Standard Chartered, in collaboration with C3 and Village Capital, will launch the seventh edition of the Women and Technology program in the UAE.
The program will offer full support to women leaders taking part, including funding of up to AED 550,000, which will be provided as royalty-free capital.
The program is part of the Global Future Makers initiative to help women entrepreneurs overcome challenges. So far, it has supported over 4,000 women across 17 countries.
Standard Chartered has announced the launch of the seventh edition of the ‘Women and Technology’ program. The program aims to support sustainable growth and empower women entrepreneurs in the UAE’s tech industry, focusing on innovation, diversity, financial empowerment, and economic development.
This year, the program was launched in partnership with C3 – Change Makers (C3) and Village Capital.
This program is part of Standard Chartered’s Global’ Makers of the Future’ initiative, which aims to tackle inequality and help young people with limited opportunities.
This year, the program focuses on supporting women-led tech startups by providing exceptional training, funding incentives, and access to top global networks.
C3 will run the program locally, using its experience in helping entrepreneurs and building the ecosystem.
Through this initiative, selected startups will receive funding of up to AED 550,000 (USD 150,000) from Standard Chartered as seed capital, which doesn’t require ownership in return.
In all participating markets, more than AED 2.2 million (USD 600,000) will be given out in annual incentive grants. Founders will also get a customized training program, expert mentorship, and access to investors from the region and worldwide.
Rola Abu Minh, CEO of Standard Chartered in the UAE, Middle East and Pakistan, said:
“Women and Technology of the Future Makers’ program reflects our commitment to fostering economic inclusion and empowering women entrepreneurs to thrive. The launch of the 7th edition of our program in the UAE reflects our commitment to supporting the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by helping innovative, women-led companies gain access to the resources, networks and funding they need to expand their impact. It also underscores our broader commitment to supporting women’s empowerment and promoting diversity, equality and inclusion in the communities we serve.”
Women entrepreneurs often face challenges that make it hard to grow their businesses. This initiative is created to help them overcome these obstacles.
Through the Women and Technology program, 400 women entrepreneurs in the region will receive investment support, grant funding, and mentorship. These resources will help their businesses grow sustainably and make a lasting positive impact on society.
Kevin Holiday, Managing Director of C3, added:
“We are proud to partner with Standard Chartered to introduce the ‘Women and Technology’ programme from ‘The Makers of the Future’ and we are excited to welcome Village Capital this year. At C3, we focus on supporting founders who focus on achieving their goals with the tools and relationships they need to expand. This initiative reflects the strength of collaboration in creating real opportunities for women entrepreneurs across the UAE.”
Standard Chartered’s Women and Technology program is now accepting applications for 2025. The program has helped over 4,000 women across 17 countries since it started, building on its successful global track record.
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