The European Commission has launched a new Women TechEU project, aimed at high-tech startups led by women in senior management at the time of the application. Achieving a Union for Equality, which promotes gender equality in all spheres of life, is one of the European Commission’s main priorities. The Commission is working with Member States and associated countries to promote women in leadership and bridge the gender gap in technology and innovation.

Maria Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, shared:

“Through Women TechEU, we want to increase the number of start-ups run by women and create a fairer and more prosperous European high-tech ecosystem. We believe that today’s support for high-tech founders will increase their chances of success and strengthen Europe’s overall innovation ecosystem by attracting more female talent.”

The scheme is funded by Horizon Europe’s European Innovation Ecosystem work program and offers first-class coaching and mentoring to women founders of high-tech companies, as well as targeted funding to support their business development at the next level. In addition, the approved companies will be supported in the form of an individual grant of EUR 75 000 and will have the opportunity to participate in special activities organized by the InvestEU network and the Enterprise Europe Network.

The deadline for applications under the program is November 10 until 17:00. SET and applications can be submitted via the Funding and Tenders Profile.

The pilot program, launched on July 13, will support up to 50 start-ups starting in 2022. More information and access to frequently asked questions can be found here.