Only 2.1% of Venture Capital funding goes to women-led startups.

OPEN HORIZONS is here to flip that stat.

Join Europe’s most ambitious programme for funding women-led deeptech and digital ventures.

€1.2M in funding

Covering PoC implementation for 20+ startups

€55,000/PoC

fully covered by EU funding for accelerated implementation

Corporate partners

Microsoft, PPC, EY, SIEMENS, Stahl, Repsol, Holcim, PENNY, Fincantieri, LG Electronics, Elyaf, Alumil, Tüpras, Colliers

Welcome to Open Horizons. Where women are building what’s next - with tech, funding, and fearless innovation.

Open Horizons is more than just funding. We identify key industry challenges, scout groundbreaking women-led startups, and facilitate collaboration with corporate partners. 

Through real-world pilots and strategic support, we accelerate startup growth and drive lasting impact in the European deep tech landscape. 

Our goal?

To connect 39 high-potential startups with leading European corporations to drive real-world innovation.

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Main benefits for you

WOMEN-LED START UPS

  • Access up to €55,000 in equity-free funding in 3 open calls

  • Cooperate with top European corporations through paid pilot projects
     
  • Gain expert support in corporate collaboration, investment readiness, and scaling

  • Join an exclusive network of investors, industry leaders, and startup pioneers 

CORPORATIONS and INVESTORS

  • Identify and address big challenges and pressing issues

  • Co-develop and access the top-notch women-led solutions

  • Gain early access to high-impact deep tech ventures 

  • Invest in groundbreaking women-led innovations 

Technology domains

To attract and inspire the start-up community, the corporations will identify key challenges to be addressed by start-ups primarily from the following areas:

Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Computing, Cybersecurity, Next Generation Internet, Blockchain, Internet of Things, Metaverse, Energy, Green Tech, AgriTech, and Fin tech.

How It Works

Open Horizons follows a structured approach to maximize impact:

Discovery

Defining corporate challenges to align startups with real market needs

Scouting

Running three open calls to select top women-led startups 

Funding & Pilots

Providing financial support and corporate testbeds for innovation

Strategic Growth

Connecting startups to investment and commercial partnerships 

Amplification

Expanding the impact through European innovation networks 

When and how to join?

The first Open Call was closed in August 2025 and successful startups are working on their bold ideas. Open Horizons offers up to €55,000 to women entrepreneurs ready to lead the charge.

The second Open Call 2 is now closed. Open Call 3 opens in March 2026.

Stay tuned for updates and be among the first to apply for funding and corporate collaborations!

Corporate Partners

Siemens Industry Software

AI-driven industrial automation 

Stahl

Sustainable coatings and materials 

Repsol

Climate tech and digital transformation 

Holcim

A global leader in sustainable and smart building solutions, championing circular construction and impact-driven innovation for a greener, more resilient built environment.

Microsoft

A global technology leader driving innovation in cloud, AI, and enterprise solutions, empowering women-led startups to scale through collaboration, mentorship, and real-world challenges.

EY

A world-renowned firm in assurance, consulting, and strategy, supporting women-led ventures with expertise in business transformation and sustainable value creation across industries.

PPC

A leading energy provider in Southeast Europe, advancing clean and responsible energy solutions to create safer, more sustainable communities for the future.

ELYAF

Blending tradition and innovation to craft high-quality, sustainable textiles for a global market.

LG Electronics

LG Electronics drives innovation for a better life, combining cutting-edge tech with a global mission to prove that Life’s Good.

Alumil

Shaping the future of architecture through innovative, sustainable, and high-performance aluminium solutions worldwide.

Tupras

Tüpraş is Türkiye’s leading energy company, driving the transition toward a carbon-neutral future through innovation, diversification, and sustainable growth.

Fincantieri

Fincantieri is a global leader in shipbuilding and marine innovation, shaping the future of the seas through advanced technology, sustainability, and over 230 years of expertise.

PENNY

PENNY Romania — a family of 5,800 people building success through security, trust, and belonging

Colliers

Colliers is a global leader in real estate, engineering, and investment management, empowering growth and value creation worldwide.

They believe in us

Stay Updated

The time to get involved is NOW.

Join our community, explore upcoming events, and access key resources to maximize your impact. 

Ready to shape the future of deep tech? Apply now or partner with us today! 

We would be happy to meet you and learn all about your business

Message us

info@openhorizonsproject.eu

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