11:30, 17 November 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
The Bicester Collection has unveiled the third edition of its Unlock Her Future Prize, the global initiative designed to champion women social entrepreneurs and accelerate gender equality.
Each year, the award focuses on a different region of the world. After spotlighting innovators from MENA in 2023 and LATAM in 2024, the 2025 edition turns its attention to South Asia – a region rich in talent, creativity and urgent social challenges.
At the heart of The Bicester Collection’s philanthropic mission is a commitment to advancing women’s empowerment through innovative, scalable and globally connected programmes.
This is more than an award, it seeks to dismantle structural barriers, close the gender funding gap and create lasting, generational impact.
The initiative is designed to support women first-time founders – of any age – with early-stage, socially driven ventures. These start-ups must align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), spanning education, health, climate action, gender equality and community resilience.
By backing women whose businesses generate measurable social and environmental impact, the programme aims to cultivate a pipeline of leaders capable of reshaping their communities from within.
South Asia’s inclusion in 2025 reflects the region’s dynamic entrepreneurial spirit and the urgent need for scalable solutions to issues such as water scarcity, women’s health inequality, digital exclusion, education access and climate vulnerability.
Each year, the competition selects a group of exceptional finalists from the chosen region. Three winners receive significant seed funding, world-class mentorship and access to a global support network to help launch or scale their ventures.
The programme is run in partnership with leading institutions, ensuring credibility and long-term impact.
Additional support by The Farfy Foundation, Jaipur Rugs, Smiley Movement and Velvet Living, whose backing helps bring the annual event and awards to life.
Luckily for us it has already been announced that the 2026 Prize will highlight innovators across the East Asia and Southeast Asia region.
Applications will open on 27th December 2025 and close on 10th March 2026, so keep those dates in your calendar if you want to apply.
For more information on the next year’s awards, head here: Unlock Her Future Prize 2026
