Budget
Each selected startup receives a €75,000 grant, provided as non-dilutive and non-repayable funding. The total programme budget for 2026-2028 is €12 million, supporting 160 women-led companies.
Key dates and deadline
June 1, 2026 - Opening of the Eligibility Strand June 30, 2026, 17:00 CEST - First eligibility cut-off Weekly cut-offs - Every Tuesday at 17:00 CE(S)T, Brussels time July 13, 2027, 17:00 CEST - Final Eligibility Strand cut-off
Details
Women TechEU 2 EIC supports women-led early-stage deep tech startups, helping them grow and strengthening the role of women in Europe’s deep tech ecosystem. The programme follows a two-stage application process. First, applicants complete the Eligibility Strand, a short form used to verify compliance with the programme requirements. Eligible startups are then invited to submit a Full Proposal. Selected beneficiaries receive non-dilutive funding, 1:1 mentoring, coaching, training, matchmaking, networking opportunities and support in accessing other EIC funding and support schemes.
Eligibility
The programme is open to women-led early-stage deep tech startups. Main criteria: the woman founder or co-founder must hold a top management position, such as CEO, CTO or equivalent, and must hold at least 25% of the company shares. The company must be registered in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Pillar III Associated Country, established for at least 6 months and no more than 5 years, be an autonomous SME, have a commercial legal form and be between TRL 4 and TRL 6. The company must have raised less than €1 million in equity and must not have previously benefited from Women TechEU or the EIC Accelerator for the same application.
Additional information
Women TechEU welcomes applications from all deep tech fields. The programme supports startups developing solutions based on recent scientific and technological advances, with impact on societal challenges. Applicants may try the eligibility check up to 3 times. Eligibility results are communicated through the Sploro Platform no later than one week after the relevant cut-off.
How to apply?
https://womentecheurope.eu/