Standard Chartered has launched the seventh cohort of the Futuremakers Women in Tech UAE Accelerator, in partnership with C3 Companies Creating Change and Village Capital.
The programme forms part of the bank’s global Futuremakers initiative, which supports economic inclusion for disadvantaged young people.
In the UAE, the accelerator focuses on women-led technology startups, offering training, equity-free funding, and access to professional networks.
C3 will lead the programme locally, drawing on its experience in supporting entrepreneurs and building startup ecosystems.
Selected startups will be eligible for equity-free funding of up to AED 550,000 (approximately US$150,000) from the Standard Chartered Foundation.
Across all participating countries, more than AED 2.2 million (US$600,000) in grant funding will be distributed each year.
Participants will also benefit from mentorship, a tailored curriculum, and opportunities to engage with regional and global investors.
Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer for the UAE, Middle East and Pakistan at Standard Chartered, said:
“The Futuremakers Women in Tech Accelerator reflects our commitment to advancing economic inclusion and empowering women entrepreneurs to thrive. Launching our seventh cohort in the UAE is a testament to our long-standing support for the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and to helping innovative, women-led businesses access the resources, networks, and funding they need to scale their impact.”
The three-year initiative aims to address the barriers women founders face in scaling their ventures.
Around 400 women entrepreneurs across the wider region are expected to benefit from investment readiness training, grant funding, and mentorship to support the long-term growth of their businesses.
Kevin Holliday, Managing Director at C3, said:
“At C3, we are focused on backing purpose-driven founders with the tools and connections they need to scale. This initiative reflects the power of collaboration in creating real opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs across the UAE.”
The Women in Tech initiative has supported more than 4,000 women across 17 markets globally since its launch.
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open.
Featured image credit: edited from freepik
