Women's Economic Empowerment

• Startups and NGOs at product or revenue stage using tech to advance women economic empowerment.

About this scheme

The Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) program is an AI and innovation initiative spearheaded by IIMA Ventures, with critical support from the Gates Foundation. IIMA Ventures, the startup incubator and accelerator at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, is deeply committed to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation that addresses pressing societal challenges. Leveraging its extensive institutional expertise and network, IIMA Ventures actively backs startups poised for significant impact. The Gates Foundation's involvement underscores a shared commitment to global development and improving lives, particularly in areas like gender equality and economic empowerment in developing nations. This program specifically targets technology-enabled solutions that can significantly enhance the growth, predictability, and resilience of incomes for women across India, aiming to bridge economic disparities through innovation.

Financial support for supported startups begins at Rs. 4,500,000 (equivalent to USD 50,000). These funds are disbursed in tranches, contingent upon the achievement of specific milestones mutually agreed upon between IIMA Ventures and the startup. A comprehensive Service Agreement outlines the product focus, market opportunity, engagement objectives, planned activities, and budgets, ensuring clear expectations and accountability for both parties.

Beyond direct funding, the program offers extensive non-monetary support designed to accelerate growth. This includes crucial market access facilitated through strategic partnerships with women-focused last-mile organizations and expansive delivery systems, enabling startups to reach their target beneficiaries effectively. Startups also gain invaluable access to a diverse network of experts, providing critical insights on customer needs, emerging technology trends, relevant policy frameworks, and dynamic industry landscapes. The program ensures prominent showcase and visibility opportunities at partner and regional events, boosting recognition and potential investment. Furthermore, comprehensive fundraising support is provided, spanning from initial pitching guidance to navigating the complexities of deal closure. Additionally, selected ventures receive substantial cloud credits up to USD 250,000 from major providers like Google Cloud, Microsoft Web Services, and Amazon Azure, complemented by essential payment gateway support from Razorpay and PhonePe, significantly reducing operational costs and enhancing scalability.

Who can apply

• Eligibility for the WEE program is centered on a clear potential for social and economic impact.
• The program supports startups developing scalable, high-impact AI and technology-enabled solutions that are specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by women in India.
• Solutions must demonstrate a tangible potential to positively impact the growth, predictability, and resilience of incomes for women across the nation, fostering self-reliance and economic stability.
• Innovations should specifically improve livelihood outcomes for low-income women across both rural and urban India.
• This focus includes women particularly engaged in critical sectors such as agriculture, allied sectors, micro-entrepreneurship, the gig economy, and the informal economy, areas where technology can often unlock significant new opportunities and efficiencies.
• Applicants are sought for AI and technology-driven innovations that can be refined for intuitive usability and adoption by women, ensuring that the solutions are truly accessible and impactful for the target demographic.
• While applicants need not be a registered firm to apply during the initial stages, selection and subsequent support are strictly contingent upon the entity being formally registered in India, ensuring legal compliance and operational readiness.
• Startups that have previously participated in other programs or accelerators are explicitly eligible to apply, recognizing that prior experience can contribute to greater readiness and impact.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP, Partnership, Proprietorship, Section 8 / NGO

Benefits & funding

• Supported startups receive financial assistance starting at Rs.
• 4,500,000 (USD 50,000), disbursed in tranches upon achieving specific milestones outlined in a comprehensive Service Agreement.
• Beyond direct funding, the program offers extensive non-monetary support designed to accelerate growth.

How the application process works

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

1. 1

   Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis for alignment with improving women's economic outcomes through AI and technology.

2. 2

   Shortlisted startups participate in 2, 3 rounds of pitching and feedback sessions, assessed on innovation uniqueness, impact potential, and team strength.

3. 3

   Status updates are typically communicated within one month of submission.

Frequently asked questions