Overview

The BRICS Women’s Startups Contest 2026, organized by the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (BRICS WBA), is a premier initiative aimed at empowering women-led startups across BRICS nations. This year, India leads the initiative, highlighting its commitment to fostering women’s entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership on a global stage.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a citizen or permanent resident of a BRICS country (Brazil, China, India, Russia, South Africa) or participating extended nations (Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE).
Hold a key leadership position (Founder, Co-Founder, or equivalent) and be actively involved in strategy and daily operations.
Demonstrate long-term social, economic, or environmental impact.
Show evidence of a viable business model, market demand, and growth indicators.
Clearly define the problem addressed and innovative features of the solution.
Show how the venture aligns with BRICS priorities and can create cross-border impact.