[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

August 21, 2025 (17:00 Brussels time)

Up to €55,000 equity-free funding per startup across two phases; total call budget €335,000

Supports women-led digital and deep-tech startups in Europe with funding, mentoring, and corporate partnerships to accelerate growth and innovation.

Applicants must be early-stage, women-led startups established in the EU or a Horizon Europe Associated Country.

--- ## Description This opportunity, part of the Horizon Europe "Open Horizons" initiative, aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage, women-led startups in the digital and deep-tech sectors. The program is designed to connect selected startups with leading corporations for co-development and piloting of innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Over a 26-month period, participants receive tailored training, corporate matchmaking, mentoring, investor exposure, and post-pilot support to scale up via strategic partnerships and commercialization opportunities. The initiative offers a structured pathway for startups to access significant investment and growth within the European innovation ecosystem. --- ## Due Dates - Application deadline: August 21, 2025 (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum funding per startup: Up to €55,000 (equity-free) - Inception Stage: €10,000 grant for pilot roadmap development (1 month) - Piloting Stage: Up to €45,000 for solution implementation with a corporate partner (5 months; only half of the initial cohort progresses to this stage) - Total available funding for this call: €335,000 - Funding is milestone-based and linked to final reporting and participation in Demo Day --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants must: - Be legally established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country - Qualify as early-stage startups according to Horizon Europe criteria - Be led by women (cis or trans) who are legally recognized founders/co-founders, hold executive roles, and possess at least 25% ownership - Operate in the digital or deep-tech domains (e.g., AI, advanced computing, life sciences, robotics, etc.) Ineligible applicants include: - Foundations and associations - Entities with past convictions or bankruptcy procedures - Applicants intending to subcontract key tasks (e.g., external developers or research centers) --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the [official online submission platform](http://bit.ly/3UYYPEm) - Required documents: - [Guidelines for applicants](https://www.openhorizonsproject.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Open-Horizons-OC1-Guidelines-for-applicants-2.pdf) - [Application form (sample)](https://www.openhorizonsproject.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Open-Horizons_Annex-1_-Application-Form-OC1-Applicants-4.pdf) - The evaluation process includes: 1. Eligibility check (11 criteria) 2. Automatic red flags screening 3. Remote expert evaluation (Impact, Excellence, Implementation) 4. Score normalization 5. Online interview for top 22 ranked startups - Final selection is subject to approval by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) --- ## Additional Information - Selected startups benefit from training, corporate matchmaking, mentoring, investor exposure, and a 3-month follow-on stage for scaling up. - The program is equity-free and focuses on supporting commercialization and investment readiness. - Only applications submitted through the designated online platform will be considered. --- ## External Links - [Official Call Page (EU Funding & Tenders Portal)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/11126?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=3&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Open Horizons Project Website](https://www.openhorizonsproject.eu/) - [Guidelines for Applicants (PDF)](https://www.openhorizonsproject.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Open-Horizons-OC1-Guidelines-for-applicants-2.pdf) - [Application Form Template (PDF)](https://www.openhorizonsproject.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Open-Horizons_Annex-1_-Application-Form-OC1-Applicants-4.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | General Email | info@openhorizonsproject.eu | | Funder Contact | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Open Horizons Open Call #1

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