Become an Evaluator

Help us identify and support Europe’s most promising women-led deep-tech startups.

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.

Why join as an evaluator?

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

What you get:

€100 per proposal reviewed

€32 per interview conducted

A chance to collaborate with leading innovation experts and corporates across Europe

Who Can Apply?

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

Timeline – Open Call #1

  • 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.

How to Apply

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

Deadline: 05 June 2025 at 17:00 CEST

Code of conduct and confidentiality

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.

Before you apply

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.

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