Dubai, UAE: Standard Chartered, in collaboration with Village Capital, announced the launch of the seventh cycle of the Women and Technology program, which aims to promote sustainable growth and empower female entrepreneurs in the technology sector in the UAE, by focusing on promoting innovation, diversity, financial empowerment and economic development.

This year’s program offers specialized training in investment readiness, along with incentive funding and access to global networks, empowering women entrepreneurs to develop their businesses and enhance their ability to scale. In the UAE, the program will be implemented in partnership with 3C , a B Corp- certified consulting firm, leveraging its expertise in supporting entrepreneurs and developing entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Rula Abu Manneh, CEO of Standard Chartered in the UAE, Middle East and Pakistan, said: “The UAE continues to solidify its position as a global innovation hub with a clear focus on a knowledge-based economy, which fosters sustainable growth. Women entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in this journey, contributing innovative ideas and business models that drive economic growth. Through the Women and Technology program, we are expanding access to finance, expertise and global business networks, enabling more women-led companies to expand confidently and make a tangible impact in the sectors that shape the future of the country and the region.”

Since its launch in the UAE, the program has supported more than 61 women-led startups across seven cohorts. By 2025, 92% of participants had successfully developed detailed growth plans for their businesses, while 83% reported improved performance. Success stories include BioSpan, which raised $7 million in pre-Series A funding, and Ustad, a platform acquired by Inspired Education Group. Additionally, five companies were included in the UAE's "UAE Future 100" list issued by the Ministry of Economy.

Nakami Walunyiwa, Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East at Village Capital, said: “In 2025, 71 women-led startups within the Women and Technology program in Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan were able to generate additional revenues exceeding $2 million. This confirms that providing systematic support and incentive funding contributes to enhancing business sustainability and achieving real growth. In 2026, we continue to expand these opportunities to empower more women entrepreneurs.”

Media Nucentini, founder of C3 and partner at Global Ventures , added: “We are proud of our ongoing partnership with Standard Chartered on the Women and Technology program in the UAE. The participating female entrepreneurs are building ambitious companies, and receiving the right support at the right time is a crucial factor in their growth trajectory. The program also contributes to building an integrated community of founders whose members continue to support each other even after the program ends.”

The Women and Technology program builds on a solid global track record, having supported more than 4,000 women in 17 markets since its launch. In 2026, over US$600,000 will be allocated in funding across 12 markets, while participating companies in the UAE will compete for up to US$150,000 in equity-free funding during the final Demo Day.

Standard Chartered invites women entrepreneurs in the UAE to apply for the program, with applications closing on May 15, 2026. Selected companies will participate in the program from June to October 2026. Full details and application criteria can be found at: www.sc.com/ae/sustainability/women-in-tech/

Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered is a leading global banking group with a presence in 54 of the world's most dynamic markets. Our aim is to enhance trade and prosperity worldwide through the unique diversity we offer. The bank's clear vision, encapsulated in the motto "Here for better," reflects its rich heritage and core corporate values.

It should be noted that Standard Chartered is listed on the financial markets in both London and Hong Kong.

For more information and expert opinions, please visit the Insights section on our website sc.com. You can also follow us on social media: Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Standard Chartered Institution

The Standard Chartered Foundation is a charitable organization established in 2019, which aims to address the challenges associated with inequality by empowering the less fortunate, particularly young people, women and people with disabilities.

The foundation leads the bank’s community programs strategy, with a focus on supporting youth employability and entrepreneurship across Standard Chartered markets, providing access to the skills, networks and support needed to secure decent employment and grow businesses.

The organization is registered as a charity in England and Wales (registration number 1184946). For more information, please visit the Standard Chartered Foundation website.

About Village Capital

Village Capital is a leading global impact investor, working to enable early-stage startups to access the cash and social capital needed for growth, thereby reshaping the capital flow system.

Since 2009, Village Capital has directly supported more than 2,100 impact startups in 70 countries. The entrepreneurs involved have successfully raised over $9.6 billion across areas including economic mobility, environmental sustainability, and expanding access to essential services.

It also executed 116 investments through its affiliated funds, including Vilcap Investments , which invested in 91 peer-reviewed companies. In addition, more than 26,000 entrepreneurs utilized Abaca's digital platform to conduct at least one assessment, helping them expand their access to funding opportunities.

To learn more, please visit www.vilcap.com or follow @villagecapital .

About 3C Company

3C , a B Corp -certified company, specializes in empowering businesses to develop effective solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. The company supports innovators by providing them with the essential knowledge and skills to achieve sustainable growth through initiatives specifically designed to support startups and young people, and to build a comprehensive impact ecosystem.

Through a network of over 7,000 experts and trainers, along with more than 1,000 investors, 3C has helped build a community of over 2,500 changemakers. In collaboration with leading global organizations such as HSBC , Accenture, Standard Chartered, Google, DMCC , Engie, and Multichoice , the company has developed advanced programs to support innovators, entrepreneurs, and students worldwide. It has successfully accelerated the growth of over 400 impact startups from 27 countries, which have collectively raised over $1 billion to date. 3C achieved B Corp certification in 2024, joining a global community of companies committed to the highest standards of social and environmental impact. That same year, the company became a People + Planet First Certified Social Enterprise. It was also recognized as a Lead Enterprise for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) for its contributions to Goal 17 on partnerships. The company has won several awards, including the Gulf Sustainability Awards, where it won the grand prize in 2022.

To learn more, please visit: wegrowwithc3.com

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