The Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award is a six-month accelerator programme supporting women-led enterprises addressing critical challenges in health and food security.
Rather than focusing solely on ideas, the programme prioritizes ventures with proven traction, helping founders strengthen core business fundamentals, refine financial models, and position themselves for growth and investment.
Delivered in partnership with global ecosystem players, including the Impact Hub Network, the programme blends technical support, mentorship, and strategic exposure to unlock the next stage of growth.
Selected awardees receive a comprehensive package designed to accelerate both business performance and visibility:
€25,000 in Equity-Free Funding: Each venture receives €25,000 in non-dilutive funding to support scaling efforts, operational growth, or strategic investments.
6-Month Tailored Accelerator:
Participants benefit from:
- One-on-one advisory sessions with business experts
- Group learning focused on investment readiness
- Support in financial planning, growth strategy, and impact measurement
Global Exposure and Recognition
Awardees gain international visibility through:
- Media features and storytelling campaigns
- Video content and PR amplification
- Recognition within global innovation and investment ecosystems
Sponsored Trip to Amsterdam
Participants will travel to the Netherlands (October 26–30, 2026) for:
- Awardee Days and the final ceremony
- Pitching opportunities
- High-level networking with peers and partners
Access to Strategic Networks
Founders join:
- The Bayer Foundation alumni community
- The Impact Hub global ecosystem
- A curated cohort of high-impact women entrepreneurs
Focus Areas
The programme supports ventures delivering measurable impact in:
Health
- Cardiovascular health solutions
- Women’s health innovations across the life cycle
- Oncology and cancer care
- Digital health infrastructure and community health systems
- Healthcare financing and insurance models
Food Security
- Reducing food loss and waste
- Tackling malnutrition and improving nutrition outcomes
- Enhancing market access and fair pricing
- Increasing smallholder farmer productivity
- Expanding access to water and sanitation
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to women entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria:
- A woman founder, co-founder, or senior leader with decision-making authority
- Leading a revenue-generating business beyond the idea stage
- Operating in health or food security sectors
- Demonstrating traction, with annual revenue up to USD 1,000,000
- Structured as:
- A social enterprise (for-profit with impact mission),
- A hybrid organisation, or
- A nonprofit preparing to transition to a for-profit within 12–24 months
- Legally incorporated on or before January 1, 2025
