The EQUALS in Tech Awards, first held in 2014, recognise programmes, products and services that use technology to improve the lives of women and girls. They are run each year by the EQUALS Global Partnership, founded by ITU, UN Women, the International Trade Centre, GSMA and United Nations University.
Organisations anywhere enter one ongoing initiative in one of three 2027 categories: Emerging Tech for Inclusion, Digital Skills & Leadership Pathways, and Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces.
Benefits & funding
- Recognition from a global, multisector partnership; no prize money is stated.
- Entry into the EQUALS community and its network of entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and agency leaders.
- EQUALS often asks winners to promote their work through its channels.
- No fee to apply.
Eligibility
- Open worldwide to organisations: NGOs and civil society, government bodies, international organisations, academic and research institutions, companies, multi-stakeholder initiatives, social enterprises and ventures.
- Each entry covers one specific programme, initiative or project; entries for an organisation as a whole are not accepted.
- The initiative must still be running when you apply; one that started years ago qualifies if it has not ended.
- One category per application; each further initiative needs its own application.
- Past finalists may apply again.
Can you apply?
Check who can apply
No nationality, residency, education, experience, gender or age limit is listed. The other conditions are under Eligibility.
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Pick the one category that fits the initiative.
- 2Complete the online application form linked from the awards page.
- 3Submit by 7 November 2026, 23:59 CET; late entries are not considered.
- 4Experts review entries; the EQUALS Programmes Committee picks finalists and winners, and the Secretariat contacts them directly.
Program timeline
Applications open
Oct 7, 2026
Deadline, 23:59 CET
Nov 7, 2026
Not yet published
finalists and winners (the 2026 winners were announced at MWC 2026 on 3 March 2026)