WinFund Empowering Women in AI (Funding Opportunity). Check out on how to Apply and Application processes.

The WinFund Support for Women in AI is a part of the broader Women in Innovation Fund (WiNFUND), an initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs tackling critical challenges in healthcare, including leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).

Co-founded by Reckitt, the Health Innovation and Investment Exchange (HIEx), and supported by the Kofi Annan Foundation, the fund addresses significant disparities such as the lack of healthcare access for half the global population and the underrepresentation of women in venture capital funding (less than 2% globally).

WinFund operates as a non-profit and supports women-led initiatives by providing direct investments, mentorship, and resources to scale innovative, homegrown solutions. The fund uses a unique model partially financed through sales of NFTs created by Rwandan artist Christella Bijou, alongside donations from partners and individuals. Entrepreneurs also gain access to a global community of supporters through invite-only events and mentorship programs.

Notable participants include women entrepreneurs from countries like Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria, utilizing AI and fintech solutions to improve healthcare access. The initiative aspires to expand globally, starting with significant impacts in Africa.

Application Portal

Impact of the Program

The WinFund initiative has several transformative impacts, particularly in addressing healthcare disparities and supporting women in technology and innovation:

1. Enhanced Access to Healthcare: By supporting women-led startups that leverage AI and other technologies, the program provides innovative solutions to improve healthcare in underserved areas. Examples include AI-powered cancer screenings and digital health platforms that enhance accessibility.

2. Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs: WinFund bridges the funding gap for women, who receive less than 2% of global venture capital, helping them scale impactful businesses and achieve sustainable growth.

3. Global Recognition and Networking: Participants gain access to a global network of investors, mentors, and collaborators, which helps them amplify their innovations.

4. Innovative Funding Mechanism: The program uses a mix of NFT sales and contributions from mission-aligned donors, blending art, technology, and entrepreneurship to support women-led initiatives.

5. Local and Global Expansion: By focusing on Africa initially and planning global replication, WinFund aspires to tackle systemic inequalities on a larger scale.

How to Succeed in Getting the Program

To increase your chances of being accepted into the WinFund initiative, consider the following tips:

1. Strong and Scalable Innovation:

Your project should demonstrate a clear solution to a healthcare challenge, particularly one that impacts underserved populations.

Highlight how AI or innovative technologies are integral to your solution.

2. Impact-Driven Approach:

Emphasize the measurable social and health impacts of your initiative, such as improving access to care or reducing healthcare costs.

3. Align with the Program's Goals:

Ensure your venture aligns with WinFund’s mission of addressing health and funding inequities while showcasing women-led innovation.

4. Prepare a Strong Application:

Clearly articulate your vision, the problem you are solving, and how the program's resources will help you scale your impact.

Provide evidence of success or potential, such as pilot results, partnerships, or endorsements.

5. Engage with the Community:

Explore partnerships and engage with local or global networks that WinFund is connected to, such as health innovation hubs or AI development platforms.

6. Follow Updates:

Regularly check for updates and announcements on WinFund’s website or its partners (e.g., Reckitt, HIEx) to know the specific application windows and requirements.

Here’s a structured approach to crafting a strong proposal for the WinFund program:

1. Executive Summary

Objective: Provide a concise summary of your initiative.

Tips:

Highlight the core problem you're addressing (e.g., healthcare inequality).

Emphasize the innovative solution you're providing (e.g., AI-driven health tech).

Showcase your potential for impact.

Example:

"Our venture leverages AI-powered diagnostics to provide affordable and accessible cervical cancer screening in underserved communities. We aim to improve early detection rates and reduce mortality by scaling this innovation across Africa."

2. Problem Statement

Objective: Define the healthcare challenge your initiative addresses.

Tips:

Use statistics to illustrate the scope and urgency of the problem.

Explain why existing solutions are inadequate.

Example:

"Over 70% of women in rural Africa lack access to early cancer screening, leading to high mortality rates. Current healthcare systems are overstretched and lack the technology to provide scalable, cost-effective solutions."

3. Proposed Solution

Objective: Describe your innovative approach.

Tips:

Detail how your technology or method works.

Highlight how it is unique compared to existing solutions.

Demonstrate scalability and feasibility.

Example:

"Our AI platform integrates with mobile devices to deliver accurate, real-time cancer screenings. This allows community health workers to provide diagnostics in remote areas without the need for expensive equipment."

4. Goals and Objectives

Objective: Define what you hope to achieve with support from WinFund.

Tips:

Set clear, measurable, and time-bound goals.

Align your objectives with WinFund’s mission.

Example:

"Within the next year, we aim to screen 50,000 women, train 1,000 health workers, and reduce diagnostic costs by 40%."

5. Business and Financial Model

Objective: Explain your plan for financial sustainability.

Tips:

Outline your revenue streams or funding model.

Mention partnerships or existing funding sources.

Example:

"We generate revenue by licensing our AI platform to regional health clinics and through partnerships with NGOs. Additional funding is secured from government health grants and private donors."

6. Impact Metrics

Objective: Show how your initiative makes a difference.

Tips:

Use data or projections to quantify your impact.

Include metrics such as lives saved, costs reduced, or communities served.

Example:

"In our pilot phase, we screened 10,000 women in three months, identifying 1,500 early-stage cases. This reduced the cost of screenings by 30% compared to traditional methods."

7. Team and Expertise

Objective: Highlight the strength of your team.

Tips:

Introduce key team members and their qualifications.

Emphasize expertise relevant to healthcare, AI, and entrepreneurship.

Example:

"Our team includes a medical doctor with 15 years of experience in rural healthcare, an AI specialist who developed the platform, and a social entrepreneur with expertise in scaling health innovations."

8. Requested Support

Objective: Specify what you need from the WinFund program.

Tips:

Be clear about how you’ll use the support (e.g., funding, mentorship, networking).

Link this request to your goals and impact.

Example:

"We are requesting $100,000 in funding to expand our operations to five additional regions, develop advanced AI features, and train 500 new health workers."

9. Conclusion

Objective: Reiterate your vision and call to action.

Tips:

Leave a strong impression with a compelling statement.

Invite the evaluators to join your mission.

Example:

"By investing in our initiative, WinFund can help transform healthcare for millions of women. Together, we can close the healthcare gap and save lives."

10. Attachments

Include:

Business plan or pitch deck.

Letters of support or endorsements.

Financial projections or budget breakdown.

Case studies or pilot project results.

Tips for Success

1. Tailor the Proposal: Align your language and objectives with WinFund’s goals.

2. Be Data-Driven: Use credible sources and statistics to support your claims.

3. Tell a Story: Make your proposal engaging by sharing real-life examples or testimonials.

4. Proofread: Ensure clarity, accuracy, and professionalism.