Bayer Foundation Recognizes 15 Women Entrepreneurs Tackling Global Healthcare and Food Security Issues

Bayer Foundation Backs Women Entrepreneurs in Global Health and Food Solutions

The Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award (BFWEA) has made strides in supporting women innovators from diverse regions including Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. This year, the program has honored 15 women entrepreneurs who are actively working on pressing challenges related to healthcare and food security.

The Urgent Need for Innovative Solutions

According to the United Nations and the World Health Organization, around 295 million people worldwide suffer from acute hunger, while approximately 2.33 billion endure food insecurity. These alarming statistics highlight the critical demand for effective and scalable solutions that can make a difference in the lives of millions. The BFWEA aims to address these issues by showcasing innovative women who play a crucial role in bringing change.

Recognizing Talent and Impact

Selected from a competitive pool of 1,763 applicants from 117 countries, the 2025 awardees are introducing a range of innovative approaches. Their endeavors include developments in AI-powered health diagnostics, climate-resilient farming techniques, community-led nutrition initiatives, and strategies that promote sustainable practices through a circular economy.

Since its establishment in 2021, the BFWEA has supported women entrepreneurs like those recognized this year. Collectively, the winner cohorts from 2024 and 2025 have successfully impacted 3.68 million individuals by improving healthcare access and assisting over 69,000 smallholder farmers, generating approximately $3.93 million in additional income for rural communities.

Chitkala Kalidas, the Executive Director of the Bayer Foundation, shared: "We believe in the transformative power of social entrepreneurs to drive systemic change. To support their journey, we offer a multifaceted approach that includes funding, knowledge-sharing, strategic connections, and increased visibility."

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Despite women contributing significantly to GDP in emerging markets and influencing global consumer behavior, barriers still exist. The World Economic Forum indicates that many women entrepreneurs face challenges in accessing capital, mentorship, and broader visibility. The BFWEA tackles these obstacles by providing each winner with a €25,000 cash prize, a six-month Accelerator Program, mentorship opportunities, and access to a global network through the Impact Hub Network.

"Through our partnership with Impact Hub, we connect entrepreneurs to resources and networks that enhance their impact. This approach not only addresses local health and food challenges but also fosters sustainable innovation ecosystems," Kalidas noted.

Proven Success and Growth

Since the Award's initiation in 2021, it has helped 55 women entrepreneurs whose ventures have demonstrated measurable progress in addressing health and food security issues. In the year 2024 alone, past winners reported an average revenue growth of 84% in just six months, showcasing the remarkable potential that resources, support networks, and visibility can unlock for women entrepreneurs aiming to lead significant change.

The 2025 award cohort builds upon this success by focusing on systemic challenges while providing solutions designed for a global impact. Detailed profiles of the 15 winners are available at bayerfoundation-wea.com.

Annual White Paper on Women Entrepreneurs

Each year, the Bayer Foundation also publishes a white paper addressing the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These papers provide powerful insights into areas where support is most needed, and the 2025 Bayer Foundation White Paper will no doubt continue this important discourse.

In summary, the Bayer Foundation is driving social innovation by actively investing in entrepreneurs and organizations that promote health and food security, thereby contributing to transformative ecosystems for underrepresented communities in need.