Opportunities created by innovative technologies will help to deliver a fair and sustainable EU recovery.  

Deep tech or deep technology refers to startups whose business model is based on high tech innovation in engineering. Currently, European deep tech companies are valued at €700 billion. Despite the fast-growing nature of the sector, women are underrepresented in this industry. 

Under the new Horizon Europe innovation ecosystems programme, the European Commission has launched a new EU scheme supporting deep-tech start-ups led by women called Women TechEU.  

The programme aims to break down barriers to success for women in the field of technology. It will also offer financial support to women-led startups with grants of €75,000, as well as coaching and mentoring.  

Discussing the scheme, Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth said “Through Women TechEU, we want to increase the number of women-led start-ups and create a fairer and more prosperous European deep-tech ecosystem. We believe that today’s support to deep-tech female founders will increase their chances of success and boost the overall European innovation ecosystem by drawing in more female talent” 

Up to 50 deep tech start-ups from the EU Member States will be funded under the first Women TechEU pilot call. 

Applicants must have: 

• Founded or co-founded an early-stage deep tech startup 

• Hold a top management position in the company 

The call for proposals closes on 10 November 2021 at 17:00 CET.  

Apply through the Funding & Tenders portal here.