Hello!
If you are a young woman (18-25) leading a tech project—whether you are teaching digital skills in your community, building an app for social good, or advocating for online safety—you need to check this out! The ITU Gender Champions Programme is an incredible opportunity to take your work to a global stage. Not only do you get an all-expenses-paid trip to Geneva for the AI for Good Summit, but you'll also be plugged into a massive network of international policymakers and tech leaders. It's highly competitive (they are only picking up to four champions globally), but if you have a track record of using tech to empower women and girls, this could be life-changing. Get your application in! 🌍💻🚀
📝 ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027
🏆 Name of the Competition: ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027
🎯 Aim: To support and elevate young women who are already using technology and digital innovation to advance inclusion, bridge the gender digital divide, and create positive change in their communities.
📍 Organizer: International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with support from Australia and Women's WorldWide Web (W4).
☝️ Focus (Core Tracks): The programme focuses on how technology is used to create measurable change. Relevant areas of work include:
Digital Skills & Literacy: Teaching tech skills to women and girls.
Connectivity & Access: Expanding internet access and bridging the digital divide.
Tech for Social Good: Artificial intelligence, online safety, cybersecurity awareness, digital health, and supporting women/girls in STEM.
💸 Prize Fund & Support:
Global Summit Participation: Fully funded trip to participate in the prestigious AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland (June 21–25, 2027).
Travel & Accommodation: Covers round-trip economy airfare, accommodation in Geneva, and a daily subsistence allowance.
Global Network Access: Opportunities to connect with technology experts, policymakers, and innovators on a global platform.
Potential Project Support: Subject to funding, selected champions may receive additional support to implement or strengthen their community-level digital inclusion projects.
✅ Who can apply?
Target Group: Young women changemakers aged 18 to 25 at the time of application.
Readiness: Must already be using technology or digital innovation to create positive change and demonstrate leadership in addressing the gender digital divide.
Geographic Scope: Global (applicants must be nationals of countries within ITU's regional groups, which covers Africa, Americas, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, and CIS). Up to 4 participants will be selected for this cohort.
Cost: 100% free (zero application fees).
📅 Deadlines (2027 Cohort):
Application Deadline: November 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CET)
Cohort Announced: March 8, 2027
AI for Good Global Summit: June 21–25, 2027 (Geneva, Switzerland)
I wish you much success with your applications!
See you next time! :)
Best,
Bartosz and Hannah
About The Bootstrap Insider
The Bootstrap Insider is a newsletter that helps startups discover and apply for pitch competitions, ensuring they never miss out on valuable opportunities. It addresses the problem of missed funding and exposure chances due to lack of information. Created by Bartosz Kajdas, an experienced entrepreneur, venture builder and Pitchtrainer, the platform leverages his expertise to provide timely and relevant updates.
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