Applications Open for 2025 BRICS Women’s Startup Contest

Applications are now open for the  2025 BRICS Women’s Startups Contest, organised by SEBRAE under Brazil's BRICS Presidency. The contest aims to empower women entrepreneurs across BRICS and partner nations by shining a light on high-impact, innovation-driven startups. 

Who Can Apply?

• Citizens or permanent residents of BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the UAE) or BRICS partner nations (Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan).

• Startups that operate primarily in BRICS markets or have a clear expansion plan into these regions.

• Founders, co‑founders or equivalent leaders who play an active role in operations and strategy.

Eligibility requirements are:

• 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.

Competition Structure

Applicants will be grouped by stage—early‑stage, growth‑stage and scale‑up—and evaluated across seven categories:

• Healthcare & wellbeing
• Agriculture & food security
• Education & skills development
• Energy, infrastructure & mobility
• Commerce, services & digital transformation
• Sustainable development & climate solutions

The 18 shortlisted finalists will be invited to Rio de Janeiro to visit innovation hubs, engage with local businesses and network with investors. The programme culminates in the BRICS Business Forum and Award Ceremony.

Applications close on 4 May 2025. Interested entrepreneurs can apply online at the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance portal.