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.
Open Horizons has reached its first major milestone: the closing of the Open Call #1. Over the past ten weeks, women-led deeptech startups from more than 32 countries submitted their applications, each offering bold solutions to address real corporate challenges in energy, AI, digitalisation, sustainability, and beyond.
We are proud to see this response, which highlights the diversity of solutions and innovations led by women, aiming for a more competitive Europe.
At the same time, the application platform registered over 900 draft applications — initiatives that were left incomplete for reasons such as timing, eligibility, or testing the platform. We see these as sparks of potential that we hope to see turn into full proposals in the next open call.
What happens next?
The evaluation process is now underway. Independent experts and corporate representatives have been carefully reviewing all applications to ensure a fair and transparent selection.
Startups that meet the criteria and stand out for their relevance, innovation, and feasibility will join the Inception Phase. During October 2025 they will receive €10,000 in equity-free funding to further shape their ideas and prepare for pilot opportunities.
The most promising among them will then progress to the Piloting Phase spanning from November to March 2026. In this phase, startups will co-develop real-world solutions with corporate partners and access an additional €45,000 of equity-free funding. Along the way, they will gain EU-wide visibility, mentoring, and access to a powerful innovation network.
More horizons ahead
With the Open Call #1 now closed, the momentum of the project continues. Two more calls will open over the course of the project, offering further opportunities for women-led deeptech startups across Europe and Horizon Europe-associated countries to take part.
Second Open Call will be launched in December 2025. Stay alert.