The Women TechEU project has been launched and opened its call for applications

We inform that the third edition of Women TechEU (2026-2028), an EU-funded project within the Horizon Europe European Innovation Council (EIC) supporting women leading deep tech startup companies from Europe, has been launched and opened its call for applications.

Over the next two years, 160 selected European startups will receive €75,000 in non-dilutive funding, together with a personalised business development programme including one-to-one mentoring, training, matchmaking with investors and corporates, and networking opportunities.

The Women TechEU open call will be receiving applications over the next year. The eligibility application phase was launched on 1 June 2026, with weekly cut-offs every Tuesday at 17:00 (Brussels time) starting from 30 June 2026 until 13 July 2027. The application for the full proposal will open in July 2026, with 4 submission deadlines. All information and the application can be accessed via the Women TechEU website.

The initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of women-led companies, especially from widening countries, addressing critical societal challenges. By empowering women entrepreneurs, Women TechEU supports early stage deep-tech companies, paving the way for the participation of women-led start-ups in future EIC calls.

Also, within Women TechEU a series of online InfoDays is planned to be held. The events are ideal for future applicants who want to understand the programme before applying. Registration link is here.

The first two events will be on:

• 06 August 2026, 12:00 (Brussels time)
• 15 September 2026, 16:00 (Brussels time).

Four more InfoDays will be held through early 2027.

For more information on Women TechEU, please contact helpdesk@womentecheurope.eu.