For our Pledgers and the Talents following the EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative we would like to draw your attention to the WE-RISE Project’s first open call, which is now open for applications.
The Women Entrepreneurs in Renewable, Innovative, and Sustainable Enterprises (WE-RISE) Open Call aims to attract and select 20 women-led tech startups in GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech sectors, particularly from emerging European countries, with ambition to enhance their impact and market presence.
Given its commitment to supporting green-women-led startups and those established in emerging/moderate innovator countries, the Open Call aims are that:
- 100% of the selected startups must be women-led.
- At least 60% of the selected startups must be established in emerging/moderate innovator countries.
The total budget to be allocated for the Open Call is EUR 600.000.
Selection of the startups will give them the opportunity to participate in the WE-RISE Support Program which is made of 2 phases.
WE-RISE main goal is to empower underrepresented female entrepreneurs in GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech, through a strategic blend of funding and tailored support. The project aims to amplify the market presence of high potential Green-women-led startups, particularly from emerging European countries. The project’s pillars include amplifying market presence through targeted funding and investor matchmaking, integrating startups into the ecosystem through cross-border acceleration activities, and providing a holistic growth program. By prioritising inclusivity, diversity, and systemic change, WE-RISE seeks to enhance the impact and visibility of Green-Women-led startups, contributing to the broader advancement of the European innovation ecosystem towards sustainability.
Who can apply?
WE-RISE main target audience are deep tech green-women-led startups operating within the cleantech sectors (GreenTech, AgriTech & ClimateTech), with a particular focus on moderate/emerging innovator countries according to the EU Innovation Scoreboard.
Startups that have either already achieved market-product fit or have raised at least a round of financing (e.g., seed) will be prioritised.
Eligibility Criteria
The following eligibility criteria will apply:
- Women-led Startup: A company, compliant with the SME definition provided by the EU, where one of the co-founders, the position of either the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) is held by a woman at the time of application for the support program implemented by the WE-RISE Consortium.
- Sector: Greentech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech.
- Deep-tech: The startup must show evidence of development of advanced and disruptive technologies, according to European definitions for deep-tech for each of the subsectors of Greentech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech.
- Founding year: The company should have been founded before 1st January 2024.
- Origin of start-up or founder: The company must be legally established in EU member states or Associated Countries to Horizon Europe. Preference will be given to moderate and emerging innovator countries including widening countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Italy.
- Transversal Criteria: In addition, the startup must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Maturity: Product-market-fit (TRL between 6 and 8; the product/service has been already validated by initial clients in demonstrated pilots).
- Funding stage: The company has raised at least 300.000€ in public or private funding.
Applicants shall meet eligibility requirements for the entire programme duration. The consortium may request additional documents to prove eligibility.
Partners
