Priya, Shruti, Paroma, Rishini and Rubana
The Bicester Collection has unveiled the winners of the Unlock Her Future™ Prize 2025 - South Asia Edition, the flagship initiative of its global philanthropic programme, DO GOOD. Representing Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Bhutan, six extraordinary innovators have been selected for their bold, inclusive and high-impact solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Now in its third year, the Unlock Her Future Prize has swiftly grown into an influential global platform championing women social entrepreneur. Launched in the MENA region in 2023 and expanded to Latin America in 2024, the Prize was created to address a clear and persistent global gap: while women across the world have the ambition, insight and drive to lead transformative change, they often lack the essential recognition, resources and structural support to launch and scale their ideas. By elevating early-stage women-led ventures and providing the financial, educational and professional backing needed to thrive, the Prize enables ideas to take root and grow from the ground up.
Supported by Ashoka, endorsed by UN Women, and backed by The Bicester Collection’s powerful global network, the Prize has already reached women in 39 countries, contributing solutions to 16 SDGs and distributing more than US$600,000 in philanthropic funding.
Celebrating Excellence: The 2025 Judging Panel
The distinguished jury for the South Asia Edition brought together some of the region’s most influential leaders across business, academia, media and social impact. The panel included:
- Desirée Bollier: Chair and Global Chief Merchant, The Bicester Collection
- Rubana Huq: Vice-Chancellor, Asian University for Women; Chairperson, Mohammadi Group (Bangladesh)
- Rishini Weeraratne: Editor, The Sun (Daily Mirror); Editor, HI!! Online; Head of Social Media, Wijeya Newspapers Limited (Sri Lanka)
- Paroma Chatterjee: CEO, Revolut (India)
- Priya Sigdel: Former Miss Nepal; Activist and Social Entrepreneur (Nepal)
The Finalists, with the Judges, Desiree Bollier and Chantal Khoueiry
Together, they meticulously reviewed 2,400 applications before shortlisting 11 exceptional finalists and selecting the six winners whose ventures demonstrate both transformative potential and deep regional relevance.
Meet the Six Winners of 2025
Each winner will receive US$50,000, world-class mentoring, leadership development, media training, access to The Bicester Collection’s global network, and academic support from Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, offering expert guidance and entry into a world-leading entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The 2025 winners are
Amritha Krishnamoorthy (India): Stepping Stones Centre
SDG 4: Quality Education
Transforming education and therapeutic support for children with autism and developmental disabilities, Stepping Stones Centre ensures that no child is left behind. Amritha’s model integrates specialized therapy, inclusive learning and family empowerment, filling a critical gap in India’s developmental education landscape.
Jhillika Trisal (India): Cognitii
SDG 4: Quality Education
Cognitii is democratizing access to personalised learning for children with special educational needs by combining AI-driven tools with human expertise. The model ensures that neurodiverse children receive tailored educational support regardless of geography or income.
Sophiya Tamang (Nepal): Idea to Impact
SDG 2: No Hunger
Sophiya’s pioneering initiative converts surplus agricultural produce into nutritious fruit purees for children, reducing food waste while empowering women farmers. Her work strengthens food security, supports sustainable agriculture and uplifts rural communities.
Nida Yousaf Sheikh (Pakistan): H2O Technologies
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
In water-scarce Pakistan, Nida’s innovation extracts water from air humidity to produce safe drinking water. Her environmentally friendly technology provides sustainable water solutions for underserved communities while eliminating plastic waste.
Nishat Anjum Palka (Bangladesh): Mommykidz
SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing
Mommykidz is a trusted, stigma-free digital community offering mothers and parents accessible healthcare guidance, essential products and expert support. Nishat’s platform tackles maternal health inequality and champions women’s wellbeing.
Yangchen Dolkar Dorji (Bhutan): LEAD+
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Yangchen’s venture empowers grassroots and marginalized entrepreneurs, especially women-led microbusinesses, through capacity-building, funding access and market linkages. LEAD+ fosters community resilience and economic self-reliance across Bhutan.
The Winners (L-R) Nida Yousaf, Amritha Krishnamoorthy, Sophiya Tamang, Jhillika Trisal, Nishat Palka and Yangchen Dorji
Finalists Delivering Transformative Ideas
Alongside the six winners, five finalists were celebrated for their compelling and impactful ventures:
- Khushbakht Shah Jillani (Pakistan): MehfoozAI, SDG 15: A trauma-informed AI tool supporting judges and lawyers to handle domestic violence cases with compassion and efficiency.
- Prapti Mittal (India): Indoartisans, SDG 8: A digital marketplace connecting traditional artisans to global markets, ensuring fair pay and revitalizing heritage crafts.
- Rubina Raut (Nepal): Wuka, SDG 5: Advancing menstrual health with reusable period underwear that reduces waste and combats period poverty.
- Shali Chopra (India): Gytree, SDG 3: India’s first comprehensive midlife and menopause care platform centred on personalized, science-based support for women.
- Shenali Nimanthini Wijesinghe (Sri Lanka): VĀYU Health, SDG 3: A digital health platform providing safe, affordable access to reproductive healthcare, mental health support and gender-based violence services.
A Catalyst for Change Across South Asia
Reflecting on this year’s cohort, Chantal Khoueiry, Chief Culture Officer of The Bicester Collection, noted: “From 2,400 applicants to 11 exceptional finalists, and now our winners, each reminds us that behind every number is a story of courage, creativity and the determination to build a better world. The 2025 winners embody the diversity and ingenuity of South Asia, proving why investing in women matters. As The Bicester Collection marks 30 years of reimagining shopping as a force for good, this edition reinforces a purpose that defines us: progress is meaningful only when it unlocks opportunity for others.”
The South Asia Edition also celebrates The Bicester Collection’s deep, long-standing ties with South Asian communities in the UK and millions of guests from the region who visit its Villages each year across Europe, China and the USA. Its return to the UK, specifically to Bicester Village, holds special significance as the Collection commemorates its 30th anniversary.
Looking Ahead: Expansion to East and South-East Asia
In 2026, the Prize will expand across East and South-East Asia, opening to women innovators in 15 countries, including Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam and more. This expansion signals the Prize’s increasing global reach and its commitment to lifting women entrepreneurs across continents.
