April 30th, 2025 – Bangkok, Thailand – Cartier Women’s Initiative (CWI), a global initiative that supports women entrepreneurs who are committed to making a positive social and environmental impact, is announcing its call for applications for the 2026 edition of Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, opening now until June 24th, 2025. Applications can be downloaded, and more information can be found on the Cartier Women’s Initiative website: www.cartierwomensinitiative.com. Women impact entrepreneurs who have established and operated businesses in Thailand are eligible to apply for the program in two categories: the Regional Award (Thailand is listed as South and Central Asia) and the Thematic Award in the Science and Technology Pioneers category. The awards will be announced and presented in 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Marking its 20th anniversary in 2026, the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards (CWI) is accepting applications for its global program, set to be hosted for the first time in Thailand. The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards serves as an opportunity for business leaders and entrepreneurs who are purpose-driven, meet at least one of the United Nations’ sustainability goals, and are in their early business stages (1-6 years). Applicants must have at least one year of operating results and a self-sustaining business model for impact businesses. This means that the company can operate sustainably on its own while also responding to various social issues, including environmental concerns.
The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards 2026 are divided into ten award categories, each with three honorees, for a total of 30 entrepreneurs from 30 impact businesses. The details include:
Awards that categorize entrepreneurs according to the geographical area in which they operate their businesses
- 9 Regional Awards: 1) Latin America and the Caribbean; 2) North America; 3) Europe; 4) Francophone Africa, South of the Sahara; 5) Africa, English-speaking and Portuguese-speaking countries; 6) Middle East and North Africa; 7) East Asia; 8) South and Central Asia; and 9) Oceania.
*Thailand is categorized as South and Central Asia
Specialized awards for entrepreneurs worldwide
- Thematic Award: The Pioneer Award in Science and Technology, which recognizes those who have created outstanding scientific or technological innovations to address global changes that cannot be replicated.
Cyrille Vigneron, Chairman of Culture and Philanthropy, Cartier, stated, “Cartier’s commitment towards women’s empowerment through the Cartier Women’s Initiative aims to champion and celebrate a global network of women entrepreneurs whose strength, courage, and determination are truly remarkable. Through our long-standing commitment, all together, we have enabled breakthrough innovations, provided the much-needed support, and delivered impact.
Women impact entrepreneurs are leaders, creators, pioneers, and a source of inspiration. They are courageous and bold. They are changing the world, one business at a time. They embody the transformative power of determination and innovation, reminding us of the extraordinary potential within humanity to create positive change.
This same essence resonates at the Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, a space designed to celebrate human achievements and inspire action toward building a better future for generations to come.
Carrying on the spirit of the Cartier Women’s Initiative the Women’s Pavilion celebrates the courage, creativity and leadership of those striving to shape a more equitable, inclusive, and durable world. It reminds us that when women thrive, humanity thrives."
Meanwhile, Wingee Sin, Global Program Director of the Cartier Women’s Initiative, added, “The Cartier Women’s Initiative has been driving change by empowering women impact entrepreneurs for the past 18 years.
Throughout this time, while providing financial, social, and human capital to grow these impactful businesses, we found that the biggest part of our work is to create opportunities for role models, peer support and peer learning.
In 2025, this dedication is taking centre stage through the second edition of the Cartier Women’s Initiative Impact Awards which honour the significant achievements of nine remarkable former fellows across three categories aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Improving Lives. Preserving the Planet, and Creating Opportunities. This special edition underscores the critical importance of long-term commitment and substantial support for these extraordinary women who are creating ripples of positive and lasting change, paving the way for generations to come.
These remarkable women consistently prove themselves to be courageous business leaders and a formidable force for good, solving the pressing social and environmental challenges of our times, while being financially sustainable. They face seemingly insurmountable barriers and yet overcome them with determination and resilience. In doing so, they not only achieve success and live to their full potential but also inspire and empower others to do the same.
The benefits of greater success for women impact entrepreneurs extend far beyond individual achievements. Their success drives transformative change that transcends borders and generations, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all."
In addition, Cartier also unveiled nine female social entrepreneurs from the three Impact Awards categories, who have previously received Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards and are working to continue developing social enterprises that will create long-term change, deliver sustainable positive impacts, and reach a larger audience. The nine Impact Awards 2025 winners will be honored at an awards ceremony during the opening week of the Women’s Pavilion in Osaka, Japan.
The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards 2026 are now accepting applications from Thai female impact business entrepreneur who wish to join this global community. Apply through the CWI platform at the following link: Cartier Women’s Initiative Submission Manager The winner of each category will receive a grant of $100,000. The second and third place winners in each category will receive US$60,000 and $30,000, respectively. Furthermore, the selected candidates will receive direct business mentoring from qualified experts, public relations for their businesses through various media, networking opportunities, and admission to courses at INSEAD, a top global business school.
For more information about Cartier Women’s Initiative, visit
Website : www.cartierwomensinitiative.com
LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/company/cartier-womens-initiative
