Women TechEU:
Empowering Women in Deep Tech

The Women TechEU programme is a continuation of the Women TechEU scheme that was managed before by the EISMEA (European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency) during 2021 and 2022. It has now become a fully-fledged cascade funding project that is run by an EU-wide consortium made up of different innovation ecosystem players, representatives of women entrepreneurs and also investors. The Women TechEU programme addresses the innovation gender gap by supporting women-led early-stage start-ups in deep tech focus on digital, green and social transition.

The initiative offers financial support with a €75 000 grant (non-diluting finance), to support the initial steps in the innovation process, and the growth of the company. Additionally, it offers mentoring and coaching services provided by the EIC Business Acceleration Services (BAS), under the new “Women Leadership Programme” which includes dedicated networking and pitching events. As well as the possibility to participate in dedicated activities organised by InvestEU and Enterprise Europe Network

During 2 years the programme will give out a total of 12 M€ in grants over 4 different competitive calls, where 160 talented women entrepreneurs from across the European Union and Horizon Europe-associated countries will be receiving direct support, in preparation for winners to eventually also apply for the EIC Accelerator scheme.