Open Horizons Open Call #1
Strives to foster the growth of women-led digital and deep-tech startups in Europe by offering a tailored open innovation programme to enhance their investment potential and scalability.
The Open Horizons Open Call #1 is a significant opportunity for women-led, digital, and deep-tech startups in Europe. This initiative aims to upscale innovative startups by providing structured pathways for investment and growth within the deep-tech ecosystem.
Type of projects to be funded: The call focuses on women-led, digital and deep-tech startups, particularly those at the early stages of their lifecycle. These projects should aim to deliver innovative solutions and develop scalable business models.
Sectors / domain: The focus is on digital and deep-tech sectors, including areas like AI, advanced computing, IoT, energy, cybersecurity, and more.
Individual or consortium: The call supports individual startups rather than consortia, specifically targeting those led by women.
Specific eligibility requirements: Eligible startups must be established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country. They should be women-led and meet the SME criteria under Horizon Europe. The startups should have raised no more than €1M in equity before submission.
Specific topics or challenges: The call is open to startups addressing published corporate challenges, which span various technological and industrial domains.
Projects duration: The programme duration is 6 months, comprising a 1-month inception stage and a 5-month piloting stage.
Budget, funding rates and payment conditions:
Funding rate: 100% equity-free grants
Budget conditions / limitations: Up to €55,000 per startup, disbursed based on performance and engagement.
Payments: Payments are contingent on achieving specific milestones or KPIs.
Key dates:
- Open Call launch: 11 June 2025
- Deadline for submission: 21 August 2025, 17:00 CEST
- Evaluation of proposals: August 2025
- Remote interviews: September 2025
- Start of the programme: October 2025.
This call is a unique chance for startups to refine their technologies in collaboration with corporate partners, ensuring they are market-ready and have enhanced investment potential.
Links
Closes
21/08/2025
Max funding per project
55.000€