Standard Chartered, in partnership with WomHub and Village Capital, presents the Women in Tech (WiT) Incubator South Africa, a program aimed at empowering and supporting women entrepreneurs in the technology sector. This initiative is part of the bank's commitment to fostering gender equality and driving innovation within South Africa's STEM industries. The program provides a platform for aspiring women entrepreneurs to develop their tech-based business ideas and accelerate their growth through a comprehensive curriculum, creating a supportive ecosystem that enables women to thrive and overcome professional barriers.
Program Benefits
• A 4-month incubator programme designed to accelerate business growth for 15 selected participants.
• Tailored business incubation support, including entrepreneurship and business development training.
• Focused sessions on developing personal growth and leadership skills.
• One-on-one mentorship from industry experts and individual financial coaching for top participants.
• Access to investor and ecosystem networks, with opportunities to showcase solutions to potential partners.
• A pitch competition where the top 5 winners will be awarded $10,000 each.
• Technical assistance, advisory support, masterclasses, and workshops.
• Hub credits for WomHub’s innovation spaces for the duration of the programme.
• Access to a community of women entrepreneurs and innovators.
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicants must be women entrepreneurs based in South Africa.
• Candidates must own or lead an innovative business venture that leverages technology or innovation.
• The business must have a scalable model with demonstrated growth potential.
• Applicants must show a strong commitment to growing and scaling their enterprise.
• Women-led startups and SMEs across various sectors are encouraged to apply.
Focus Areas
The programme invites applications from innovative businesses operating in sectors including, but not limited to:
• Financial Technology (FinTech)
• Health Technology (HealthTech)
• Education Technology (EdTech)
• Agritech
• Climate and Green Innovation
• E-commerce
• Digital Solutions
• Artificial Intelligence
• Enterprise Technology
• Social Innovation
Application and Contact Information
Applications are currently open for the 2026 cohort. Interested entrepreneurs can learn more and submit their applications through the official programme portal. For specific queries regarding the program, please direct your emails to [email protected]
Despite the increasing number of women entrepreneurs, many continue to face barriers in accessing finance, mentorship, and business support services. The Standard Chartered Women in Tech Incubator seeks to bridge these gaps by equipping women founders with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to scale impactful businesses. By supporting women-led innovation, the programme contributes to job creation, economic inclusion, and sustainable development in South Africa and beyond.