3 funding opportunities for European women innovators

Even though Europe offers excellent opportunities to develop disruptive and unique research, innovation, or venture capital projects, women are still underrepresented in this ecosystem.

In 2024, progress toward gender diversity in European funding remained slow. Women-led startups secured just 21% of EIC Accelerator funding, while only 32% of full applications came from female-led companies—the highest yet but still far from parity. In private funding, all-women teams received less than 8% of total VC investment.

The European Commission is entirely aware of this issue and committed to changing this unequal situation by implementing several initiatives.

Check out some of those great opportunities below!

Women TechEU to support women leading deep-tech start-ups

Call Status: Closed

• Funding: Up to €75,000 in grants, mentoring, and business coaching
• Focus: Supports early-stage, women-led deep-tech startups

Women TechEU is a funding initiative that supports early-stage deep-tech startups founded by women. In addition to financial support of up to €75,000, the programme offers mentoring and business development services. This opportunity involves mentoring and coaching female founders through the EIC Business Accelerator Services (BAS), an individual grant of 75,000 € to help these companies grow, and the option to participate in Enterprise Europe Network and InvestEU activities.

Eligibility: To be eligible for Women TechEU, applicants must:

• be a female founder or co-founder
• hold a top management position (CEO, STO or equivalent)
• in an early-stage deep-tech start-up, registered and established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country for at least 6 months at the time of the submission.

More Info: Women TechEU

EIC Women Leadership Programme: training, networking and mentorship for innovators and researchers

Call Status: Closed

• Application Deadline: 11 May 2025
• Programme Duration: September – November 2025
• Focus: Coaching, mentoring, and leadership training for women in EIC- or EIT-funded projects

The EIC created this programme to expand Europe’s potential in deep-tech, science, and business by improving women’s representation. It’s designed to address structural barriers and help more women take on leading roles in science and innovation.

Thanks to this initiative, businesswomen who hold or aspire to hold leadership positions and researchers can participate in specific training and networking activities with the support of experienced mentors and business coaches. Participants also join the EIC Community Platform to connect to partners, investors, and other ecosystem professionals.

Eligibility:

The EIC Women Leadership Programme runs regular cohorts for women from both EIC and EIT beneficiary groups. Two tracks are available:

• Advanced Entrepreneurial Cohort: Designed for experienced women leaders, such as co-founders or executives, who want to strengthen their skills and expand their professional network.
• Researcher Cohort: Tailored for women researchers aiming to turn their research into successful businesses while developing leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

More Info: EIC Women Leadership Programme

EU Prize for Women Innovators: Celebrating the role of female entrepreneurs

Call Status: Opened

• Online info session: 24 June 2025 (from 11:00 to 12:00 CEST) – Register here
• Application deadline: 25 September 2025 – 17:00 CEST
• Prize Categories:
  • Women Innovators: €100,000 (winner), €70,000 and €50,000 (finalists)
  • Rising Innovators: €50,000 (winner), €30,000 and €20,000 (runners-up)
  • EIT Women Leadership Award: €50,000 (winner), €30,000 and €20,000 (runners-up)

Eligibility:

• Women founders or co-founders of innovative companies
• Company must be based in an EU or Horizon Europe-associated country
• Company must have been operational for at least two years prior to the call year

This annual prize recognizes women entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to innovation in Europe. Beyond financial awards, it offers increased visibility and recognition. The prize also highlights the role of women in driving scientific and technological advancement and aims to inspire future generations of innovators.

More Info: European Prize for Women Innovators

Are you an innovative woman looking for the most suitable option for your deep-tech project?

Explore the ideal opportunity for your deep-tech project if you’re an innovative woman seeking the perfect fit.

Despite the ongoing inequality in women’s participation in R&D, opportunities like the above and plans like the Gender Equality Strategy for 2020–2025 are visible examples of the commitment to empower and reinforce women.

Are you ready to help end gender bias?

At Evolution, we’re committed to standing by these important initiatives. We aim to help women-led startups, SMEs, and organizations secure the funding they need to grow their ventures and drive innovation.

We believe in promoting an inclusive and diverse innovation landscape. Join us in our journey to create a more equitable future for all.