UBS Female Founder Award 2026: Apply to Win $10,000
UBS, a global financial services firm, has opened applications for the 2026 UBS Female Founder Award.
The firm is inviting women entrepreneurs leading innovative financial technology and enterprise technology businesses to showcase their achievements and compete for a US$10,000 cash prize.
Now in its sixth edition, the award recognises outstanding female founders and senior executives building technology-driven businesses with strong leadership, growth potential and measurable market impact.
The initiative forms part of UBS’s broader efforts to increase the visibility of women entrepreneurs and help address funding gaps faced by women-led businesses.
What Does the UBS Female Founder Award Offer?
The winner of the 2026 award will receive US$10,000 in prize money to support her entrepreneurial journey. A separate Rising Star designation will recognise another promising applicant.
Shortlisted candidates will also have opportunities to access mentorship, coaching, publicity and connections with experienced entrepreneurs, investors and venture capital firms.
All finalists will be offered the opportunity to participate in Project Female Founder, a year-long programme designed to strengthen investor readiness, expand professional networks and help women entrepreneurs prepare for future fundraising.
Who Can Apply?
The award is open to eligible female founders, co-founders and C-level executives leading qualifying fintech or enterprise technology startups and small and medium-sized businesses.
According to the official rules, applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Be a female founder, co-founder or C-level executive of an eligible business.
- Lead a startup or SME operating in fintech or enterprise technology.
- Have raised at least US$50,000 in funding.
- Lead a business founded in 2015 or later.
- Have a company with annual revenue below US$150 million.
- Not have filed for bankruptcy or be undergoing insolvency proceedings at the time of application.
Additional restrictions apply to certain individuals associated with UBS and its programme partners, as well as applicants from sanctioned countries and territories. Applicants should consult the official rules to confirm their eligibility.
How Are Applicants Evaluated?
Applications will be assessed based on several key factors, including business differentiation, financial track record, growth potential and leadership.
Judges will consider the problem the business solves, its competitive advantage, the founder’s fundraising experience, the company’s growth strategy and the applicant’s contribution to a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the 2026 UBS Female Founder Award is October 25, 2026.
The award ceremony, where the winner and Rising Star will be announced, is scheduled for December 10, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible applicants should complete the official online application form and provide the required information about themselves and their businesses.
Apply now: https://www.ubs.com/global/en/wealthmanagement/who-we-serve/women-wealth/female-founders/award.html
Applicants are encouraged to review the official award rules carefully before submitting their applications.
The UBS Female Founder Award offers women building innovative technology companies an opportunity to gain international recognition, strengthen their investor networks and secure financial support for their entrepreneurial ambitions.
