Why?
Women entrepreneurs remain underrepresented in the AI and tech sectors and face significant barriers to accessing the financing they need to scale their businesses. Despite these challenges, they are driving some of the most impactful innovations for social and environmental change.
The EY SDG Accelerator for Women Entrepreneurs is designed to help close this gap by supporting women-led AI ventures that align with the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) – fostering solutions that tackle climate change, improve livelihoods, and build resilient communities across the Global South.
What?
This accelerator program will identify and support 5 AI-driven impact enterprises led by women in Africa, Latin America and South/Southeast Asia over a 6-month period. These impact enterprises must be leveraging AI for good, using responsible AI practices, to address critical challenges faced across the world today – from climate change, food insecurity, social and economic inequity and beyond.
Benefits?
Selected entrepreneurs will receive the following benefits throughout the 6-month program:
Dedicated one-to-one EY business coach, professional technical workshops, and capacity-building sessions facilitated by industry-leading collaborators
Access to a global network of investors, corporates, and social innovators
Regular peer-to-peer calls to build a global community
Occasional opportunities to join various events, promotional opportunities, and external collaborator engagements
Applications open
1 May 2025
Applications close
15 June 2025
Successful applicants notified
18 June 2025
Short interview process for shortlisted applicants
Final selection of 5 ventures by 30 June 2025
Tech for Good: Must use AI/ML for social impact and follow responsible AI practices
Female Founder: The applicant must be female and a founder, co-founder, or owner of the company. She must be the key decision-maker (CEO/MD) with a significant ownership stake
Social Enterprise: The business must be a for-profit, nonprofit, hybrid, or cooperative social enterprise
Geographic Focus: The organization must operate in Africa, Latin America, South, or Southeast Asia
Legal & Operational Status: The business must be legally incorporated and in operation for at least one year
Growth Potential: The applicant must be looking to grow both the business’s income and impact
Language Requirement: Proficiency in English (as this is a global program)
For general inquiries on the program, please contact harry@bright-tide.co.uk
