Women TechEU: A Record-Breaking Third Call That Signals a Deep Tech Shift Led by Women

The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) has just closed the third Women TechEU call — and the results are nothing short of remarkable. With 1,038 applications received from 42 eligible countries, this edition marks a significant leap forward in the program’s impact and reach. Even more impressively, 26 of those countries are considered widening countries, highlighting the growing inclusivity and geographical diversity of the deep tech innovation landscape in Europe.

What is Women TechEU?

Women TechEU is a European Union initiative aimed at supporting early-stage deep tech start-ups led by women. It offers a combination of financial support, mentoring, and coaching to help these start-ups scale and access the broader European innovation ecosystem. The program addresses a crucial gap in the start-up world, where women are still underrepresented in leadership roles, particularly in high-tech fields.

Why This Surge in Applications Matters

This third open call reflects a strong and growing appetite among women entrepreneurs to lead in deep tech sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and advanced materials. The record number of applications is not just a statistic — it’s a signal of momentum.

Women across Europe are stepping up with bold ideas and transformative technologies, ready to reshape industries and tackle global challenges. The increased participation also suggests that initiatives like Women TechEU are effectively lowering barriers and inspiring more women to pursue entrepreneurial paths in highly technical fields.

Deep Tech with a Broader Vision

Beyond technological innovation, many of these women-led start-ups are also bringing fresh perspectives on sustainability, ethics, and societal impact. Women TechEU is not just enabling technological advancement — it's empowering a new generation of leaders who are designing the future with inclusivity and purpose.

What's Next?

As the evaluation process moves forward, the selected companies will receive up to €75,000 in funding, along with access to mentorship, business coaching, and EU-wide networking opportunities. But perhaps more importantly, they become part of a growing movement that challenges traditional narratives in tech and paves the way for a more equitable innovation ecosystem.

At a time when innovation is crucial to Europe’s competitiveness and resilience, programs like Women TechEU remind us that diversity is not just a moral imperative — it’s a strategic advantage.