Applications are open for the BRICS Women’s Startups Contest 2025. The BRICS Women’s Startups Contest 2025 marks another exciting edition of this prestigious initiative led by the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (BRICS WBA) to empower women entrepreneurs across BRICS nations.
Organised by SEBRAE under Brazil’s BRICS Presidency, the contest highlights innovative, high-impact startups led by women, fostering economic integration and global collaboration.
As Brazil takes the lead in 2025, this edition builds on the success of its inaugural launch, offering a platform for visibility, networking, and business expansion within the BRICS ecosystem.
Categories
- Healthcare and Wellbeing
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Education and Skills Development
- Energy, Infrastructure, and Mobility
- Commerce, Service, and Digital
Transformation - Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions
Awards
- Trip to Rio de Janeiro (1-8 July 2025)
- 18 Finalists will join an exclusive Technical Mission:
- Visits to top innovation hubs & businesses
- Networking with investors & industry leaders
- BRICS Business Forum & Award Ceremony
Eligibility
- Open to women entrepreneurs who are citizens or permanent residents of BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, UAE) or BRICS partner countries (Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan).
- Alternatively, they must operate primarily within BRICS markets or have a clear expansion plan into these regions.
- Must hold a key leadership position (Founder, Co-Founder, or equivalent).
- Must play an active role in the startup’s operations & strategy.
- Multidisciplinary teams with diverse expertise are encouraged.
- Must be an innovation-driven startup addressing significant challenges.
- Should have a strong technological foundation, leveraging AI, Blockchain, IoT, or advanced tech.
- Deep-tech ventures based on cutting-edge scientific research are encouraged.
- Must demonstrate growth potential and scalability within and beyond BRICS markets.
Evaluation Criteria
- Innovation: 20%
- Positive Impact: 20%
- Scalability in BRICS Markets: 15%
- Commercial Viability: 15%
- Partnerships & Networks: 10%
- Technical Capability: 10%
- Processes, Intellectual Property & Operations: 5%
- Presentation Quality: 5%
Deadline: May 4, 2025
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