Open Horizons | Call for startups led by women in the digital sector

Open Horizons, an initiative funded by Horizon Europe, is launching its third and final call for applications aimed at women-led startups in the digital and deep tech sectors.

The program is structured in two main stages, with a total duration of six months: the Initial Stage (1 month) and the Pilot Stage (5 months).

A total of €475,000 will be disbursed in the form of equity participation and grants.

OBJECTIVE

To identify innovative, early-stage projects led by women and offer them access to an open innovation program designed to scale their capabilities and facilitate their access to investment and growth.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Startups that meet the following requirements:

• Be established in an EU Member State or a country associated with Horizon Europe
• Be an independent SME
• Be between 6 months and 6 years old
• Have raised €1 million or less in equity
• Be founded or co-founded by a woman with at least a 25% stake and a management position
• Operate in the digital or deep tech sector

SUPPORT

Selected startups may receive up to €55,000 in non-equity funding, distributed in stages:

• €10,000 after the Inception Stage
• €20,000 after the mid-stage review of the pilot
• €20,000 after the completion of the pilot
• €5,000 after participation in the final Demo Day

Only 7 of the selected startups (up to 1 6 selected) will advance from the Inception Stage to the Piloting Stage.

DEADLINE: May 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM (CEST).