Women from across South Asia have been selected as the winners of the Unlock Her Future Prize 2025, a global initiative recognising innovators leading solutions to some of the region’s most urgent social issues. Representing India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, the winners are tackling challenges ranging from access to clean water and inclusive education to community health and food insecurity.
The Prize, run by The Bicester Collection as part of its philanthropic programme Do Good, aims to support women-led start-ups developing scalable solutions that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While women play a critical role in driving social change worldwide, research continues to show they receive disproportionately limited access to funding and entrepreneurial support. The Unlock Her Future Prize seeks to address that imbalance.
Launched in the Middle East and North Africa in 2022 and expanded to Latin America in 2023, the initiative has now reached its third edition, shining a spotlight on South Asia. Supported by Ashoka and endorsed by UN Women, the competition has so far attracted applicants from 39 countries, contributing ideas linked to 16 SDGs, and has distributed more than US$600,000 in funding to women-led ventures.
This year’s judging panel — which included business leaders, academics and media figures — praised the strength and urgency of the South Asian entries and unanimously selected six winners who they described as “driving change at the frontlines of society”.
The 2025 Winners:
- Amritha Krishnamoorthy (India) – Stepping Stones Centre
Transforming education and therapy for children with autism and developmental disabilities, ensuring children are not excluded from learning. (SDG 4 – Quality Education) - Jhillika Trisal (India) – Cognitii
Combining artificial intelligence with human expertise to improve access to specialist education for children with learning needs. (SDG 4 – Quality Education) - Sophiya Tamang (Nepal) – Idea to Impact
Reducing food waste and malnutrition through fruit purees made from surplus produce, while supporting women farmers and sustainable agriculture. (SDG 2 – Zero Hunger) - Nida Yousaf Sheikh (Pakistan) – H2O Technologies
Producing clean drinking water from air humidity to help communities facing climate-driven water scarcity. (SDG 6 – Clean Water & Sanitation) - Nishat Anjum Palka (Bangladesh) – Mommykidz
A stigma-free digital space offering trusted health support for women and parents, putting well-being within reach. (SDG 3 – Health & Well-Being) - Yangchen Dolkar Dorji (Bhutan) – LEAD+
Strengthening women-led and grassroots businesses with mentoring, funding and market access to reduce inequality. (SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities)
Each winner will receive up to US$100,000 in funding, alongside access to mentoring, media training and leadership development. They will also receive academic support from the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, including mentoring and access to its global entrepreneurship network.
This year’s edition also reflects long-standing ties between the UK and South Asian diasporas, with the awards returning to Bicester Village as The Bicester Collection marks its 30th anniversary. Organisers say the milestone reinforces their belief that the private sector has a responsibility to invest in social progress.
Chantal Khoueiry, Chief Culture Officer at The Bicester Collection, said: “From 2,400 applicants to 11 exceptional finalists and now our winners each reminds us that behind every number is a story of courage, creativity and determination. They prove why investing in women matters. Progress is meaningful only when it unlocks opportunity for others.”
The Prize has set its sights next on East and South-East Asia in 2026, expanding to 15 new countries including Japan, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam. Organisers hope this continued growth will help more women access the resources they need to turn powerful ideas into lasting impact.
