In this episode of Efecto Cascada, we explore the crucial role of women entrepreneurs in deep tech and the efforts being made to bridge gender gaps in innovation. Our guests, Marta Fernández Bernabeu, an experienced EU Project Manager at Sploro and the coordinator of EmpoWomen, and Neide Vieira, the COO and co-founder of IPLEXMED, share their insights into how women-led startups are redefining the landscape of deep tech entrepreneurship.
“Women in deep tech face more obstacles in securing funding and scaling their startups. EmpoWomen is about changing that reality,” explains Marta.
A Vision for Inclusion in Deep Tech
EmpoWomen is a European Union-funded initiative under Horizon Europe, addressing the underrepresentation of women in deep tech sectors, particularly in widening countries. Despite growing interest in gender equality in entrepreneurship, only 15% of deep-tech startups are founded by women, and less than 10% of patents are filed by women innovators.
By providing €1,125,000 in cascade funding, as well as acceleration programs, mentorship, and investor connections, EmpoWomen is actively supporting women-led startups to break through systemic barriers.
With partners like Sploro, TechUkraine, Startup Wise Guys and Business Angels Europe, the programme is cultivating a stronger, more inclusive deep tech ecosystem.
EP 21 – Deep Tech Needs Women
One of the winners, Neide Vieira & The IPLEXMED Journey
One of the standout beneficiaries of EmpoWomen’s first Open Call is IPLEXMED, a medtech startup co-founded by Neide Vieira. With over 18 years of R&D experience, Neide and her team developed NexaGuard, an advanced portable diagnostic platform that delivers lab-grade results in just 20 minutes.
“EmpoWomen’s support allowed us to accelerate clinical validation and refine our investment strategy,” says Neide.
Through EmpoWomen’s tailored mentorship, IPLEXMED gained essential fundraising insights, helping them prepare for their next seed-stage investment round. Beyond funding, the programme enabled connections with key investors and industry leaders, increasing visibility for women-led deep tech startups.
The Funding Gap
Despite the progress made, women entrepreneurs still struggle to access funding. Today, women-led startups receive much less VC funding, often due to unconscious bias and lack of representation among investors.
EmpoWomen addresses these challenges by offering targeted funding, mentoring and networking opportunities to help women founders gain a level playing field.
Marta emphasises: “Access to funding is not just about money; it’s about creating a long-term support system for women innovators.”
What’s Next for EmpoWomen?
EmpoWomen has successfully completed its second Open Call and is now focusing on supporting its latest cohort of startups, which have just been selected. The initiative will conclude at the end of 2025, but its impact will continue through the network of women entrepreneurs and investors it has built.
While change takes time, programmes like EmpoWomen are a catalyst for transformation, ensuring that women in deep tech are not just included but leading the way.
Listen to the Full Episode
This podcast has been made possible thanks to the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan of the Spanish Government. Their support has been fundamental to carry out this podcast.
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