Unlock Her Future Prize Expands to East and Southeast Asia, Empowering Women-Led Social Impact Ventures
The prestigious Unlock Her Future Prize, an annual start-up competition dedicated to supporting female social impact entrepreneurs, is set to make its debut in East and Southeast Asia in 2026. This expansion signifies a significant advancement in The Bicester Collection's global commitment to fostering women-led innovation and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Each year, the initiative embodies the philosophy of "Global Vision, Local Engagement," journeying to a new region to identify and champion women who are launching and scaling start-ups designed to create systemic change. Following successful regional editions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in 2023, Latin America (LATAM) in 2024, and South Asia in 2025, the 2026 edition will open its doors to applications from women aged 18 and above across the vibrant East and Southeast Asian markets.
Criteria for Aspiring Changemakers
Applicants are invited to present innovative ventures that demonstrably align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These ventures should address critical social, cultural, or environmental challenges within the region. The competition welcomes start-ups at various stages of development:
- Idea or Validation Stage: Ventures with a prototype in development are eligible.
- Launch/Growth Stage: Start-ups that have been operating for fewer than three years and have generated under US$1 million in revenue can apply.
Transformational Support for Visionary Founders
Endorsed by UN Women and presented in strategic partnership with Ashoka, the Unlock Her Future Prize offers more than just financial aid. It provides a robust global platform designed to unlock the full potential of women entrepreneurs through a comprehensive package of capital, mentorship, and crucial global visibility. By synergistically combining financial support with educational opportunities and access to international networks, the Prize empowers women entrepreneurs to build resilient businesses capable of delivering measurable and sustainable impact.
What Each Winner Receives:
- Business Grant: A substantial grant of up to US$100,000 to fuel growth and innovation.
- Executive Education: A bespoke executive education programme delivered by leading academic institutions, designed to hone business acumen and leadership skills.
- Global Network Access: Invaluable access to expert international mentors and The Bicester Collection's extensive global network, offering opportunities for visibility and collaborative partnerships.
Addressing the Global Funding Gap for Women Entrepreneurs
The reality for women-led businesses seeking venture capital funding is stark. Research from Harvard Business School indicates that fewer than 3% of such businesses secure this crucial investment, leaving countless high-potential ideas underfunded and significantly underrepresented in the global economic landscape.
The Unlock Her Future Prize was established in 2022 precisely to address this disparity. The economic imperative for investing in women founders is substantial; studies by The Boston Consulting Group suggest that achieving equal participation in entrepreneurship could boost global GDP by an impressive 3% to 6%, translating to an economic uplift of up to US$5 trillion.
As a key component of The Bicester Collection's philanthropic programme, DO GOOD, the Prize directly tackles structural funding gaps. Simultaneously, it works to strengthen a global ecosystem of women changemakers who are driving positive change. To date, the initiative has committed approximately US$900,000 in grants, supporting 14 ventures that are making significant contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Chantal Khoueiry, Chief Culture Officer at The Bicester Collection, expressed her enthusiasm for the regional expansion: "Entrepreneurship can be a powerful force for systemic change. Across East and Southeast Asia, many women are building practical solutions to challenges in their communities. Through the Unlock Her Future Prize, we are proud to bring The Bicester Collection's global platform to the region—supporting women whose ideas combine innovation with real impact and helping them access the capital, mentorship, and visibility they need to grow."
A Growing Global Alumnae Network
The winners of the 2026 East and Southeast Asia Edition will become part of a distinguished international alumnae community. This network comprises visionary social impact leaders who are actively advancing critical areas such as health and well-being, quality education, climate and water resilience, and gender equality.
Previous cohorts of winners include:
- 2023 MENA Edition: Noor Jaber (Lebanon, NAWAT Health), Sara Lalla (Iraq/UAE, EcoCentric), Nubayr Zein (Egypt/UAE, Leaukeather), and Fella Bouti (Algeria, EcoTashira).
- 2024 LATAM Edition: Valentina Agudelo (Colombia, Salva Health), Thamires Pontes (Brazil, Phycolabs), Leydi Cruz (Bolivia, Agrimet), Annie Rosas (Mexico, BlueKali), and Young Changemaker Kristal del Valle (Guatemala).
- 2025 South Asia Edition: Nishat Palka (Bangladesh, MommyKidz), Amritha Krishnamoorthy (India, Stepping Stones Center), Jhillika Trisal (India, Cognitii), Nida Yousaf Sheikh (Pakistan, H20 Technologies), Sophiya Tamang (Nepal, Idea to Impact), and Yangchen Dorji (Bhutan, LEAD+).
Collectively, these women represent a dynamic global network that is actively redefining entrepreneurship. They collaborate across diverse sectors, driving innovation and shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.
Selection Process and Timeline
The journey to becoming an Unlock Her Future Prize winner involves a rigorous and transparent selection process.
- Semi-Finalist Selection: An independent Selection Committee, comprised of esteemed international business leaders and social impact experts, will meticulously review all applications to identify the semi-finalists.
- Regional Bootcamp and Pitch Day: Finalists will be invited to participate in an intensive regional bootcamp, culminating in a pitch day. Here, they will present their ventures to a distinguished jury composed of high-profile women leaders from the East and Southeast Asian region.
The announcement of the Unlock Her Future Prize 2026 East and Southeast Asia Edition winners is scheduled for October 2026. The awards ceremony will be held at Shanghai Village, a distinguished destination within The Bicester Collection. This event coincides with Shanghai Village's 10th anniversary in 2026, further underscoring The Bicester Collection's deep-rooted and long-standing commitment to supporting innovation and changemaking in the region.
Applications for the 2026 Prize are now open and will close on 30 April. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit the official website for more detailed information and to submit their applications.
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