Women TechEU creates Allies network for women-led DeepTech startups; 160 grants of €75,000 planned

Women TechEU, a European Union initiative that supports the growth of women-led DeepTech startups across Europe, has created the Allies network, EU-Startups reports. eu-startups.comEU-Startupseu-startups.comOpen source ↗ Between 2026 and 2028 the programme aims to support 160 startups with grants of €75,000 each. The grants come with mentoring, training, expert guidance, networking and opportunities to connect with investors and other European funding programmes. eu-startups.comEU-Startupseu-startups.comOpen source ↗

The scheme is EU-funded and run by a consortium. It will hold a continuous open call with four cut-off dates, and 160 beneficiaries will be selected after evaluation. The grants are non-dilutive finance, and the support package also includes matchmaking and help in bridging the gap to other EIC funding and support schemes. eu-startups.comEU-Startupseu-startups.comOpen source ↗

Who is in the Allies network

The network brings together investors, technology companies, innovation organisations, media partners, EU projects and public institutions. Investors include Alma Angels, Antler and Playfair Capital. eu-startups.comEU-Startupseu-startups.comOpen source ↗

Microsoft, FundingBox, Women in Tech, the Western Balkan Startup Alliance, allWomen, Impulse4Women and WomenTechIceland contribute through mentoring, knowledge sharing and access to entrepreneurial communities. TechBBQ, Web Summit and Wolves Summit act as media and event partners and help increase the startups' visibility. EIT Deep Tech Talent, PQreact and Ready2Scale also take part. eu-startups.comEU-Startupseu-startups.comOpen source ↗

How to become an ally

Allies can offer mentoring, share business and funding opportunities, introduce startups to investors or corporate partners, and promote women-led innovations through their networks. eu-startups.comEU-Startupseu-startups.comOpen source ↗

An organisation first registers on the Women TechEU Partner-Hub, the programme's online networking platform, and selects the option to become an ally. Within one week the Women TechEU Helpdesk team contacts it with further information and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which sets out the collaboration. Once both parties sign the MoU, the organisation becomes an ally. eu-startups.comEU-Startupseu-startups.comOpen source ↗

In return, allies get access to the Partner-Hub, where they can connect with startups and other ecosystem members. They can take part in investment events, corporate challenges and meetups, and receive an ally badge on their Partner-Hub profile. They also gain visibility through the Women TechEU website and social media channels and receive a communications pack for promoting the programme in their own networks. eu-startups.comEU-Startupseu-startups.comOpen source ↗