UBS Female Founder Award 2026
By UBS
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Quick Answer
A US$10,000 (about ₹9.5 lakh) cash prize from UBS for a woman founder or C-level leader of a fintech or enterprise-tech startup. The 2026 window closed 25 October; winner named 10 December.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- UBS
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 26 October 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by UBS. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
The 2026 UBS Female Founder Award is closed: applications ended on 25 October 2026 (23:59:59 CET, which is 4:29 AM IST on 26 October). The rules cover only the 2026 award and mention no future edition, so there is no announced date for another round.
The award is an online competition run by UBS Switzerland AG. It recognises one woman who founded, co-founded or holds a C-level role at a fintech or enterprise-tech startup or SME, defined as technology that supports or enables banking and financial services. It is open to founders based in India, because the rules exclude only sanctioned countries and India is not among them. It is not a domestic programme.
What the award offers
The winner receives a US$10,000 cash prize (about ₹9.5 lakh), deposited directly into a bank account in her own name. A second applicant is named the "Rising Star" for the best-judged application, with a special mention at the ceremony and publicity but no cash. Shortlisted applicants may be offered mentoring, coaching and publicity at UBS's discretion. Prizes cannot be transferred or exchanged. The winner declares the prize and pays all resulting taxes; UBS may have to report and withhold tax whatever country she lives in, so an Indian winner should take tax advice.
Who can apply
You must be at least 21, a female startup founder or co-founder, or a female C-level executive. You must not have filed for bankruptcy in the past or be in insolvency proceedings. Your startup or SME must be in fintech or enterprise technology, have raised at least US$50,000, have annual revenue below US$150 million and have been founded in 2015 or later. UBS staff, staff of its third-party collaborators and their immediate families are excluded, as are citizens or residents of countries under UN, EU, Swiss or US economic sanctions and of the specific regions the rules list, including Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and Russia. It suits women leading an early-stage fintech that has already raised a first round. It does not suit pre-funding founders, companies outside financial-services technology, or businesses founded before 2015.
How to apply
Fill in every required field of the submission form on the award website and submit once; each applicant may submit only one application. A submitted form cannot be edited, only withdrawn and re-submitted, so a practical tip is to prepare all answers offline first. Applications by post, email or other UBS sites are not considered. If asked, you may need to complete an affidavit of eligibility and release forms. You supply your own equipment, including reliable internet and video-conferencing, and bear your own costs.
How applications are judged and what happens next
The process is virtual and online only. UBS may email applicants during the review period. Shortlisted applicants were told by 25 October and present themselves and their company to the jury in an online meeting. The jury looks at four things: differentiation (including inclusive practices in policy, culture, leadership and innovation), financial record (the capital the founder has secured and the fundraising challenges she overcame), potential (the problem solved, competitive edge and growth plan) and leadership. The winner and Rising Star are announced at the award ceremony on 10 December 2026. The rules do not say whether the ceremony is in person or online.
About UBS
UBS Switzerland AG, based in Zurich, runs the award as part of its programme for women and wealth, and works with third-party collaborators to administer it. The rules note that UBS may publicise applicants' names and application content for marketing, and that it will not sell personal data.
Things to check before you apply next time
- Bank account. The winner's account must be in her own name (not joint), active for at least six months before the start date, able to receive US dollars and held at a bank legally operating in her home location.
- Funding proof. The company must already have raised at least US$50,000, and the jury looks at your fundraising record.
- Scams. The page warns that UBS never contacts clients with new bank details by email or phone.
- Public profile. Your name and application content may be used by UBS for publicity.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Prizes & Awards
What You Get
The winner receives a US$10,000 prize (about ₹9.5 lakh), deposited directly into a bank account held in her own name. The account must have been active for at least six months before the window opened, must be able to receive US dollars and must be with a bank operating legally where she lives. The winner declares and pays any tax due. Shortlisted applicants may also get mentoring, coaching and publicity at UBS's discretion.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
UBS may contact applicants by email during the review. Shortlisted applicants meet the jury online. The jury judges differentiation, financial record, potential and leadership. One winner and one Rising Star are announced at the ceremony on 10 December 2026.
Application Process
- 1
Online form
Complete and submit the application form.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UBS Female Founder Award still open?
No. The 2026 window closed on 25 October 2026 at 23:59:59 CET. The rules cover only 2026 and do not announce a next edition.
Can a founder in India apply for the UBS Female Founder Award?
Yes. The rules exclude only citizens and residents of sanctioned countries and regions, and India is not among them. The competition is run online.
How much is the prize?
The winner receives US$10,000 (about ₹9.5 lakh) in cash. A second applicant gets the Rising Star mention, which carries recognition and publicity but no cash.
How is the prize paid?
It is deposited directly into the winner's bank account, which must be in her own name, active for at least six months and able to receive US dollars. The winner pays all taxes on the prize.
Is it a grant or equity?
It is a cash prize. The rules do not mention any equity or repayment, and they say the winner declares and pays tax on it.
Does my company need to have raised money already?
Yes. The startup or SME must have already raised at least US$50,000, have annual revenue below US$150 million and have been founded in 2015 or later.
What do I need to submit?
A completed online submission form with every required field filled. You may also be asked for an affidavit of eligibility and release forms. A submitted form cannot be edited.
Do I have to travel?
The selection process is online only, including the jury meeting. The rules do not say whether the 10 December ceremony is in person or virtual.
Is it free to enter?
The rules mention no entry fee, and applicants pay their own costs, such as equipment and internet.
When are the results announced?
The winner and the Rising Star are announced at the award ceremony on 10 December 2026, with the winner's name published on the website shortly afterwards.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
