The EIC Women Leadership Programme (WLP) is a flagship initiative of the European Innovation Council (EIC), in partnership with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), specifically designed to bolster the careers of women researchers and entrepreneurs in deep tech and innovation.
Opportunity Overview
The program provides a comprehensive support ecosystem aimed at enhancing leadership skills, strategic thinking, and market visibility within the European innovation landscape.
Key Benefits:
- Bespoke Training: Weekly online sessions on negotiation, pitching, leadership styles, and public speaking tailored to participant needs.
- Personal Mentoring: Matching with experienced CEOs, investors, and senior executives to address specific career and leadership challenges.
- Business Coaching: Access to EIC business coaches to help identify market opportunities and refine business strategies.
- Networking Events: In-person and virtual “speed-dating” and gala events to connect with investors, role models, and ecosystem stakeholders.
- Visibility: Opportunities to showcase breakthroughs on major stages, such as the EIC Summit in Brussels.
Eligibility Criteria
The 2026 program is structured into two primary tracks, each with specific requirements:
1. Entrepreneurial Cohort
- Target: Experienced women leaders seeking to scale innovative ventures.
- Position: Must be part of a founding team and/or hold a C-suite position (e.g., CEO, CTO) or be in second-line management.
- Company Status: The company must be established for at least 2 years prior to the application deadline.
- Award Requirement: Applicants must be awarded or supported under specific EIC/EIT schemes, such as:
- EIC Accelerator, Transition, or Pathfinder.
- SME Instrument Phase I/II.
- Seal of Excellence under Horizon Europe.
- Women TechEU.
- EIT KIC Programs.
2. Researcher Cohort
- Target: Women researchers aiming to spearhead the transformation of their initiatives into successful businesses.
- Goal: Strengthening both leadership and entrepreneurial capabilities to lead science-to-business transitions.
General Requirements:
- Gender Identity: Open to women (cis and trans) and non-binary individuals.
- Geographic Focus: Must be legally established in an EU Member State or a country associated with Horizon Europe.
- Language: Proficiency in English is mandatory for all training and networking sessions.