Explore the Select Global Women in Tech Mentorship Network for 2026. Learn about program benefits, eligibility for mentees and mentors, key deadlines, cohort timeline, and how to apply.
Select Global Women in Tech Mentorship Network: Program Overview, Eligibility and Applications 2026
The Select Global Women in Tech Mentorship Network (SGWIT) is a flagship initiative led by SelectUSA to promote American competitiveness, strengthen global technology collaboration, and empower women entrepreneurs in emerging tech sectors. The program connects international female tech founders with experienced U.S. mentors to support market-entry, business expansion, innovation, and long-term economic empowerment.
The Mentorship Network operates within the broader Select Global Women in Tech program framework and formally launches during the annual SelectUSA Investment Summit, which serves as the largest event in the United States promoting foreign direct investment.
More information about SelectUSA programs can be found on the official website:
https://www.trade.gov/selectusa
About the Select Global Women in Tech Mentorship Network
The Select Global Women in Tech Mentorship Network is a yearlong initiative designed to introduce international women tech entrepreneurs to the U.S. innovation ecosystem. Through structured mentorship, curated learning activities, access to SelectUSA data services, and extensive networking, the program supports women founders in overcoming typical challenges linked to scaling, investment readiness, and U.S. market expansion.
Participants gain access to:
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A mentor from the U.S. startup ecosystem
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A dedicated mentoring platform
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SelectUSA data and business counseling services
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Educational webinars, virtual events, and workshops
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Networking opportunities, including the SelectUSA Investment Summit
Full program details are available at:
https://www.trade.gov/select-global-women-tech
2026 Cohort Timeline
The Select Global Women in Tech Mentorship Network follows a structured yearly cycle:
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Kick-off: May 3–6, 2026 (SelectUSA Investment Summit)
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Preparing for Matching: May 7–June 30
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Matching Period: July 1–August 31 (via mentoring platform)
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Mentoring Phase: Until May 31, 2027
Virtual events will run throughout the year to support learning and community-building among mentees and mentors.
Mentees: Eligibility and Application Information
To join the Select Global Women in Tech Mentorship Network, prospective mentees must first be approved to attend the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit as a SelectUSA Tech startup.
Startup Eligibility Requirements
Startups must be:
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Founded outside the United States
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Developing an innovative tech product or service
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Looking to expand to the U.S. market within 2–3 years
Additionally, startups must meet at least one of the following:
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Age: 0–10 years
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Employees: 0–40
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Annual revenue: USD 0–10M
Mentee Application Deadline
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Mentees Apply Here:
https://www.trade.gov/select-global-women-tech
Mentors: Eligibility and Application Information
The Select Global Women in Tech Mentorship Network welcomes mentors from across the U.S. startup ecosystem, including successful entrepreneurs, executives, investors, and attorneys with expertise in helping tech companies scale and expand into the United States.
Mentor Selection Criteria
Mentors are evaluated based on:
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Industry knowledge
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Areas of specialty
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International expansion experience
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Entrepreneurship experience
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Interest in women’s empowerment
U.S. and foreign government employees and EDO officials may support the program but cannot serve as mentors.
Mentor Application Deadline
Thursday, March 26, 2026 – 12:00 PM EDT
Mentors Apply Here:
https://www.trade.gov/select-global-women-tech
Accepted mentors will receive details on the matching process before the cohort launch. Matches are made via a mentee-led algorithm prioritizing expertise alignment.
Advantages of Becoming a Mentor
Mentors in the Select Global Women in Tech Mentorship Network benefit from:
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Contributing to women’s empowerment in global tech
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Joining a supportive community of experienced professionals
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Expanding organizational reach in key markets
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Access to numerous networking opportunities
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Participation in SelectUSA programming
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Consideration for speaking opportunities
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Inclusion in the SelectUSA Service Provider and U.S. Startup Ecosystem Directory
Participant Testimonials
Participants from previous cohorts highlight the impact of global networks, access to U.S. institutional support, and the transformative value of mentorship in preparing for U.S. expansion. These stories reflect the program’s commitment to inclusive growth and women’s leadership in technology.
Conclusion
The Select Global Women in Tech Mentorship Network plays a crucial role in empowering women tech founders worldwide, helping them navigate U.S. market expansion, strengthen their business strategies, and leverage global networks. With applications for the 2026 cohort now open, interested mentees and mentors are encouraged to submit their applications before the official deadlines.
For more international career opportunities, visit Opportunities For Youth.
