A call for mentors to propel Europe’s women-led deep-tech start-ups
The EU-funded Women TechEU 2 EIC(opens in new window) project has issued an open call(opens in new window) for experienced mentors who will support women leading deep-tech start-ups in Europe to grow into tomorrow’s tech leaders. Launched in May 2026, Women TechEU 2 EIC is the third edition of Women TechEU, an initiative striving to close the gender gap in the deep-tech sector. Women TechEU 2 EIC will run until May 2028, until which time it aims to support 160 women-run start-ups with EUR 75 000 in non-dilutive grants each, alongside a comprehensive package of business development services. Central to this mission is the recruitment of a dedicated pool of experienced women mentors who can provide strategic guidance to these emerging leaders. The project operates on the conviction that diversity drives innovation. In fact, data suggests that bridging the gap between women and men-led deep-tech companies could unlock an estimated EUR 181 billion in value for the European economy.
A critical role in scaling innovation
Open until 28 September 2026, the call for mentors targets professionals with a dual expertise in deep-tech innovation and entrepreneurial or investment backgrounds. The project seeks founders, angel investors, venture capital professionals, senior executives and coaches who can offer practical insights in areas such as business modelling, fundraising, product development and deep-tech commercialisation. Selected mentors will be matched with beneficiary start-ups based on specific needs and expertise profiles. Mentors will be expected to attend a mandatory onboarding session on 2 November 2026 and commit to a mentoring period between December 2026 and May 2027. During this time, mentors will deliver up to five one-hour sessions per assigned mentee, helping them navigate critical challenges and accelerating their path to market. Applications for the mentor pool are assessed based on the quality and relevance of experience, with successful candidates notified by 14 October 2026.
Building a legacy of female leadership
Since its inception in 2021, Women TechEU has supported 344 women-led companies across six cohorts, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the EU’s innovation ecosystem. The current edition, coordinated by Spanish innovation consultancy Sploro, introduces refinements to increase accessibility, including a two-phase application process and reserved funding for Widening regions. The impact of the programme extends far beyond financial support. Angele Giuliano, a Maltese entrepreneur and core managing partner of the consortium, emphasises the transformative nature of the community in a Women TechEU press release(opens in new window): “Women TechEU has been seen by our awardees as an instrumental gamechanger for their progress in scaling up their business. We are building a real community and network of female leaders that are not only recognised as deep tech leaders, but that are able to inspire others to follow in their footsteps, thus helping the European economy to grow and thrive.” By joining the Women TechEU 2 EIC (Women TechEU 2 EIC) mentor pool, experienced professionals have a unique opportunity to contribute directly to this legacy, fostering an inclusive environment where women-led deep-tech ventures can thrive and scale globally. For more information, please see: Women TechEU 2 EIC project website(opens in new window)
