Women TechEU

Women TechEU supports early-stage deep tech European start-ups. The initiative complements the activities funded under EIC, paving the way for the participation of their start-ups in future EIC calls. All deep tech domains are eligible, with an emphasis on overall gender balance and the position held by women in the start-up.

Women TechEU Summary

What is Women TechEU?

Women TechEU is a 2-year EU-funded project operated by a consortium of 8 partners, led by the European Innovation Council. Women TechEU support’s women leading deep tech startup companies from Europe to grow into tomorrow’s tech leaders and to put women at the forefront of deep tech in Europe. The mission is to create a more gender-balanced entrepreneurship ecosystem. The programme will support 160 women-led deep tech companies over the coming 2 years. In addition to grant funding, the programme gives beneficiaries access to business support services.

Funding Information

The first of 4 Women TechEU calls opened on 18 March 2024 with a deadline on 20 May 2024.

Budget: €3 million

Subsidy: €75,000

Funding rate: 100%

Deadline: 20 May 2024

Duration: 2 years

Who can apply to Women TechEU?

Early-stage deep tech start-ups founded/co-founded by women holding a top management position (e.g. CEO, CTO or equivalent). The company must have raised less than €1M equity and is not at the minimum viable product phase. It must be established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country and women should hold at least 25% of the shares in the company.

What activities are included in the grant scope?

Proposed activities can include:

• Business model upgrade
• Business plan & growth strategy
• Business model validation
• Financial plan update
• Certifications
• IP strategy & freedom to operate,
• Commercial plan
• Market analysis
• Customer validation and technical/clinical assessment
• Finding partners and investors

What further services does Women TechEU provide?

Beyond the funding, applicants can choose their top 3 preferences from 7 services. The programme of services that will be offered includes:

• Female Mentors
• Investor Outreach and Pitch Preparation
• Investor and Export Readiness Check
• Soft Skills Training
• Sales Strategy & Execution
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Corporate Access

Expected Outcomes

Project results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes:

• Support deep tech innovation as a basis for a modern, knowledge-driven, resource-efficient and competitive economy;
• Promote female leadership in the deep tech industry to build fairer, more inclusive, and more prosperous innovation ecosystems in Europe.

Visit the Women TechEU website