The word “inception” comes from the Latin “inceptio”, meaning a beginning, an undertaking. It signals the starting point of something meaningful. For Open Horizons, the Inception Phase marks the real beginning of the journey for selected startups: when applications evolve into structured pilot plans.

The first open call of Open Horizons was a success. We received 256 applications. This is just the first step of a short but intense journey, where women-led tech startups will walk side by side leading corporates and mentors. The common destination: scaling up real-world solutions to boost innovation in Europe.

The countdown is on: the first Open Horizons Open Call closes on 21 August 2025 at 17:00 CEST.
Before submitting, many startups have reached out with similar questions. We collected them to help you avoid common mistakes, to fully focus on delivering a great application on time.

Open Horizons is built around real industry challenges defined by leading corporate partners.
This challenge-based framework means that from the very beginning, selected startups work on solutions with direct market demand, guided by the companies who asked for these innovations.
This approach means that your product can find immediate market appeal, as your pilot is designed to meet a real, validated need. The uptake on the market is also improved by the strategic mentorship provided by industry leaders: you will work directly with corporate partners who know the sector inside out. After realizing your solution, you get the key to a powerful network for scaling: Gain EU-wide visibility and connections that extend beyond the pilot.

Missed the second Info Day of Open Horizons? Don’t worry! Here’s a recap of some of the most important questions raised by participants. The session on July 16 brought together dozens of innovators eager to better understand how to successfully apply to the Open Call and how to align with the programme’s unique challenge-based approach.

Submitting a successful application to Open Horizons is not just about presenting a great idea. It is about showing that your startup is eligible, prepared, and aligned with real market needs. Many applications fail due to small but avoidable mistakes, which can be prevented by following a few essential tips from our team.

Before you apply to Open Horizons, it is essential to understand whether your startup meets the programme’s eligibility criteria.

If you couldn’t join us live for the first Open Horizons Info Day, we’ve got you! You can now watch the entire session online.

11 June 2025, European Union: Open Horizons, a Horizon Europe financed initiative, has officially launched its first Open Call for funding of women-led start-ups. Those operating in deep tech and digital innovation can apply for unique financial support of up to €55,000 from 11 June to 21 August 2025.