TiE Women Program 2026 , Global Women Entrepreneurs Initiative

• More than $100,000 in equity-free prizes, including a $50,000 Global Winner Prize.
• Open to women founders across all sectors.
• Mentorship, investor access, and global visibility.
• Applications open on 8 March 2026 (International Women's Day).
• Application deadline: 25 June 2026.

About this scheme

The TiE Women Program 2026 is a global pitch competition that gives women founders a stage to present innovative businesses to industry leaders and investors worldwide. Run by TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs), it is open to women entrepreneurs across all industries, from founders in the early stages of launching to established businesses looking to scale, and selected founders gain global visibility, structured mentorship, and direct access to a network of investors.

Winners share more than $100,000 in equity-free prizes, topped by a $50,000 Global Winner Prize, and beyond the money, founders receive mentorship from the TiE Charter Member network, warm investor introductions, and an international demo-day platform. The competition is open to women-founded or co-founded startups in any sector where a female founder holds at least 33% equity and delivers the pitch. Applications open on 8 March 2026, International Women's Day, and close on 25 June 2026. Learn more at https://www.tiewomen.org.

Who can apply

• The contest welcomes startups founded or co-founded by women in any industry.
• At least 33% of the company's equity must sit with a woman founder or co-founder, and she is the one who pitches.
• Eligible companies must have been incorporated on or after 1 January 2019, keeping them under seven years old when they apply.
• Ventures still at the idea stage are screened out, and those currently fundraising are prioritised.

Benefits & funding

• Prize money that adds up to over $100,000, none of it taken in equity, headlined by a $50,000 award for the global winner.
• Direct mentoring through TiE's Charter Member network, warm introductions to investors, and a spot on an international demo-day stage to lift the company's visibility.
• Because every award is equity-free, TiE holds no ownership in your startup.

How the application process works

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

1. 1

   Each entry is checked against the rules: a woman-led team, a female founder or co-founder holding 33% or more equity, incorporation dated after 1 January 2019, and progress past the idea stage.

2. 2

   Shortlisted founders advance through the TiE Women pitch rounds, ending in a global demo day where winners are chosen.

3. 3

   Preference is given to startups actively raising funds, and only the female founder or co-founder may deliver the pitch.

Frequently asked questions