AI and Technology Solutions for Women's Livelihoods
Grant program backing AI and technology solutions that improve income, capital access, and market linkages for women workers and micro-entrepreneurs in agriculture, informal work, the gig economy, and care services.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Gates Foundation (NGO/Foundation)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Product · Revenue
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Gates Foundation's AI and Technology Solutions for Women's Livelihoods program supports Indian startups that use artificial intelligence and other technology to improve economic opportunities for women. The initiative focuses on boosting income, enhancing access to capital, and strengthening market linkages for women workers and micro-entrepreneurs. Key sectors include agriculture, informal work, the gig economy, and care services.
Beyond grant funding, selected startups receive long-term mentoring, market access, partnerships with large delivery players, and opportunities to pilot and scale in underserved, low-income areas. The ultimate goal is to deploy proven, technology-driven solutions that improve women's economic participation and resilience at scale.
Highlights
- Grant funding with no specified upper or lower limit.
- Rolling deadline — applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
- Focus on AI/tech solutions for women in agriculture, informal work, gig economy, and care services.
- Includes mentoring, market access, and partnership opportunities.
- Supports startups at product and revenue stages.
Who can apply
Your startup can apply if it is building an AI or tech-enabled solution focused on women workers and micro-entrepreneurs in India. The solution must address income growth, capital access, market linkages, or livelihood resilience in agriculture, informal work, the gig economy, or care services. You should show potential for scalability, measurable impact, and relevance to underserved or low-income geographies. Startups at the product or revenue stage are eligible. There are no restrictions on state, entity type, or DPIIT/MSME registration.
AI and Technology Solutions for Women's Livelihoods is open to startups at the product and revenue stage working in ai saas enterprise, edtech social impact and agri food rural. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Product · Revenue
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
AI and Technology Solutions for Women's Livelihoods accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive grant funding (amounts vary) plus extensive non-monetary support. This includes:
- Long-term mentoring
- Market access opportunities
- Partnerships with large-scale delivery players
- Pilot and scale opportunities in underserved geographies
About the provider
AI and Technology Solutions for Women's Livelihoods is offered by Gates Foundation, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by Gates Foundation as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are reviewed for alignment with the program's focus on AI/tech solutions that improve income, capital access, or market linkages for women. Shortlisted teams are evaluated based on scalability, measurable impact, and relevance to underserved geographies. Chosen startups receive grant funding along with mentoring, market access, and implementation partnerships.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to AI and Technology Solutions for Women's Livelihoods, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
AI and Technology Solutions for Women's Livelihoods is best suited for product and revenue-stage ai saas enterprise, edtech social impact and agri food rural startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the program provide?
The program offers grant funding, but specific amounts are not disclosed and vary on a case-by-case basis.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis — there is no fixed deadline.
Who is eligible to apply?
Startups building AI or technology-enabled solutions that support women workers and micro-entrepreneurs in India. The solution must focus on income growth, capital access, or market linkages in agriculture, informal work, the gig economy, or care services. Scalability and relevance to underserved low-income regions are important.
Does the program require DPIIT or MSME registration?
No, the program does not require DPIIT or MSME registration.
Does the program take equity?
No, grants are non-dilutive; equity is not taken.
What industries does this support?
The program supports solutions in AI/SaaS/enterprise, edtech/social impact, and agri-food/rural sectors.
What documents are typically needed to apply?
The program does not specify a list of required documents. You will likely need to provide details about your solution, team, impact, and scalability through an online application form.
What type of entity can apply?
Specific entity types are not mentioned; startups in general are invited to apply.
Does location within India matter?
All states in India are allowed — there are no geographical restrictions.
Can startups from the US or other countries apply?
There is no information suggesting restrictions based on country; however, the program is specifically for solutions targeting women workers in India.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted via an online form at: https://gp12pzj7qtu.typeform.com/to/JaD9VWAz
What other benefits does the program offer beyond funding?
Selected startups receive long-term mentoring, market access, partnerships with large delivery players, and opportunities to pilot and scale in underserved geographies.
Who offers AI and Technology Solutions for Women's Livelihoods?
AI and Technology Solutions for Women's Livelihoods is offered by Gates Foundation, a non-profit foundation. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from Gates Foundation
Gates Foundation runs another program listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
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