--- title: "Financial Times and Seedstars announce finalists of FTxSDG Challenge\u2019s $500K funding prize" url: https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/financial-times-and-seedstars-announce-finalists-of-ftxsdg-challenges-500k-funding-prize/ --- 1. [HOME](/) 2. [RESOURCES](/content-hub/) 3. [NEWSROOM](/content-hub/newsroom/) 4. FINANCIAL TIMES AND SEEDSTARS ANNOUNCE FINALISTS OF FTXSDG CHALLENGE’S $500K FUNDING PRIZE ![Finalists of FTxSDG Challenge](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/FT_x_SDG_LinkedIn_banner.max-1500x500.png) GLOBAL • OTHER ## Financial Times and Seedstars announce finalists of FTxSDG Challenge’s $500K funding prize Seedstars Global DECEMBER 17, 2021 [Financial Times](https://www.ft.com/home-beta) and [Seedstars](http://seedstars.com/) announce the startup finalists advancing to the [FTxSDG Challenge](http://fttalent.ft.com/ftxseedstars/) finale for a chance to win $500K in funding among other prizes. Winners will be announced through a live broadcast on December 17, 1PM CET. Watch the finale by signing up here: [http://FTtalent.ft.com/ftxseedstars/](http://fttalent.ft.com/ftxseedstars/) #### WRITTEN BY ![None](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/seedstars-black.max-376x376.png) Seedstars Global [CONTACT US](/contact-us/) The FTxSDG Challenge was launched to find impact-driven entrepreneurs and ventures creating innovative solutions from over 90 markets around the world. A new dimension of the startup competition is the alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The focus on the SDGs aims to bring awareness to global problems, while also empowering entrepreneurs who are creating solutions that can address these issues. The event brings together early-stage startups from emerging markets and individual entrepreneurs working in groups to solve real challenges for the different themes. From over 4,500 applications, there were 2000 selected candidates who had the opportunity to access Investment Readiness Sessions and Seedstars’ tech perks. From there, only 30 startups will have the chance to pitch their solutions for one of the following six SDGs: * SDG 4: Quality Education (supported by the School of Management Fribourg ([HEG-FR](https://www.heg-fr.ch/en/))) * SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities * SDG 5: Gender Equality * SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing * SDG 8: Good Jobs & Economic Growth * SDG 13: Climate Action The FTxSDG Challenge brings a five-day event beginning on the 13th of December that will lead up to the winner announcement on the 17th. Viewers can tune in to catch two days of expert panel discussions on each of the SDGs in focus. Each panel will include expert speakers including global thought-leaders and impact creation experts who’ll discuss how innovation and technology can solve the most critical issues around the world. The full list of all of the speakers can be found [here](https://ftxchallenge.com/ftxseedstars/speakers). The startup finalists for this year’s FTxSDF Challenge per SDG are the following: * **Gender Equality:** Babybliss, Mujer Financiera, SHEROES, Pinky Promise, and Momby * **Climate Action:** Kudoti, Ualabee, SafEarth, Ghoom.bike, and ePioneers * **Quality Education:** Mohirdev, AlGooru, Anthem, Unschool, and Edu2Review * **Good Jobs and Economic Growth:** ChapChap, trii, Metabeta, mBolsa, and HintEd * **Reduced Inequalities:** abela.app, Tulix App, duhqa, Evolve Credit, TiendAPP * **Good Health and Wellbeing:** 360Moms, medl, Sila Health, InstaCare, and Cogni Each company will have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of experts, namely: * **Gender Equality:** Seedstars, Partnerships for the SDGs, Romulo Navarette; Global Ventures, Principal, Sacha Haider; and IDB Invest Consultant in Gender Equity and Women's Empowerment Jimena Serrano. * **Climate Action:** Seedstars, Head Of Partnerships (Asia-Pacific), Anurag Maloo; CTCN, Director at UN Climate Technology Centre and Network, Rose Mwebaza; DFC, Deputy Chief Climate Officer at U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, Aparna Shrivastava; and Prosus, Investor, Ting Ting Liu. * **Quality Education:** Seedstars, Investment Manager, Konstantin Hapkemeyer; UNICEF, Adolescent Development Manager, Marcy Levy; and GSV Ventures, Partner, Luben Pampoulov. * **Good Jobs and Economic Growth:** Seedstars, Chief Investment Officer, Charlie Graham-Brown; GIZ, Director Economic and Social Development, Digitalisation, Dr. Axel Klaphake; Click Ventures, Founder and Managing Partner, Carman Chan; and BFA Global, Senior Venture Builder, Maxime Bayen. * **Reduced Inequalities:** Seedstars, Growth & Acceleration Program Manager, Eugenia Shevchenko; DOB EquityImpact Investors, Shawn Pantophlet; and Bethnal Green Ventures, Partner, Dama Sathianathan. * **Good Health and Wellbeing:** Seedstars, Investment Manager, Sebastian Molina Gasman; IFC, Sr. Operations Officer - Global Lead, Entrepreneurship and Inclusive Business, Heather Kipnis; and Ataraxia VC, Chief Operating Partner, Neha Tanna M.D. Only six startups will be announced as the FTxSDG Challenge Global Winners. They will be accelerated to the Seedstars International Fund where they’ll have the chance to secure up to $500K in funding, as well as receive access to the Seedstars Growth Program, and a visibility package from the Financial Times. To watch the FTxSDG Challenge Finale week, you can register for the event for free here: [http://FTtalent.ft.com/ftxseedstars/](http://fttalent.ft.com/ftxseedstars/). *** **ABOUT SEEDSTARS** _" They tried to bury us, they didn’t know we were seeds." \- Mexican proverb_ [Seedstars](http://seedstars.com/) is a Swiss-based private group with a mission to impact people’s lives in emerging markets through technology and entrepreneurship. The group’s activities cover over 90 emerging entrepreneurial ecosystems through a variety of initiatives such as the [FTxSDG Challenge](https://fttalent.ft.com/ftxseedstars/), previously known as the [Seedstars World Competition](http://bit.ly/1Mbf7NC), which is the largest entrepreneurship competition in emerging markets; [Seedstars International](https://www.seedstars.com/funds/international/), a global venture capital fund for seed stage startups, [Seedstars Programs](https://www.seedstars.com/programs/) that are designed to support entrepreneurs in varying stages of growth via training, education, mentoring, and access to resources; [Seedstars 01](https://www.seedstars.com/programs/01/), a talent incubator providing digital skills and startup-based immersive education for the next generation of changemakers and [Seedspace](https://www.seedspace.co/), physical coworking spaces and hubs located in 15 countries. For more information, visit [www.seedstars.com](http://www.seedstars.com/). **ABOUT FT TALENT** The FT Talent Challenge is a series of international events. FT Talent selects the most innovative and diverse individuals from thousands of international applicants for a multiple-day challenge experience, giving them a chance to understand and challenge the existing ecosystem and benefit from FT and partner expert insights alongside invited guests. The challenge helps foster new creative thinking, develop potential solutions to strategic business issues and stimulate disruption within the business ecosystem. **ABOUT FINANCIAL TIMES** The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading business news organizations, recognised internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy. The FT has a record paying readership of more than one million, three-quarters of which are digital subscriptions. It is part of Nikkei Inc., which provides a broad range of information, news and services for the global business community. **CONTACT** For Media requests, please contact: media@seedstars.com. NEWS / BLOGPOST GLOBAL OTHER ## More like this [ ![None](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/istanbul.max-320x550.jpg) MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA • #### Turkey's founders move from phones to factories Aug. 03, 2026 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/beyond-valley/turkeys-founders-move-from-phones-to-factories/) [ ![None](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/istanbul.max-320x550.jpg) MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA • #### Building a Resilient Tech Ecosystem in the West Bank and Gaza Jun. 09, 2026 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/beyond-valley/building-resilient-tech-ecosystem-west-bank-and-gaza/) [ ![Why Moldova’s best startups look global from day one](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Why_Moldovas_best_startups_look_global_from_.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • #### Why Moldova’s best startups look global from day one Some Moldovan startups register a company in Estonia before they ever talk to an investor. Mar. 23, 2026 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/why-moldovas-best-startups-look-global-from-day-one/) [ ![Building under pressure: how Palestine’s startup ecosystem is learning to scale](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Building_under_pressure_-_how_Palestines_sta.max-320x550.jpg) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • #### Building under pressure: how Palestine’s startup ecosystem is learning to scale Founders in the West Bank and Gaza build in fragments. Power cuts, travel limits, and blocked payments are part of the job. Out of that reality, a distinct tech scene has taken shape that works lean, tests quickly, and looks outward for growth. Nov. 12, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/palestine-startup-ecosystem-learning-how-to-scale/) [ ![How Morocco is turning steady signals into a real startup story](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/How_Morocco_is_turning_steady_signals_into_a.max-320x550.jpg) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • #### How Morocco is turning steady signals into a real startup story Morocco’s startup ecosystem is finding its rhythm. After a quiet 2023, founders and investors regained momentum. Startups in the country raised around 70 million USD across 40 deals in 2024 - almost double the previous year, according to Africa: The Oct. 12, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/how-morocco-turning-steady-signals-into-real-startup-story/) [ ![These 12 Jordanian startups are solving problems across the Arab world](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/These_12_Jordanian_startups_are_solving_prob.max-320x550.jpg) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • #### These 12 Jordanian startups are solving problems across the Arab world Jordan has positioned itself as one of the Middle East's most efficient startup ecosystems. While the Kingdom represents just 3% of the region's population, Jordanian entrepreneurs have achieved remarkable influence across the Middle East. Oct. 03, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/12-jordanian-startups-solving-problems-across-arab-world/) [ ![Six Georgian startups you should know about](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Six_Georgian_startups_you_should_know_about_.max-320x550.jpg) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • #### Six Georgian startups you should know about Georgia’s tech ecosystem has been growing quietly beyond its early fintech reputation. The small Caucasus nation has built one of Europe’s most business-friendly environments, and it is starting to show. Sep. 17, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/six-georgian-startups-you-should-know-about/) [ ![Azerbaijan's practical approach to building a tech hub](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Azerbaijan_practical_approach_to_building_a_.max-320x550.jpg) ASIA • #### Azerbaijan's practical approach to building a tech hub While Silicon Valley startups chase the next consumer app, Azerbaijan's entrepreneurs are solving a more fundamental problem: building the digital backbone that businesses across the region desperately need to operate. Sep. 04, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/azerbaijan-practical-approach-building-tech-hub/) [ ![Lebanon's startup scene is built for global markets](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Lebanon-startup-scene-is-built-for-global-ma.max-320x550.jpg) ASIA • #### Lebanon's startup scene is built for global markets Lebanon's startup ecosystem operates on a fundamentally different premise than most tech hubs. While entrepreneurs in larger markets might spend years perfecting their domestic strategy, Lebanese founders incorporate abroad and sketch international e Aug. 04, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/lebanon-startup-scene-built-for-global-markets/) [ ![How Armenia built an ecosystem bigger than its borders](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/How_Armenia_built_an_ecosystem_bigger_than_i.max-320x550.jpg) ASIA • #### How Armenia built an ecosystem bigger than its borders Armenia has quietly built one of the region's most sophisticated startup ecosystems. The country's tech diaspora, with deep Silicon Valley roots, gives it an edge that neighboring countries can't easily replicate. Aug. 01, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/armenia-built-an-ecosystem-bigger-than-its-borders/) [ ![How Mongolia's landlocked startup scene is thriving](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Seedstars_Website_-_Life_content_-_Thumbnail.max-320x550.jpg) ASIA • #### How Mongolia's landlocked startup scene is thriving When you think of Mongolia, startup innovation probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But this landlocked country is quietly building something unexpected: a tech ecosystem that's learned to turn geographic constraints into creative advan Jul. 29, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/mongolia-landlocked-startup-scene-thriving/) [ ![Innovation under pressure: How Ukraine’s tech sector defies odds](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumbnailukraineblogpost210525.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • #### Innovation under pressure: How Ukraine’s tech sector defies odds Ukraine's tech sector thrives amid challenges, developing resilient solutions that work in any conditions. See how innovation under pressure creates technology the world needs. May. 21, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/innovation-under-pressure-how-ukraines-tech-sector-defies-odds/) [ ![How agricultural innovation is shaping up in Eastern Europe and Central Asia](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/020525THUMBNAIL.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • AGRICULTURE #### How agricultural innovation is shaping up in Eastern Europe and Central Asia Agritech startups in Eastern Europe and Central Asia are transforming farming with local innovations tackling drought, resource limits, and climate change. May. 02, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/how-agricultural-innovation-shaping-eastern-europe-and-central-asia/) [ ![How Egypt is moving from hypergrowth to sustainable innovation](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/lifearticle0404thumbnailphoto.max-320x550.png) MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA • #### How Egypt is moving from hypergrowth to sustainable innovation Egypt's startup ecosystem shifts from hypergrowth to sustainable innovation, with founders focusing on profitability and efficiency amid changing investment standards and government support. Apr. 04, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/how-egypt-is-moving-from-hypergrowth-to-sustainable-nnovation/) [ ![Círculo de Crédito anuncia nueva alianza con Seedstars para fortalecer su brazo de Corporate Venture](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumb240325.max-320x550.png) LATIN AMERICA • TECHNOLOGY #### Círculo de Crédito anuncia nueva alianza con Seedstars para fortalecer su brazo de Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) Círculo de Crédito, sociedad de información crediticia líder en México, está impulsando la innovación tecnológica a través de su brazo de Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) para promover la innovación y el desarrollo tecnológico en el ecosistema de conf Mar. 24, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/c%C3%ADrculo-de-cr%C3%A9dito-anuncia-nueva-alianza-con-seedstars-para-fortalecer-su-brazo-de-corporate-venture-capital-cvc/) [ ![Meet the startups modernizing Kazakhstan's tech lands](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/THUMBNAILLIFE0703ARTICLELIFE.max-320x550.png) ASIA • #### Meet the startups modernizing Kazakhstan's tech lands Kazakhstan's tech startups are revolutionizing infrastructure and services across the vast country, creating innovative solutions to modernize essential systems despite formidable geographic challenges. Mar. 07, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/meet-startups-modernizing-kazakhstans-tech-lands/) [ ![Tajikistan is building its digital foundations](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/lifearticlethumb270225tajikisatn.max-320x550.png) ASIA • #### Tajikistan is building its digital foundations Tajikistan's entrepreneurs focus on building essential digital infrastructure, transforming access to services in a country where internet reaches just less than half of the population. Feb. 27, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/tajikistan-is-building-its-digital-foundations/) [ ![How Belarusian tech talent is reshaping Eastern Europe's digital future](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/100225lifebelarusarticle.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • #### How Belarusian tech talent is reshaping Eastern Europe's digital future Discover how Belarusian tech companies' migration to Poland and Lithuania is creating new innovation hubs and transforming Eastern Europe's digital landscape with global ambitions. Feb. 10, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/how-belarusian-tech-talent-reshaping-eastern-europes-digital-future/) [ ![How Moldova is building its tech hub](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumbnailmoldova070225.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • #### How Moldova is building its tech hub Moldova emerges as a pragmatic tech hub, with local startups solving real-world problems through practical innovation. Learn how its strategic location and incentives are attracting tech talent. Feb. 07, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/cares/how-moldova-building-its-tech-hub/) [ ![Beyond the Valley](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/lifearticle050225thumb.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • #### Beyond the Valley Discover the hidden tech ecosystems of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, where entrepreneurs are building crucial solutions that transform how millions live and work. Feb. 05, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/beyond-valley/) [ ![iGravity and Seedstars Join Forces to Manage the SECO Startup Fund](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/article310125_thumbnail.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • #### iGravity and Seedstars Join Forces to Manage the SECO Startup Fund iGravity and Seedstars are proud to announce their engagement as managers of the SECO Startup Fund (SSF), marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the initiative Jan. 31, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/igravity-and-seedstars-join-forces-manage-seco-startup-fund/) [ ![Africa Investment Forum 2024 Market Days: Seedstars Africa Ventures I announces $42m first close](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/article6122thumbnail.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • #### Africa Investment Forum 2024 Market Days: Seedstars Africa Ventures I announces $42m first close Seedstars Africa Ventures I, a venture capital fund making early-stage investments in highly scalable start-ups in Africa, has achieved a first close of $42 million, with participation from the African Development Bank, EIB Global with the support of Dec. 06, 2024 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/africa-investment-forum-2024-market-days-seedstars-africa-ventures-i-announces-42m-first-close/) [ ![Seedstars and Visa Foundation announce first cohort of SEED Inclusivity Program supporting entrepren](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/51224_thumbnailphoto.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • #### Seedstars and Visa Foundation announce first cohort of SEED Inclusivity Program supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities in Asia Seedstars and Visa Foundation select 15 innovative disability-focused startups across Asia for SEED Inclusivity Program, supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities and assistive tech. Dec. 05, 2024 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/seedstars-and-visa-foundation-announce-first-cohort-seed-inclusivity-program-supporting-entrepreneurs-disabilities-asia/) [ ![Financial Solutions for Migrant Women Report 2024](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/report20241911seedstrarsthumbnail.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • OTHER #### Financial Solutions for Migrant Women Report 2024 With nearly half of the world's 280 million international migrants being women, their financial inclusion represents both a crucial development challenge and a significant market opportunity Nov. 19, 2024 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/insights/financial-solutions-for-migran-women-report-2024/) --- ## Sitemap - [Sitemap](https://www.seedstars.com/sitemap.md): every public page on this site - [llms.txt](https://www.seedstars.com/llms.txt): what Seedstars does and where to start