Budget

The EWA Advance programme does not provide direct cash funding to participants. Instead, it delivers high value through an acceleration framework that includes access to the EIT Food ecosystem, top-tier mentorship, and investor connections. Details regarding potential grants or awards are not explicitly specified in the consulted official source, and further verification on the EIT Food website is recommended.

Key dates and deadline

Application deadline: 26 April 2026 Call opening: 18 February 2026 Format: Hybrid (online + pan-European in-person activities) Programme duration: As specified on the EIT Food website (typically 6+ months)

Details

EWA Advance is part of the broader Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) initiative by EIT Food, which includes multiple programmes such as Grow and Advance, targeting different startup maturity levels. The Advance track is tailored for more mature startups with demonstrated traction, whereas EWA Grow focuses on earlier-stage ventures. Through participation, founders join a European community of women entrepreneurs in food-tech and agri-food and gain access to EIT Food’s extensive network and resources.

Eligibility

Women founders of agri-food startups with clear evidence of market traction (e.g. revenue, paying customers, signed Letters of Intent) The startup must be legally established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country The startup must operate within the agri-food or food-tech sector

Additional information

How to apply?

https://www.eit.europa.eu/our-activities/opportunities/call-empowering-women-agrifood-ewa-advance-programme-2026