Open Horizons, a Horizon Europe-financed initiative, has officially launched its first Open Call for funding of women-led start-ups. Those operating in deep tech and digital innovation can apply for unique financial support from 11 June to 21 August 2025.
Successful applicants will receive:
- Up to €55,000 in equity-free funding,
- Tailored mentoring and strategic matchmaking,
- Opportunities to co-design and test paid pilot projects with major European corporates.
This is the first of three Open Calls under the project’s broader €1.2 million mission to boost female entrepreneurship in tech and bridge Europe’s innovation gap. The focus is on real-world business needs in sectors like AI, Green Tech, Blockchain, and Advanced Materials.
Who can apply?
To be eligible, startups must:
- Be based in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe-associated country (this includes the UK)
- Operate in deep tech or digital innovation,
- Be led by at least one woman in a key executive role (CEO, CTO or Founder) with a minimum 25% ownership,
- Be in inception or early-growth stage.
The deadline for the submission of applications is 21 August 2025, 17.00 CEST.
All detailed information can be found at the project website: https://www.openhorizonsproject.eu