Standard Chartered Foundation and Village Capital launch the 2026 ‘Women in Tech’ Accelerator in the UAE

WHY THIS MATTERS: The continued institutional support for female-led ventures in the Middle East is a vital signal that the region’s focus on economic diversification is maturing. This latest cohort from the Standard Chartered Foundation and Village Capital in the UAE underscores a critical, accelerating trend toward inclusive finance within rapidly expanding emerging markets. While capital is tightening globally, major players recognize that underinvested segments—like women founders—represent a massive untapped value pool. The success stories from previous cohorts, including significant funding rounds and acquisitions, demonstrate that these programs are not just philanthropic but act as crucial, de-risked feeder systems into the formal venture capital pipeline. For financial institutions and regional governments, backing these accelerators is a strategic move to ensure that the next wave of high-growth technology platforms is built on a foundation of diverse talent and robust governance, which ultimately strengthens the entire financial ecosystem.

Standard Chartered Foundation, in partnership with Village Capital, announced today the launch of the eighth edition of the Women in Tech Accelerator in the UAE, continuing its support for women-led, tech-enabled startups at a critical stage of growth.

The 2026 cohort will equip founders with investment readiness training, catalytic funding, and access to global networks, enabling them to strengthen their businesses and scale. In the UAE, the accelerator will be delivered by C3, a B Corp™ certified consultancy, leveraging its proven expertise in entrepreneur support and ecosystem development.

Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer, UAE, Middle East and Pakistan, Standard Chartered, said:  “The UAE’s economic agenda is centred on diversification, innovation and the continued development of a knowledge-based economy that creates sustainable opportunity. Women entrepreneurs are an important part of that progress, contributing new ideas, building scalable businesses and supporting broader economic growth. Through this programme, we are expanding access to capital, networks and expertise, enabling more women-led businesses to grow with confidence and deliver meaningful impact in the sectors shaping the UAE’s future.”

Since its launch in the UAE, the programme has supported 61 women-led startups. In 2025, 92 per cent of participants developed business growth plans and 83 per cent reported improved performance. Alumni include Biosapien, which raised USD 7 million in pre-Series A funding, and Ostaz, which was acquired by Inspired Education Group. Five startups have also been recognised on the UAE Future 100 list by the Ministry of Economy.

Nakami Walunywa, Regional Director, Africa and Middle East at Village Capital said:  “In 2025, 71 women-led startups in the programme across Africa, Middle East and Pakistan collectively generated over USD 2 million in additional revenue. When founders have access to structured support and catalytic funding, they can unlock sustainable impact. In 2026, we are continuing to create the conditions for even more women-led startups to thrive.”

Medea Nocentini, Founder of C3 and Partner at Global Ventures added:  “We are proud to partner with Standard Chartered again on the Women in Tech UAE programme. The founders we work with are not waiting for the world to make space for them; they are building it themselves. What makes this programme special is the community it creates, bringing together founders who lift each other up, grow together, and carry that forward long after the programme ends. At C3, supporting women entrepreneurs is not a moment, it is a commitment, and one we take seriously now more than ever.”

The Standard Chartered Women in Tech Accelerator builds on the strong global track record, which has supported over 4,000 women across 17 markets since inception. This year, the program has allocated more than USD 600,000 in grant funding to entrepreneurs across 12 markets,  with the UAE cohort competing for equity-free cash prizes totalling USD 150,000 at Demo Day.

Women-startup founders based in the UAE are invited to apply, with applications closing on 15 May 2026. Successful applicants will participate in the Accelerator between June and October this year. Full details and availability criteria are available at: www.sc.com/ae/sustainability/women-in-tech/