Eleven tech startups from Africa and Asia have been selected for the first cohort of UNICEF Femtech Ventures, a five-year initiative supported by the Government of Sweden and Temasek Foundation. The startups, chosen from over 1,100 applications across 85 countries, will receive up to $100,000 in equity-free funding, mentorship, and technical support over one year. The launch event took place in Pretoria, South Africa, hosted by Anna-Karin Eneström, Swedish Ambassador to South Africa. The cohort includes six African and five Asian startups using AI, data science and blockchain to improve sexual and reproductive health, maternal care, safe mobility and financial inclusion for women and girls.
Each startup was selected for its locally led innovation in underserved markets. Dotoh, based in Benin, offers low-bandwidth teleconsultations and AI-enabled messaging for women and youth in remote areas. India's FemHealth Data Collaborative uses AI and machine learning to strengthen women's health decision-making, while Nurtura by Doto monitors maternal and fetal health in low- and middle-income countries. The initiative prioritizes woman-led ventures, with 89% of the shortlisted 151 startups led by women. Thomas Davin, Global Director of UNICEF Office of Innovation, stated the program backs entrepreneurs already building solutions close to the challenges they aim to solve.
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