The Equalizer Challenge 2025: UNFPA Launched Innovation Challenge To Scale Women’s Health Innovations

In a major push to close the gender gap in healthcare, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has launched The Equalizer Challenge: Scaling Women’s Health Innovations, in partnership with MIT Solve, IE University, and Women of Wearables. The initiative seeks to support and scale bold, women-led health innovations with high potential to address some of the most critical sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) issues globally.

Backed by the Governments of Germany and Luxembourg through the UNFPA Equalizer Accelerator Fund, the challenge offers catalytic, equity-free funding of up to $20,000, alongside a six-month innovation support programme designed to help health startups expand and create real, lasting impact.

“Every minute, at least two women die globally from breast or cervical cancer or pregnancy-related complications due to inequitable access to healthcare,” said Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA. “This stark reality underscores the urgent need for scalable, high-impact solutions that reach underserved communities.”

Every day, around 800 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, while over a million women die annually from breast and cervical cancers—most in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to screening and treatment, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Yet only 1% of global health research funding addresses female-specific conditions beyond cancer. Even more troubling, just 0.2% is allocated to sexual and reproductive health R&D in developing countries.

The Equalizer Challenge is designed to address this imbalance. By focusing on inclusive design and women-centred solutions, it aims to scale medical devices, digital health platforms, personalised medicine, and other innovations that can transform health outcomes for women and girls—especially those in underserved regions.

What sets this challenge apart is its holistic support model. In addition to funding, selected innovators will gain access to biweekly coaching, expert mentorship, and global networks in the health and investment sectors. UNFPA also ensures that full intellectual property ownership remains with the innovators—an often-neglected concern in global accelerators.

“This isn’t just about funding—this is about investing in systems that work for women,” a UNFPA spokesperson said. “We’re looking for health solutions that break boundaries, not just buzzwords.”

Eligibility is open to women-led startups and social enterprises in UNFPA programme countries, including Bangladesh. Applicants must present a minimum viable product (MVP), demonstrate proof of ownership, and commit to a virtual programme running from May to December 2025.

Solutions will be judged on innovation, impact, sustainability, scalability, and inclusion. Applications open from April 9 to May 4, 2025, with winners announced in June. CLICK HERE to apply. 

As global SRHR indicators continue to expose glaring gaps—particularly in maternal health, cancer prevention, and access to reproductive services—the challenge comes at a crucial time. In countries like Bangladesh, where maternal mortality remains a pressing concern and cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women, innovations like those supported by The Equalizer Challenge could be game-changers.

By spotlighting women-led innovation and amplifying underrepresented voices, UNFPA and its partners hope to spark a new wave of health solutions that are not only scalable—but truly equitable.

Source: UNFPA
Picture Credit: Cecilie Waagner Falkenstrøm/UNFPA