Open Horizons - Open Call for funding of women-led start-ups

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.

Click here to watch the recording of the info day held on 18 June.

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.

Deep tech is defined for this competition as: Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Computing, Cybersecurity, Next Generation Internet, Blockchain, Internet of Things, Metaverse, Energy, Green Tech, AgriTech, and Fin tech.