AI and Technology Solutions for Women's Livelihoods

• Startups using AI to improve livelihoods and opportunities for women in India.

About this scheme

This program invites applications from startups building scalable, high-impact AI and technology-enabled solutions that strengthen women's livelihoods in India. The initiative focuses on improving income growth, access to capital, and market linkages for women workers and micro-entrepreneurs operating in sectors where livelihoods remain fragile and impact at scale is critical.

The program specifically supports innovations targeting women in agriculture, informal work, the gig economy, and care services. Selected startups receive comprehensive support beyond funding, including long-term mentoring, access to markets, partnerships with large-scale delivery players, and opportunities to pilot and scale solutions across underserved and low-income geographies.

By combining financial support with ecosystem access and implementation partnerships, the program aims to enable startups to deploy proven, technology-driven solutions that can meaningfully improve economic participation and resilience for women at scale.

Who can apply

• Startups developing AI or technology-enabled solutions that support women workers and micro-entrepreneurs in India are eligible to apply.
• Solutions must focus on improving income growth, access to capital, market linkages, or livelihood resilience for women in sectors such as agriculture, informal work, the gig economy, or care services.
• Applicants should demonstrate the potential for scalability, measurable impact, and relevance to underserved or low-income geographies.

Benefits & funding

• Selected startups receive financial support and comprehensive non-monetary aid.
• This includes long-term mentoring, access to markets, partnerships with large-scale delivery players, and opportunities to pilot and scale solutions across underserved geographies.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Gates Foundation, in your own name.

1. 1

   Applications are assessed for alignment with the program's focus on AI and technology solutions that improve income, capital access, or market linkages for women.

2. 2

   Shortlisted startups are evaluated on scalability, measurable impact, and relevance to underserved geographies.

3. 3

   Selected ventures receive financial support alongside mentoring, market access, and implementation partnerships.

Frequently asked questions