EPIC-X Open Call for Women-Led Deep-Tech Startups

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Deep-Tech Innovation

The EPIC-X Open Call is an exciting opportunity for women-led deep-tech startups to accelerate their growth, overcome innovation barriers, and make impactful contributions to the European deep-tech landscape.

Through this initiative, EPIC-X offers a comprehensive support package designed to empower women entrepreneurs and help them scale their startups across Europe. Here’s everything you need to know about this call, including the eligibility criteria, how to apply, and the key deadlines.

About EPIC-X and the Acceleration+ Programme

Led by INOVA+ and funded by the Horizon Europe program, EPIC-X is a European acceleration project aimed at closing the innovation gap between Europe’s regions. Focused on moderate and emerging innovator countries as defined by the European Innovation Scoreboard 2023, EPIC-X seeks to empower women entrepreneurs leading deep-tech startups.

The Acceleration+ Programme forms the heart of EPIC-X. It offers selected startups an equity-free grant of up to €60,000, alongside a robust framework of business coaching, cross-fertilization events, and a network of experts to support startups through their journey from product-market fit to scaling.

Over the course of six months, startups will receive support in refining their business models, scaling operations, and overcoming the unique challenges women face in the deep-tech sector.

What is Deep-Tech and Why Does It Matter?

Deep-tech innovation refers to breakthrough technologies that solve complex societal problems through cutting-edge science and engineering. This includes areas like artificial intelligence (AI), advanced materials, robotics, and biotechnology.

Deep-tech companies face high risks but offer substantial rewards in terms of transformational impact on industries ranging from healthcare and energy to transportation and manufacturing.

EPIC-X focuses on supporting women-led startups in these areas, recognizing that gender equality barriers often hinder women entrepreneurs from accessing the resources, funding, and mentorship they need to thrive in this competitive sector.

Who Can Apply?

The EPIC-X Open Call is specifically targeting women-led startups in deep-tech industries. To be eligible for this call, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Legal Entity: The applicant must be a legally established SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) in one of the 16 eligible countries. These countries are identified as moderate or emerging innovators in the European Innovation Scoreboard.
  2. Women Leadership: At least one woman must hold a founder or C-level position (e.g., CEO, CTO, or CSO) in the startup, and she must have a minimum of 25% ownership or equivalent decision-making power in the company.
  3. Technological Focus: The startup must be engaged in deep-tech innovation. Applicants need to demonstrate that their technology addresses key deep-tech domains, such as AI, robotics, biotechnology, or advanced materials.
  4. Market-Product Fit: Applicants should have reached a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 6 and 8, which means they must have a product or solution that is close to market-ready and has been commercially validated.
  5. Gender Equality Commitment: The startup must demonstrate how its innovation addresses or mitigates gender equality barriers in the deep-tech sector. This can include tackling issues such as gender biases in technology, gender disparities in leadership roles, or unequal access to funding and mentorship opportunities.

Key Benefits and Support Offered

EPIC-X provides a comprehensive support package to selected startups, including:

  • Equity-Free Funding: A fixed, lump-sum grant of €60,000 to support the growth and scaling of the startup.
  • Business Coaching: Up to 15-20 days of tailored business coaching with expert advisors who will provide guidance on topics such as business development, scaling, internationalization, and fundraising.
  • Cross-Fertilization and Networking: Startups will have the opportunity to participate in cross-fertilization activities, including webinars, networking events, and a Demo Day, where they can pitch their business to investors and potential partners.
  • Capacity Building: Access to capacity-building sessions focused on key areas such as women entrepreneurship, deep-tech innovation, and local innovation ecosystems.
  • International Collaboration: Startups will be part of a broader European network of innovators, allowing for collaboration and knowledge exchange across borders. The program includes a mobility scheme and a visit to a counterpart in another country to foster synergies and collaboration.
  • Visibility: Showcase your startup at EPIC-X’s multiplier events and Demo Day, helping to raise your startup’s profile and connect with potential investors and partners.

How to Apply?

To apply for the EPIC-X Open Call, startups must submit their application via the EU Survey Platform. The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to the eligibility and selection criteria. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Prepare Your Application:
    You will need to fill out the application form, which requires administrative details, a description of your innovation, a 2-minute pitch video, and various supporting documents. [Open Call Official Guidelines]

Key documents to include:

  1. Legal Entity Form
  2. Women’s Leadership Declaration
  3. Business Coaching Plan
  4. Market Fit or Investment Documents
  5. Declaration of Honour confirming non-exclusion from EU funding
  6. Submit Electronically: The application must be submitted electronically via the EU Survey platform by the deadline of January 5, 2026, at 17:00 CET. Late or paper submissions will not be accepted.
  7. Admissibility and Evaluation: Your application will go through a two-step evaluation process. First, it will be checked for eligibility, then evaluated by a panel of experts based on the innovation’s relevance, market potential, and team capability. The top-ranked applications will receive funding.

Key Dates and Deadlines

  • Call Launch: November 3, 2025
  • Deadline for Submissions: January 5, 2026, by 17:00 CET
  • Evaluation Period: January 6 – February 27, 2026
  • Notification of Results: March 6, 2026
  • Contract Signing: March 2026
  • Acceleration+ Programme: April 1 – September 30, 2026

Conclusion: Why You Should Apply

The EPIC-X Open Call is a unique opportunity for women-led deep-tech startups in Europe to receive tailored support, significant funding, and access to a vibrant network of innovators and investors.

The program focuses on closing the innovation gap across Europe and ensuring that women entrepreneurs can scale their businesses and contribute to Europe’s deep-tech landscape.

If your deep-tech startup is ready to take the next step, this call offers a chance to join a transformative program designed to help women entrepreneurs thrive. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of EPIC-X’s journey in empowering the next generation of women in deep-tech. Apply now before the January 5, 2026, deadline!