Deadline Date: May 19, 2026
Open Horizons is launching three open calls between 2025 and 2027 to support women-led deeptech and digital startups with funding, corporate collaboration, and structured growth opportunities across the European innovation ecosystem.
The programme focuses on women-led deeptech and digital innovation, including AI, IoT, Greentech, Blockchain and related sectors, supporting early-stage startups based in the European Union or Horizon Europe-associated countries, with at least one woman founder or C-level leader holding a minimum of 25% ownership, and targeting companies that have raised less than €1 million prior to application while addressing real-world corporate challenges through scalable technological solutions.
Open Horizons will distribute a total of €1.2 million across 39 selected startups. Each selected company can receive up to €55,000 in equity-free funding while gaining direct collaboration opportunities with major European corporates. In addition to financial support, startups benefit from tailored mentoring provided by experts and business coaches, increased visibility across Europe, and access to potential investors and commercial pathways.
The programme is structured in three main phases. The first stage is the inception phase, where 39 selected startups receive €10,000 to participate in a one-month programme. During this period, they undergo business model and pilot planning training delivered by INNOVX. Startups also meet their assigned corporate partners to co-design a potential pilot project. By the end of the month, they are required to deliver a Business Model Canvas and a detailed Pilot Plan, and pitch their proposal to the matched corporate. Based on these presentations, corporates decide which startups advance to the piloting phase.
Across the three open calls, 18 startups will be selected to proceed to full pilot implementation. In the piloting phase, each approved startup can receive up to €45,000 distributed over five months. This funding is provided in three instalments: €20,000 following a mid-term KPI review, €20,000 after the final review, and €5,000 upon participation in the Demo Day. During this period, startups continue receiving advanced coaching and training from INNOVX while launching and managing a real-world pilot in collaboration with their corporate partner. They are required to monitor Key Performance Indicators and demonstrate measurable results, culminating in a final Demo Day that provides EU-wide visibility and exposure to investors.
Following the pilot, selected startups enter a strategic follow-on phase designed to transform pilot achievements into long-term market traction. This phase focuses on scaling, investment readiness, and sustainable impact. It includes engagement with Corporate Venture Capital, exploration of commercial opportunities, and facilitation of potential joint ventures. The objective is to ensure that successful pilot projects evolve into lasting partnerships and meaningful business growth.
Through this structured pathway, Open Horizons aims to strengthen women-led innovation across the European Union and countries associated with Horizon Europe, enabling startups to move from early-stage development to validated corporate collaboration and commercial expansion.
For more information, visit Open Horizons.
