To support the role of women in innovation and tech, the European Innovation Council (EIC), in partnership with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), offers a skills enhancement and networking programme for women researchers and entrepreneurs from the EIC and EIT Communities.
EmpoWomen is a two-year programme to tackle the underrepresentation of women in the deep-tech sector, particularly in emerging European countries. It is funded by the European Union through its Horizon Europe Research and Innovation programme and will select 25 women-led companies to participate in a unique acceleration programme. This programme will be provided by StartupWiseGuys & Business Angels Europe. The selected companies will also receive services, awards and EUR 45,000 in equity-free funding per startup.
EPIC-X aims to transform the European innovation ecosystem by empowering women-led deep tech startups. As a part of this mission, the project will support 20 female-led deep tech startups from countries classified as “moderate” and “emerging” innovators, distributing a total of €1.2M to accelerate their growth and impact.
ESIL is aiming to boost the innovation and investment ecosystems in the European Union by creating thriving, connected, and diverse angel investment communities, particularly in countries where angel investing still lags behind. The vision of the initiative is to enable the changing face of the whole European angel investment, reinforce the gender parity of investors and strengthen angel investing in Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania.
The European Parliament Pilot Project on Gender Gap in Investments is a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing gender disparities in the investment landscape. With a focus on women-led companies and women-led funds, this project seeks to uncover and analyse the root causes of the gender investment gap. It is funded and managed by EISMEA.
GENDEX aims to create Europe’s first Gender and Diversity Index. The project’s goal is to enhance diversity in the tech ecosystem, driving growth and aiding decision-making for policymakers and investors. It is funded by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA).
HERFUND aims to foster knowledge sharing and synergies between innovation players and existing initiatives/projects to support the next generation of startups, with a focus on women-led businesses and gender-sensitive investors. This includes identifying best practice, conducting capacity-building activities and providing guidelines. The project is funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, EISMEA.
SUPERNOVAS is an EIT Community initiative to increase the female presence in the entrepreneurship and investment ecosystems, as well as support the women already active within it. It supports female founders, women-led startups, and scale-ups, facilitates women’s engagement in the early-stage investment industry, and ignites growth for women business angels and VC investors.
WE-RISE's main goal is to empower underrepresented female entrepreneurs in GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech, through a strategic blend of funding and tailored support. The project aims to amplify the market presence of high potential women-led startups, particularly from emerging European economies. The project is funded by EISMEA.
Women TechEU is a two-year EU-funded project supporting women leading deep tech startups from Europe. The project consortium is launching four calls for applications, following a rigorous evaluation process, which will result in a total of 160 beneficiaries. Each beneficiary will receive EUT 75,000 grants (non-dilutive finance) as well as a personalised business development programme, which includes mentoring, coaching and targeted training, among other options.
Open Horizons empowers women-led tech startups with funding and networks. The project identifies key industry challenges, provides up to €55,000 in equity-free funding to groundbreaking women-led startups, and facilitates collaboration with corporate partners. It is funded by EISMEA.
EEN is the world's largest support network for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international ambitions. It created its first Women Entrepreneurship group (WEG) in 2013 to help women business owners unlock learning, networking, and mentorship opportunities.
The EIB provides finance and expertise for sustainable investment projects that contribute to EU policy objectives and make a strong impact on people’s lives in Europe and beyond. Through its operations, the EIB also promotes gender equality and women's economic empowerment and works towards a sustainable and equitable world.
