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Top 25 Startup Competitions for Female Entrepreneurs in Asia in 2025

Top 25 Startup Competitions for Female Entrepreneurs in Asia in 2025

With the startup ecosystem continuously evolving, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for female founders in Asia. These carefully curated competitions provide opportunities to gain funding, mentorship, and global exposure. Below, we detail 25 significant competitions that aim to empower women entrepreneurs across the continent.
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1. Unlock Her Future Prize 2025: South Asia

Description: This social entrepreneurship competition by The Bicester Collection supports women-led startups in South Asia. Focus: Social entrepreneurship, women-led startups. Region: South Asia. Prizes: Business grants of up to US$100,000, executive education program, leadership coaching, expert mentors, and exposure through The Bicester Collection's network. Partners: Oxford University's SaĂŻd Business School and Ashoka South Asia. Key Dates: Winners announced in November 2025. Learn more about Unlock Her Future Prize

2. Women Entrepreneurs Award 2025 - Bayer Foundation

Description: An award by the Bayer Foundation seeking 15 women in Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. Focus: Innovative solutions to health and food security challenges. Region: Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East Prizes: Resources, support, and visibility for scaling businesses. Community: Access to a dynamic community hub with members across 60+ countries. Key Dates: Application deadline is February 18, 2025. Discover Women Entrepreneurs Award

3. Female Founder Challenge 2025

Description: A program that celebrates and supports women leading innovative startups with disruptive technologies. Focus: Disruptive technologies, women-led startups. Region: Global. Opportunities: Networking, mentorship, and access to potential funding. Application Process: Applications are open now. Find out about Female Founder Challenge
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4. Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC)

Description: A biennial university-led startup competition focused on urban solutions and sustainability. Focus: Urban solutions, sustainability, deep-tech startups. Region: Global, with a focus on Asia. Prizes: Growing prize pool of over S$1 million. Additional Benefits: Connections with Southeast Asia's eminent business families, access to senior venture capitalists. Key Dates: 50 finalist teams will be flown to Singapore from 29 September to 2 October 2025. Learn more about LKYGBPC

5. The Female Founder Challenge - Viva Technology

Description: Celebrates women leading innovative startups, aiming to empower them through networking and funding access. Focus: Innovative startups, disruptive technologies, women founders. Region: Global, taking place in Paris, France. Prizes: Opportunity to pitch solution during grand award ceremony on the main stage, and fundraising coaching. Selection Criteria: Innovation, scalability, team, business, impact. Key Dates: VivaTech event is June 11-14, 2025. Discover Viva Technology

6. Empowered Women Awards 2025

Description: Recognizes the influence of women in marketing and technology across the Asia-Pacific region. Focus: Leadership, innovation, and courage in marketing and technology. Region: Asia-Pacific region. Categories: Multiple categories, including outstanding event marketing and influencer marketing campaigns. Organizers: MARKETECH APAC and UpTech Media. Learn more about Empowered Women Awards

7. Business Plan Grand Prix for Female Entrepreneurs in Shinagawa Ward

Description: A business plan competition for female entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, Japan. Focus: Innovative business plans with a unique perspective on solving challenges faced by women. Region: Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, Japan. Prizes: Grand prize of ÂĄ300,000. Organizer: Musashi-Koyama Startup Support Center. Key Dates: Final screening on February 23, 2025; entries accepted until November 23, 2024. Learn more about Business Plan Grand Prix

8. Supernova Pitch Competition - GITEX ASIA

Description: A pitch competition at GITEX ASIA, offering the chance to pitch to global investors. Focus: Innovative startups, pitching to investors. Region: Asia (Singapore). Opportunity: Pitch to global investors. Key Dates: April 23-25, 2025. Discover Supernova Pitch Competition

9. EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ Asia-Pacific

Description: A program identifying high-potential female founders and providing them with resources and connections. Focus: High-growth, profitable companies led by women. Region: Asia-Pacific. Benefits: Connections, resources, and access to advisors and executives. Commitments: Attendance at a three-day conference, and participation in training sessions. Find out about EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women

10. Alpha Startups™ for Women Pre-Accelerator - 1337 Ventures

Description: A pre-accelerator program for women-led startups in idea and MVP stages. Focus: Women-led startups in idea and MVP stages. Region: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Prizes: VC funding up to RM 50K for top 2 teams, mentoring, and RM 20K in digital credits. Program Format: 4-week program with virtual and in-person sessions. Key Dates: Program starts March 2025; registration will open soon, pre-register to indicate interest. Discover Alpha Startups™ for Women
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11. She Loves Tech Global Startup Competition 2025

Description: This competition focuses on showcasing and advancing technology-based startups led by women or making an impact on women. Focus: Technology, impact on women. Region: Global, with regional rounds including Asia. Prizes: Cash prizes, mentorship, and investment opportunities. Program Structure: Regional rounds leading to a global final. Key Dates: Regional applications open by Q1 2025. Partners: Numerous corporations and VCs globally.

12. Cartier Women's Initiative 2025

Description: An annual international entrepreneurship program that aims to drive change by empowering women impact entrepreneurs. Focus: Impact-driven businesses. Region: Global, with significant representation from Asia. Prizes: Awards of up to US$100,000, networking opportunities, and business support. Program Benefits: Personalized business coaching and media exposure. Key Dates: Application deadline in August 2025.

13. WeEmpowerAsia - UN Women 2025

Description: An initiative by UN Women focusing on gender-inclusive business and entrepreneurship in Asia-Pacific. Focus: Gender inclusivity, women entrepreneurship. Region: Asia-Pacific. Support: Grants, mentorship, and partnership development. Initiatives: Various networking events and capacity-building workshops. Key Dates: Cohorts throughout 2025.

14. Asia Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition 2025

Description: This competition aims to highlight and support innovative women-led startups in Asia. Focus: Innovation, entrepreneurship. Region: Asia. Prizes: Monetary awards, mentorship, and global exposure. Additional Support: Access to a network of investors and industry experts. Key Dates: Applications open in March 2025.

15. She Disrupts Tech - Asia 2025

Description: A tech competition dedicated to supporting women-led tech startups in Asia. Focus: Technology, innovation. Region: Asia. Prizes: Cash prizes, investor meetings, and media coverage. Support: Mentorship and coaching throughout the competition. Key Dates: Application deadline is April 2025, final pitch event in October 2025.
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16. Female Innovators Lab Fund - Bank of America and Anthemis Group

Description: A fund focusing on female entrepreneurs in the financial technology (fintech) space. Focus: Fintech, innovation. Region: Global with a strong presence in Asia. Support: Investment, operational support, and growth strategy assistance. Additional Resources: Access to Anthemis’s and Bank of America’s networks. Key Dates: Rolling applications throughout 2025.

17. HerTech Challenge Asia 2025

Description: A competition aimed at finding and supporting next-generation women technologists and entrepreneurs. Focus: Technology, digital transformation. Region: Asia. Prizes: Grant funding, technology credits, and mentorship. Event Structure: Bootcamp followed by a demo day. Key Dates: Applications open in September 2025.

18. Women's Startup Lab Accelerator

Description: An accelerator program for women entrepreneurs offering intensive growth strategies. Focus: Innovation, growth acceleration. Region: Global, with multiple cohorts in Asia. Benefits: Mentorship, coaching, co-working space, and funding opportunities. Program Length: 2-3-month cohorts. Key Dates: Applications open in February 2025.

19. Young Women Entrepreneur Award 2025 - Japan

Description: A national award recognizing young female entrepreneurs in Japan who are making significant contributions through their businesses. Focus: Young entrepreneurship. Region: Japan. Prizes: Monetary awards, mentorship, and business support. Key Dates: Application deadline in May 2025, award ceremony in December 2025.

20. Australia's Women Entrepreneurs Competition 2025

Description: A competition highlighting the achievements of female entrepreneurs in Australia and offering support to scale their businesses internationally. Focus: Growth, international expansion. Region: Australia. Prizes: Financial support, mentorship, and international market access. Additional Benefits: Media exposure and networking events. Key Dates: Applications open in spring 2025.

21. TechWomen Program 2025

Description: An international initiative empowering the next generation of women leaders in STEM. Focus: STEM, leadership. Region: Global, including significant focus on Asia. Benefits: Professional mentorship, exchange programs, and networking opportunities. Partners: Tech companies and academic institutions. Key Dates: Application deadlines in March 2025; program starts in August 2025.

22. SHE Incubates 2025

Description: An incubation program for early-stage startups founded by women in Asia. Focus: Early-stage startups, innovation. Region: Asia. Prizes: Seed funding, mentoring, workspace, and tailored business development. Program Duration: 6-month incubation with regular milestones. Key Dates: Applications open in June 2025.

23. Impact Collective 2025

Description: A unique acceleration program focusing on social impact startups, particularly those led by women. Focus: Social impact. Region: Asia. Prizes: Equity investments, grants, product development support. Program Structure: Cohorts with bootcamps, mentorship sessions, and pitch events. Key Dates: Application deadline in April 2025.

24. InnovatHer Asia 2025

Description: A competition targeting breakthrough innovations developed by women in Asia. Focus: Innovation. Region: Asia. Prizes: Cash rewards, mentorship, and business scaling resources. Event Format: Initial rounds leading to a grand finale. Key Dates: Applications open in March 2025, final event in November 2025.

25. Women In Tech Global Movement 2025

Description: A global initiative to empower women in technology through competitions, workshops, and mentorship. Focus: Technology, empowerment. Region: Global. Support: Grants, career advancement tools, and leadership training. Key Dates: Various events and deadlines throughout the year 2025.
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FAQ

Q: What is the Unlock Her Future Prize 2025 focused on?
A: The Unlock Her Future Prize 2025 supports women-led startups in South Asia with a focus on social entrepreneurship. Learn more about Unlock Her Future Prize 2025.
Q: Which competition is aimed at addressing health and food security challenges?
A: The Women Entrepreneurs Award 2025 by the Bayer Foundation seeks innovative solutions to health and food security challenges. Discover Women Entrepreneurs Award 2025.
Q: What is the Female Founder Challenge 2025's primary focus?
A: The Female Founder Challenge 2025 celebrates and supports women leading innovative startups with disruptive technologies. Learn more about Female Founder Challenge 2025.
Q: What is unique about the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition?
A: The Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) focuses on urban solutions and sustainability with a deep-tech emphasis. Explore LKYGBPC.
Q: Where and when is the Female Founder Challenge by Viva Technology held?
A: The Female Founder Challenge takes place in Paris, France, during the VivaTech event from June 11-14, 2025. Discover Female Founder Challenge - Viva Technology.
Q: What do the Empowered Women Awards 2025 recognize?
A: The Empowered Women Awards 2025 recognize women in marketing and technology across the Asia-Pacific region. Check Empowered Women Awards.
Q: What is the Business Plan Grand Prix for Female Entrepreneurs in Shinagawa Ward about?
A: The Business Plan Grand Prix for Female Entrepreneurs in Shinagawa Ward focuses on innovative business plans that address women's challenges and is held in Tokyo, Japan. Learn more about Business Plan Grand Prix.
Q: What opportunity does the Supernova Pitch Competition at GITEX ASIA offer?
A: The Supernova Pitch Competition offers the chance to pitch innovative startups to global investors in Singapore from April 23-25, 2025. Explore Supernova Pitch Competition.
Q: What is the goal of the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ Asia-Pacific program?
A: The EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ Asia-Pacific program identifies high-potential female founders and provides them with resources and connections. Learn more about EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women.
Q: What does the Alpha Startups™ for Women Pre-Accelerator by 1337 Ventures offer?
A: The Alpha Startups™ for Women Pre-Accelerator offers VC funding, mentoring, and digital credits to women-led startups in their idea and MVP stages. Discover Alpha Startups™ for Women.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
2025-06-12 07:04 Top 25