Become a part of Open Horizons and build a strong network of innovators, industry leaders, and investors shaping the future of deep tech. Whether you’re a startup, corporate partner, investor, or ecosystem builder, this is your opportunity to drive change, collaborate on cutting-edge solutions, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Are you a women-led deep tech startup looking for funding and real-world corporate collaboration?
Get up to €55,000 in equity-free funding and access new business opportunities.
Receive mentorship and investment readiness support.
Expand your network through Europe’s top innovation ecosystem.
Tired of pitch decks? Work directly with startups to build market-ready pilots.
Define challenges. Access investment-ready deal flow. Co-create tomorrow’s tech.
Submit a challenge and join our startup scouting.
Meet Europe’s top women-led deeptech ventures.
Pilot with no upfront cost — thanks to EU support.
Are you an accelerator, incubator, innovation hub or EU project partner? Let’s join forces:
Help us spread the word and connect startups to this unique opportunity.
Collaborate on events, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing.
Strengthen the European innovation ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.
We are looking for experienced professionals to join our team of external evaluators for the Open Horizons open calls.
Evaluators will help ensure a fair, transparent, and high-quality selection process across three funding rounds between 2025 and 2026.
As an evaluator, you will:
Score startup applications remotely based on innovation, market potential, and team strength
Help select Europe’s next generation of women-led deep-tech startups
Participate in interviews with the most promising applicants
Contribute to a meaningful, impact-driven initiative supporting inclusive innovation
€100 per proposal reviewed
€32 per interview conducted
A chance to collaborate with leading innovation experts and corporates across Europe
We are seeking professionals with:
Minimum 5 years of experience in entrepreneurship, investment, innovation, or business
Background in deep-tech or digital sectors (AI, robotics, greentech, cybersecurity, IoT, etc.)
Optional: experience evaluating EU proposals, cascade funding, or startup programs
Women and underrepresented experts are especially encouraged to apply
We ensure a balanced panel with:
At least 60% from business and innovation backgrounds
At least 40% with tech and R&D experience
A gender-balanced representation
Call for Evaluators: 05 May – 05 June 2025
Evaluation Period: 08 – 19 September 2025
Startup Interviews: 29 September – 03 October 2025
Onboarding Webinar: 05 September 2025 at 11:00 CEST
Evaluators will be selected and briefed before the evaluation phase. All tasks are conducted remotely.
The process is simple and fully online:
Step 1: Visit the Application form for evaluators
Step 2: Fill in your personal and professional details
Step 3: Upload your CV and complete the eligibility self-assessment
Step 4: Confirm availability for the evaluation dates and onboarding session
Step 5: Accept the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Declaration
All evaluators will:
Sign a confidentiality agreement and a declaration of no conflict of interest
Commit to a fair, impartial and professional review process
Ensure privacy and confidentiality throughout the evaluation period
Evaluators must not be affiliated with any applying startup or consortium partner.
Please review the following documents carefully:
These documents include detailed information on eligibility, evaluation criteria, responsibilities, and ethical requirements, for your consultation. The entire application will take place on the indicated platform.