Applications Open for SheConnects Digital Accelerator Program in India: Grants, Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply
Women-led organisations, startups, social enterprises, non-profits, and innovation-driven institutions working to improve digital inclusion now have an exciting funding opportunity as applications are open for the SheConnects Digital Accelerator Program in India. Supported by the Reliance Foundation in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, the initiative aims to identify and scale innovative digital solutions that empower women and girls across India.
The SheConnects Digital Accelerator is a â‚ą200 crore initiative that seeks to bridge the digital gender divide by supporting evidence-backed projects capable of improving women's access to digital technologies, financial inclusion, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and livelihood opportunities. Over the next three years, the accelerator will provide funding, technical support, mentoring, and opportunities for knowledge sharing to organisations developing scalable digital solutions.
Whether your organisation is working in digital literacy, AI-powered education, fintech, agriculture technology, health technology, or women entrepreneurship, this programme could provide the resources needed to expand your impact nationwide.
SheConnects Digital Accelerator 2026: Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | SheConnects Digital Accelerator |
| Supported By | Reliance Foundation & Gates Foundation |
| Initiative Size | â‚ą200 Crore |
| Focus | Women's Digital Inclusion |
| Eligible Applicants | NGOs, Startups, Social Enterprises, Academic Institutions, Partnerships |
| Support Offered | Grants, Technical Assistance, Mentorship, Knowledge Sharing |
| Coverage | India |
| Mode of Application | Online |
What is the SheConnects Digital Accelerator?
The SheConnects Digital Accelerator is a large-scale initiative designed to support organisations developing innovative digital solutions that improve the lives of women and girls. Rather than funding ideas at an early stage, the programme focuses on proven, evidence-backed solutions that have already demonstrated measurable impact and are ready to scale.
The programme seeks to reduce barriers that prevent women from accessing digital technologies, online education, financial services, healthcare information, government schemes, and employment opportunities.
According to the organisers, the accelerator also aims to promote South-South collaboration, enabling organisations in India and Sub-Saharan Africa to share successful digital inclusion models and best practices.
Objectives of the Programme
The accelerator has three primary goals:
- Scale high-impact digital solutions that empower women.
- Strengthen evidence on what works in advancing women's digital inclusion.
- Promote collaboration and knowledge exchange between organisations working in similar areas.
Ultimately, the initiative contributes to the global goal of significantly reducing the digital gender gap by 2030.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are expected from organisations that have demonstrated impact and are ready to expand their digital initiatives.
Eligible applicants may include:
- Registered Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
- Social Enterprises
- Women-led Startups
- Technology Companies
- Academic Institutions
- Research Organisations
- Non-profit Foundations
- Consortiums and Partnerships
Applicants should have experience implementing programmes that improve women's access to digital technologies or services.
Focus Areas
The accelerator encourages projects that use technology to improve women's lives across multiple sectors.
Priority areas include:
Digital Literacy
Projects helping women learn smartphone usage, internet skills, digital safety, and online services.
Financial Inclusion
Digital payment solutions, banking access, fintech innovations, and financial education.
Healthcare
Telemedicine, maternal healthcare platforms, digital health records, nutrition awareness, and health information systems.
Education
Online learning platforms, AI-powered learning tools, digital classrooms, and skill development programmes.
Livelihoods
Digital employment, e-commerce, entrepreneurship, freelancing platforms, and business training.
Agriculture
Digital farming solutions, market access platforms, weather information systems, and agricultural advisory services.
Benefits of Joining the Accelerator
Selected organisations can receive multiple forms of support beyond financial assistance.
These include:
- Grant funding for scaling proven solutions
- Technical advisory support
- Strategic mentoring
- Capacity-building programmes
- Networking opportunities
- Collaboration with national and international organisations
- Exposure to global digital inclusion initiatives
- Knowledge-sharing platforms
The programme focuses on helping organisations achieve sustainable growth while expanding their reach to more women and girls.
Grant Support
While the India-specific funding for individual organisations will depend on project requirements, the overall initiative has a budget of â‚ą200 crore over three years to support digital inclusion programmes in India and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Funding decisions are expected to consider:
- Proven impact
- Scalability
- Innovation
- Sustainability
- Geographic reach
- Potential to reduce the digital gender gap
Selection Criteria
Applications will likely be evaluated based on:
- Innovation
- Measurable impact
- Scalability
- Sustainability
- Team capability
- Evidence supporting previous success
- Potential to reach underserved women
Projects demonstrating real-world outcomes rather than pilot concepts are expected to receive preference.
Why Women's Digital Inclusion Matters
Although India has made remarkable progress in digital infrastructure through initiatives such as Digital India, significant gender disparities remain in digital access.
Many women continue to face barriers including:
- Limited smartphone ownership
- Poor internet connectivity
- Lack of digital skills
- Financial constraints
- Social and cultural restrictions
- Limited access to online government services
Bridging these gaps can significantly improve education, employment, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and financial independence for millions of women.
How to Apply
Interested organisations should:
- Visit the official SheConnects Digital Accelerator application portal once applications are announced.
- Register the organisation.
- Complete the online application form.
- Provide organisational details.
- Explain the proposed digital solution.
- Upload supporting documents.
- Submit evidence demonstrating previous impact.
- Submit the application before the prescribed deadline.
Applicants should carefully review the programme guidelines to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements.
Documents Required
Organisations may be required to submit:
- Registration Certificate
- PAN Card
- GST Details (if applicable)
- Annual Reports
- Financial Statements
- Project Proposal
- Impact Reports
- Team Profiles
- Bank Details
- Supporting Documentation
Why This Programme is Important
India has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing digital economies. However, millions of women still remain excluded from digital opportunities due to affordability, accessibility, literacy, and social barriers.
The SheConnects Digital Accelerator seeks to address these challenges by investing in organisations that have already demonstrated successful solutions. By helping such organisations expand nationally, the programme aims to improve access to digital services for women while contributing to inclusive economic growth.
The initiative also strengthens collaboration between India and Sub-Saharan Africa, encouraging the exchange of successful digital inclusion models that can be adapted across different regions.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve their chances by:
- Demonstrating measurable impact with data.
- Clearly explaining how the solution benefits women and girls.
- Presenting a realistic scaling strategy.
- Providing evidence of sustainability.
- Highlighting partnerships and previous achievements.
- Including testimonials or independent evaluations where available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the SheConnects Digital Accelerator?
It is a digital inclusion initiative supported by Reliance Foundation and the Gates Foundation that aims to scale proven digital solutions empowering women and girls in India.
Who can apply?
Eligible organisations include NGOs, social enterprises, startups, academic institutions, research organisations, and mission-driven partnerships working on women's digital empowerment.
What kind of support is provided?
Selected organisations may receive grant funding, mentoring, technical assistance, capacity-building support, and opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
What sectors are covered?
The programme supports digital solutions in education, healthcare, financial inclusion, agriculture, entrepreneurship, livelihoods, and digital literacy.
What is the size of the initiative?
The SheConnects Digital Accelerator is a â‚ą200 crore initiative that will support women's digital inclusion efforts over the next three years.
