Shaping the ecosystem: Startups and evaluators
In just a few weeks, 151 startups from over 30 countries have pre-registered to join the first Open Call launching on 11 June 2025. These startups span different sectors like AI, blockchain, but also Internet of things and advanced manufacturing. They all have one thing in common: a bold vision to solve real-world problems.
But building an effective and winning ecosystem takes more than applications: it takes trust, expertise, and collaboration.
That’s why we’re excited to share that so far, 189 professionals from more than 24 countries have applied to join our evaluator pool. These experts bring backgrounds in quantum computing, fintech, robotics, biotech, and more, and over 50 % are women! This strong response confirms there’s a real appetite for a more equitable and high-impact way to open new horizons and support innovation.
Corporate engagement: Partnerships and real-world challenges
Behind the scenes, Open Horizons has also been securing strategic alliances to connect startups with real corporate needs.
Thanks to our partner InnovX, we’ve already established collaborations with 7 major players, including:
- …with more on the way.
Together with these partners, we’ve identified 17 concrete innovation challenges across sectors like AI, greentech, advanced materials, and circular construction.
These are real, strategic priorities where our corporate partners are actively seeking women-led startups ready to collaborate, pilot, and scale.
What’s next?
During the two-year duration of the project, we will support three cohorts of women-led startups through challenge-based open calls, mentoring, pilot-stage collaboration and follow-up with corporates. Three Open Calls are awaiting to fund women-led bold solutions, with up to 55k€ in free-equity funding for each.
The first Open Call launches on 11 June 2025, and it’s shaping up to be one of Europe’s most targeted and meaningful innovation opportunities for early-stage deeptech ventures.
This is just the beginning.
Join us as we turn problems into pilots. And pilots into a more innovative market.
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.openhorizonsproject.eu/?page_id=210
Learn more about the programme and upcoming Open Call