WomenTechEU supports 134 women-led deep tech companies

Following its successful pilot program in 2022, WomenTechEU launched a second call to boost innovation in the women-led deep tech sector in Europe, with an increased budget of €10 million. Funded under Horizon Europe's European Innovation Ecosystems work program, 134 selected companies will be eligible this year to receive an individual grant of €75,000 to support the initial steps of their innovation process and the growth of their company. In addition, all women founders are offered mentoring and coaching in the framework of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Women's Leadership Program and dedicated networking opportunities across the EU.

This second edition of WomenTechEU has attracted a record number of interest with 467 applications from 35 Horizon Europe Member States and associated countries. After evaluation, a total of 134 companies were selected for funding by a panel of independent experts. They come from 26 different countries, with 14% of companies based in Horizon Europe associated countries and 15% from Horizon Europe expansion countries.

All companies proposed for funding have in common that they apply cutting-edge deep technology innovations while operating in 16 different industry sectors. The selected projects range from the development of new medical drugs to carbon capture technologies, digital learning solutions or autonomous robotics solutions. More than 15 companies are university spin-offs. By combining innovative ideas, female entrepreneurship and excellent research and development, the companies selected this year for WomenTechEU will contribute to improving the quality of life of citizens in the EU and beyond.

The Women TechEU pilot program was launched on July 13, 2021 as a new EU program that supports women-led deep tech startups and helps them become tomorrow's deep tech champions. Under the Women TechEU pilot call, 50 promising deep tech startups from EU Member States and partner countries will receive targeted funding and world-class coaching and mentoring.

Achieving an Equality Union that promotes gender equality in all areas of life is one of the European Commission's top priorities. The Commission is working with Member States and partner countries to promote women in leadership and close the gender gap in technology and innovation.