Written by Women entrepreneurs building fintech and enterprise technology startups can apply for the UBS Female Founder Award 2026, a global award recognising women founders with innovative businesses, strong leadership and growth potential.
Organised by UBS, the award gives women-led technology businesses an opportunity to gain international recognition, connect with investors and access mentorship and business growth support.
The overall winner will receive US$10,000, while a special Rising Star award will recognise another founder. All finalists will have the opportunity to join Project Female Founder, a year-long investor readiness, networking and mentorship programme.
Applications close on October 25, 2026. citeturn329966view0
About the UBS Female Founder Award
The UBS Female Founder Award is an annual global recognition programme for women entrepreneurs in the technology sector. The 2026 edition is its sixth year.
The award focuses on early-stage startups in two areas: financial technology (fintech) and enterprise technology. It aims to highlight women-led businesses with scalable models and the potential to attract investment.
Beyond the cash prize, the programme connects finalists with UBS advisers, experienced entrepreneurs, venture capital firms and other members of the global business community.
Who Can Apply?
The award is designed for women founders leading early-stage technology businesses in fintech or enterprise technology.
Interested applicants should demonstrate:
- Female founder leadership: You must be a woman founder of the business.
- Technology focus: Your startup must operate in fintech or enterprise technology.
- Innovation: Your business should offer a distinct solution to a market problem.
- Growth potential: You should have a scalable business model with room to expand.
- Leadership: You should demonstrate the ability to lead the company and execute its plans.
- Business performance: Your application should explain the company’s financial track record and potential for future growth.
Applicants should consult the official award rules for the full eligibility requirements before submitting. The programme is global, but specific rules may apply depending on the applicant’s location.
Which Businesses Are Eligible?
The award focuses on two categories of technology businesses.
1. Financial Technology (Fintech)
This category includes startups using technology to improve financial services and products.
Examples may include digital payments, financial infrastructure, digital banking, financial data tools and other technology-driven financial solutions.
2. Enterprise Technology
This category covers technology solutions that help businesses improve their operations, productivity, infrastructure or decision-making.
Examples may include enterprise software, data analytics, artificial intelligence applications and business technology platforms.
Applicants should show how their solutions address a clear business need and how the company can grow its customer base or market reach.
What Will Selected Founders Receive?
US$10,000 Cash Prize
The overall winner will receive US$10,000 to support her entrepreneurial journey. UBS will also recognise a Rising Star through a special award.
Project Female Founder
All finalists will have the opportunity to join Project Female Founder, a year-long programme designed to strengthen investor readiness and expand founders’ professional networks.
Mentorship and Investor Access
Finalists can receive mentoring from UBS advisers and gain access to female-focused venture capital firms, investors and experienced entrepreneurs.
Global Visibility
The award provides opportunities for publicity, speaking engagements and international recognition. This exposure can help founders introduce their businesses to potential investors, partners and new markets.
Business Growth Support
Through Project Female Founder, participants can work on investor readiness and pitching, connect with other entrepreneurs and access a wider support network. The programme also includes access to the Coralus network through its partners.
How Will Applications Be Assessed?
UBS identifies four main considerations in the award’s selection process:
- Diversity: The contribution the founder and business bring to the technology ecosystem.
- Financial track record: The company’s financial performance and business progress.
- Growth potential: The ability to scale the business and attract investment.
- Leadership: The founder’s leadership capabilities and vision for the company.
Applicants should present a clear account of their business model, the problem it solves, its progress so far and its plans for growth.
How to Apply
Interested women founders can submit their applications through the official UBS Female Founder Award website.
Before applying, review the official rules and prepare information that clearly explains your startup, its technology, business performance, leadership and growth plans.
Application deadline: October 25, 2026.
Apply for the UBS Female Founder Award 2026
The application platform is accessible through the official UBS award page.
Key Details
- Award: UBS Female Founder Award 2026
- Organiser: UBS
- Eligible applicants: Women founders of early-stage technology startups
- Eligible sectors: Fintech and enterprise technology
- Geographic scope: Global, subject to official eligibility rules
- Main cash prize: US$10,000
- Additional recognition: Rising Star award
- Other benefits: Mentorship, investor readiness, networking and global visibility
- Application deadline: October 25, 2026