EIC Women Leadership Programme

EIC Women Leadership Programme: Empowering Women Innovators in Deep-Tech

A leadership journey for women shaping the future of deep-tech across Europe.

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The EIC Women Leadership Programme was created to empower women shaping deep-tech innovation across Europe.

Whether you’re leading a startup, preparing to spin out your research, or scaling impact through science, this programme offers the training, coaching, and visibility you need to grow as a leader in Europe’s innovation ecosystem.

Training & Mentoring

Build skills in leadership, communication, negotiation, marketing, and more through hands-on workshops and one-on-one mentoring.

Two Pathways to Match Your Goals

Choose between the Entrepreneurial track for company leaders or the Researcher track for women transitioning into entrepreneurship.

Peer Networking & Visibility

Engage with a powerful network of innovators, role models, investors, and stakeholders from across Europe.

Alumni Community

Stay connected after the programme ends with continued access to the EIC community and SheEIC podcast.

10+

Training Sessions per Cohort

2

cohorts

100+

mentors and coaches

27

participating countries

What you need
to know before
applying

Start your eligibility check now

 

💡 Start early! Prepare your application 4–6 weeks before the deadline to maximise your chances of selection.

About the EIC Women Leadership Programme

The EIC Women Leadership Programme is a tailored initiative by the European Innovation Council (EIC), in partnership with EIT, that supports women innovators from EIC and EIT-funded projects.

It offers a 3-month leadership journey combining:

  • Expert-led training on leadership, negotiation, and communication
  • One-on-one mentoring with experienced entrepreneurs and investors
  • Business coaching for strategy and growth
  • Networking opportunities across the EU innovation ecosystem

The programme is designed to empower women in deep-tech, whether they are scaling startups or transitioning from research into entrepreneurship.

Programme duration

The EIC Women Leadership Programme runs for approximately 3 months.

Eligible applicants
  • Women participating in EIC or EIT-funded projects
  • Must apply via open calls published on the EIC Community platform
  • Two tracks available:
    • Advanced Entrepreneurial Cohort: For experienced co-founders or C-suite leaders
    • Researcher Cohort: For women researchers transitioning into entrepreneurship
Why apply to EIC Women Leadership programme?

The EIC Women Leadership Programme does not offer direct funding or grants, but instead provides high-value in-kind support free of charge to selected participants from EIC and EIT-funded projects.

Over the course of three months, participants benefit from a comprehensive mix of activities including:

  • Weekly 2-hour online training sessions led by expert facilitators
  • Personalised mentoring from seasoned professionals
  • Business coaching focused on leadership, strategy, and growth
  • Access to EU-wide innovation networks, keynotes, testimonials, and speed-mentoring sessions
  • Virtual and in-person networking events

The programme is designed to empower women innovators in deep-tech with the skills, confidence, and connections to lead and scale their ventures.

Key Deadlines

📅 Applications currently closed

🔔 Next call to be announced via the EIC Community Platform

Aplication process
  1. Check Eligibility: You must be a woman involved in an EIC or EIT-funded project, either as a researcher or entrepreneur.
  2. Choose Your Track: Select between the Entrepreneurial Cohort (for founders and C-suite leaders) or the Researcher Cohort (for women transitioning from research to business).
  3. Apply via EIC Community Platform: Submit your application during the open call period, including a profile and motivation statement.
  4. Selection Process: Participants are selected based on eligibility, leadership potential, and fit with the programme goals.
  5. Join the Programme: If selected, you’ll participate in a 3-month leadership journey with training, mentoring, and coaching.

Evaluation criteria

Applicants to the EIC Women Leadership Programme are assessed based on:

  • Eligibility: Participation in an EIC or EIT-funded project
  • Motivation & Commitment: Clear interest in leadership development and availability to complete the programme
  • Cohort Fit: Alignment with the goals of either the Entrepreneurial or Researcher track
  • Leadership Potential: Demonstrated ambition, influence, or readiness to lead in deep-tech innovation

The evaluation focuses on selecting women with strong potential to benefit from and contribute to the programme.

How We Support Your EIC Women Leadership Programme Application

  • Backed by PhDs, engineers, and finance experts, we guide you to prepare a strong, compelling application for the EIC Women Leadership programme.
  • We combine strategic insight with technical excellence to help women innovators access the right EIC support and strengthen their leadership journey.
Control de convocatorias (1)

1. Opportunity Scouting

We begin by identifying the EIC Women Leadership Programme cohort that best fits your goals. Our team evaluates your leadership needs, company stage, and strategic priorities, while helping you assess readiness and understand how the programme can support your growth. We also continuously screen other EU opportunities that may suit your innovation.
Diagnóstico y preparación

2. Application Support

Obtención de ayuda (2)

3. Submission & Onboarding

We manage the full submission workflow to ensure your application is polished, compliant, and on time. Once accepted, we support your onboarding, preparing you for mentoring sessions, training modules, networking opportunities, and engagement with the EIC community.

Gestión del proyecto (1)

4. Project Management

We provide continuous support throughout the programme to help you maximise its benefits. This includes tracking your progress, aligning with mentors and coaches, helping you leverage workshops and community events, and advising on post-programme opportunities to sustain your leadership and business growth.

Need help making your EIC Women Leadership application stand out?

We help you shape a powerful, competitive application with expert insights and proven strategies.

Contact us

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the EIC Women Leadership Programme.

What topics are covered in the EIC Women Leadership Programme?

The programme addresses topics including leadership styles, public speaking, marketing, negotiation, pitching to investors, communication strategies, and entrepreneurship. Sessions combine theory and practical exercises, tailored to the needs of women in deep-tech and innovation.

How can I join the next cohort?

Watch for open calls on the EIC Community Platform.

What countries participate?

The EIC Women Leadership Programme is open to women involved in EIC or EIT-funded projects, which means participants can come from:

  • All 27 EU Member States, and

  • Horizon Europe Associated Countries (e.g. Norway, Israel, Ukraine, etc.)

Eligible applicants must be part of a project funded under programmes managed by the European Innovation Council (EIC) or the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT).

What is SheEIC?

SheEIC is a podcast powered by the programme, featuring inspiring women leaders in deep-tech and innovation.

What is the timeline?

The EIC Women Leadership Programme does not involve funding or grants, so there’s no fund disbursement timeline. However, from application to programme start, the selection and onboarding process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks after the call closes.

Ready to join the EIC Women Leadership Programme?

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