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ABout the Challenge

The Center for Advancing Innovation has launched the Fempower Startup Challenge with a mission to empower women to pursue new entrepreneurial ventures, coach women to become leaders in their field, and establish a support ecosystem for women-led startups. The Fempower Challenge is looking for women across the globe that want to become empowered in their existing business and business goals by receiving advice and free training (upon acceptance) from world-class female founders and business leaders.

In addition to expert advice and free entrepreneurial training, Fempower Startup Challenge accepted applicants will receive invaluable networking, launch marketing assistance and advice, enrollment in CAI's recognized accelerator program, and exclusive webinars from top industry professionals, and funding. To learn more about the invaluable experiences shared by female participants and winners of past challenges, orchestrated by the Center for Advancing Innovation, please click here

both a challenge and an accelerator...

bEcome #Fempowered

How can you Participate?

Role	Participation	Time Commitment
Ambassador	Organize Regional Ecosystem Groups; Receive Equity in Startups	4 Hours / Month
Team Participant	Prepare Deliverables; Compete in Challenge for Funding and Technology	10-20 Hours / Week
Cheerleader	Help Spread the Word to Recruit Teams!	Variable
Mentor	Closely Coach and Mentor 1 or more Teams in Challenge	2-4 Hours / Month
Advisor	Provide Subject Matter Expertise on a Specific Topic	1-2 Hours Total
Judge	Evaluate Teams Related to a Specific Invention	8 Hours / Invention
Sponsor	Sponsor Events/Challenge/Teams	Variable

How it Works

Who Is Eligible?

Background: Participants can come from any background - Academia, Industry, Government, etc.
Team Leader: Teams must be women-led
Team Size: As large as the team lead decides; the minimum team size is two people
Type of Team: Teams may be formed out of an organization, startup, or on an individual basis
Disciplines: We recommend teams be cross-functional: business, medical/scientific, and entrepreneurial disciplines; computer science and/or engineering expertise optional
Recommended Team Members: Include seasoned entrepreneurs, mentors, and advisors from industry or academia
Geography: This team is open to international participation; there are no geographic restrictions
Start-up: Teams must have the intent of creating a startup for the Challenge

Incentives - Why JoiN Fempower?

Accelerator Training

Learn about business planning and strategy from our world class consulting experts

Expand Your Network

Network with participants from various branches and communities of the industry

Support and Mentorship

Receive personalized feedback, advice, and guidance from our advisors and mentors

Media Coverage

Receive unprecedented media attention from news outlets, journals, and the White House

Prizes and Pitching

Win thousands in cash prizes and potential to pitch for startup seed funding*

Start a Company

Start a new career and join the ranks of the next generation of technology entrepreneurs

In addition to the licensing opportunity, Fempower participants will receive invaluable networking, marketing assistance, enrollment in CAI's recognized accelerator program, mentorship from experts, and exclusive webinars from top industry professionals. Fempower winners will get access to these valuable resources and more beyond the challenge. Once a winner of a CAI challenge, always a winner of a CAI challenge! To learn more about the invaluable experiences, shared by participants and winners of our past challenges, please click here

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