Women TechEU 2 EIC

The Women TechEU 2 EIC scheme (administered by a 15-partner European consortium via womentecheurope.eu/active-calls/) is the EU’s flagship €12M non-dilutive initiative supporting early-stage, women-led deep tech startups across Horizon Europe countries.

The program uses a two-step application process: first passing the Eligibility Strand, followed by an invitation to submit a Full Proposal.

• Direct Cash Grant: €75,000 EUR per selected startup.

• Equity Terms: 0% Equity / 100% Non-Dilutive Grant.

• 6-Month Tailored Acceleration Program:

  • 1-on-1 executive coaching, leadership training, and pitch preparation.

  • Facilitated access to EIC (European Innovation Council) investor networks, corporate partners, and venture syndicates.

  • Fast-track pathway and support bridging the gap toward the EIC Accelerator (up to €2.5M in grant + equity financing).

To qualify for the active 2026–2028 calls, startups must meet all five core criteria:

1. Women Leadership & Cap Table:

   • Must have a woman founder or co-founder who holds a top management position (CEO, CTO, or equivalent).

   • Women must legally hold at least 25% of company shares on the cap table at the time of submission.

2. Deep Tech Focus: Must operate in a recognized deep tech sector (e.g., AI/ML, quantum computing, robotics, advanced materials, biotech, space tech, or clean energy) grounded in scientific/engineering advances (TRL 4–6 stage).

3. Company Age: Registered for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 5 years at the eligibility cut-off date.

4. Funding Cap: Must have raised less than €1,000,000 EUR in prior equity financing.

5. Geographic Footprint: Headquartered in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country (including the United Kingdom, Norway, Ukraine, Israel, Switzerland, etc.).