EY unveiled its SDG Accelerator for Women Entrepreneurs 2025, a six-month programme aimed at supporting women-led ventures that use artificial intelligence (AI) to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative is targeted at female entrepreneurs in Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia who are building AI-driven solutions to major global challenges.
The applications for SDG Accelerator Program 2025 are currently open and the deadline is set on the 15th of June. The programme will select five women-led impact enterprises that apply AI responsibly to issues such as climate change, food insecurity, and economic inequality. These businesses are expected to use machine learning and other technologies to drive social impact, while adhering to ethical AI standards.
To qualify, applicants must meet a range of criteria. Ventures must operate as social enterprises, whether for-profit, non-profit, hybrid, or cooperative. The applicants must also be legally registered with at least one year of operations. The business must be based in one of the specified regions, and the founder must be a woman holding a key leadership role, such as CEO or Managing Director, with a significant ownership stake. Applicants should also be aiming to scale both their financial growth and social impact. Proficiency in English is required, as the programme will be delivered globally.
Those selected will benefit from one-on-one business coaching with EY experts, technical workshops, and capacity-building sessions led by leading industry collaborators. Participants will also gain access to a global network of investors, corporates, and fellow social innovators. The accelerator includes regular peer-to-peer discussions to strengthen community connections and offers occasional opportunities to join events, promotional platforms, and external engagements.
The EY SDG Accelerator seeks to champion women founders who are using AI as a force for positive change in regions where digital tools have the potential to drive meaningful transformation.
