohort will receive investment readiness training, catalytic funding, and access to global networks. Moreover, the programme will be delivered in the UAE by C3, a B Corp-certified consultancy with experience in entrepreneur support and ecosystem development.
Programme Structure and Funding
Standard Chartered Foundation has allocated more than USD 600,000 in grant funding to entrepreneurs across 12 markets globally in 2026. Specifically, UAE participants will compete for equity-free cash prizes totalling USD 150,000 at Demo Day. Applications close on May 15, 2026, with the accelerator running from June to October 2026.
Women in Tech Accelerator Track Record in the UAE
Since its launch in the UAE, the programme has supported 61 women-led startups across seven cohorts. In 2025, 92 percent of participants developed business growth plans, and 83 percent reported improved company performance. Furthermore, five alumni startups were recognised on the UAE Future 100 list by the Ministry of Economy.
Notable alumni include Biosapien, which raised USD 7 million in pre-Series A funding, and Ostaz, which was acquired by Inspired Education Group. These outcomes reflect the programme’s focus on building scalable, investment-ready businesses.
Regional Impact and Revenue Growth
Across Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan in 2025, 71 women-led startups in the programme collectively generated over USD 2 million in additional revenue. The programme has supported over 4,000 women across 17 markets since its inception globally.
“The UAE’s economic agenda is centred on diversification, innovation and the continued development of a knowledge-based economy that creates sustainable opportunity. Women entrepreneurs are an important part of that progress, contributing new ideas, building scalable businesses and supporting broader economic growth.”
Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer, UAE, Middle East and Pakistan, Standard Chartered
“In 2025, 71 women-led startups in the programme across Africa, Middle East and Pakistan collectively generated over USD 2 million in additional revenue. When founders have access to structured support and catalytic funding, they can unlock sustainable impact.”
Nakami Walunywa, Regional Director, Africa and Middle East, Village Capital
Partners and Delivery
C3 founder Medea Nocentini, who also serves as Partner at Global Ventures, said the programme builds a community of founders who continue to support one another after the programme ends. C3 has accelerated over 400 cross-sector startups from 27 countries, which have collectively raised more than USD 1 billion to date.
Village Capital, founded in 2009, has directly supported more than 2,100 impact startups in 70 countries. Together, those founders have raised over USD 9.6 billion across economic mobility, environmental sustainability, and access to essential services.
How to Apply
Women startup founders based in the UAE are eligible to apply. The application deadline is May 15, 2026. The selected cohort will participate in the accelerator programme between June and October 2026. Full details and eligibility criteria are available on the Standard Chartered UAE website.
