Women TechEU 2 EIC – Eligibility Strand (Weekly Cut-Offs)

The Women TechEU 2 EIC open call includes an Eligibility Strand as the first stage of a two-step application process to identify eligible applicants. There are weekly cut-offs every Tuesday at 17:00 Brussels time, the first is on 30 June 2026; the last, on 15 June 2027. It targets women-led early-stage deep tech startups and verifies compliance with defined criteria before invitation to submit a full proposal. Selected startups may later receive financial support and a tailored business development programme.

TYPE OF PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED: Early-stage deep tech startup activities involving technology-based innovation grounded in scientific or engineering advances, positioned between TRL 4 and TRL 6, and not yet reaching a high-fidelity Minimum Viable Product.

SECTORS / DOMAIN: Deep tech sectors including advanced digital technologies, AI, biotechnology, energy, advanced materials, robotics, quantum technologies, space and related fields.

INDIVIDUAL OR CONSORTIUM: Individual applicants only (single startups). Consortia are not specified in the call guidelines.

SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be women-led SMEs established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries; registered between 6 months and 5 years; have raised less than €1 million in equity; operate in deep tech; have a woman founder or co-founder in a top management role; and have at least 25% female ownership.

SPECIFIC TOPICS OR CHALLENGES: Open to all deep tech fields, provided they meet the definition of deep tech innovation. Sectors that are more prone for deep tech solutions include: advanced conectivity, navigation and digital technologies; advanced materials, manufactuing and recycling technologies; advanced sensing technologies; AI technologies; biotechnologies; energy technologies; quantum technologies; robotics and autonomous systems; and space and propulsion technologies.

PROJECTS DURATION: 6 months support programme.

BUDGET, FUNDING RATES AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS:
Funding rate: 100% rate and non-dilutive funding.
Budget conditions / limitations: €75,000 grant per selected startup.
Payments: The €75,000 lump sum is paid against accepted milestones: €37,500 after Month 1, €30,000 after Month 3 and €7,500 after Month 6. Payments are conditional upon fulfilment of the defined milestones and KPI requirements. Payments will be made up to 30 days after the reports are reviewed and are subject to the consortium having received the corresponding funds from the granting authority.