NYU Shanghai and The Bicester Collection Partner to Empower Women Social Entrepreneurs Across Asia
NYU Shanghai and The Bicester Collection have announced a new partnership for the 2026 Unlock Her Future Prize, a global initiative designed to support women entrepreneurs addressing pressing social, cultural, and environmental challenges. Marking the program’s first expansion into East and Southeast Asia and its debut in China, the collaboration will see NYU Shanghai serve as the academic partner, hosting a pre-finals boot camp and pitch competition while delivering a tailored year-long executive education program for prize winners.
Founded by The Bicester Collection in 2023 and endorsed by UN Women, the Unlock Her Future Prize has previously supported female entrepreneurs across the Middle East, North Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. Through the new partnership, winners will gain access to entrepreneurship courses, leadership coaching, and international networking opportunities aimed at helping purpose-driven ventures scale their impact. University leaders highlighted the initiative as an example of education, innovation, and cross-border collaboration working together to address global challenges, while The Bicester Collection emphasized the importance of creating pathways for women entrepreneurs to drive change within their communities.
The launch event also showcased the real-world impact of the program through the story of 2023 winner Nuhayr Zein, founder of Leukeather, a startup producing sustainable, animal-free alternatives to exotic leather. Her entrepreneurial journey underscored how mentorship, professional training, and access to supportive networks can help transform innovative ideas into businesses that generate both environmental and social value. As Shanghai continues to position itself as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, the partnership aims to connect emerging women leaders with the resources needed to accelerate sustainable development across the region.
