This is the last opportunity for early-stage women-led digital and deep-tech startups across Europe to participate in a structured open innovation programme designed to unlock real growth opportunities.

Following two highly competitive rounds, demand has proven to be strong. The second call alone attracted 282 full proposals from 41 countries. It confirmed the scale of innovation and ambition among women founders across Europe.

Yet there is even more untapped potential. Across previous calls, over 2,000 applications were started but never submitted. The interest is clearly there. Many founders came close. This final round is the opportunity to finish what was started.

What selected startups receive

The final Open Call has a total budget of €475,000.  Up to 16 startups will enter a 1-month Inception Stage. Up to 7 will advance to a 5-month Piloting Stage with a corporate partner.

Each selected startup may receive up to €55,000 in equity-free funding, distributed across milestones:

• €10,000 after the Inception Stage
• €20,000 after mid-term pilot review
• €20,000 after successful pilot completion
• €5,000 after participation in the final Demo Day

Beyond funding, startups gain:

• Tailored mentoring and strategic guidance
• Access to corporate decision-makers
• Opportunity to co-design and test paid pilots
• Visibility within a European innovation ecosystem

Who can apply?

Applications must be submitted via the SPLORO electronic platform. Eligible applicants must:

• be based in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe-associated country, 

• operate in deep tech or digital innovation, 

• be led by at least one woman in a key executive role (CEO, CTO or Founder) with a minimum 25% ownership, 

• be in inception or early-growth stage, 

• propose a solution to one of 12 challenges submitted by corporate partners. 
  
  

The challenges span areas such as AI for engineering simulations, secure model exchange, intelligent tax solutions, biodegradable materials, AI-powered logistics, food loss upcycling, energy efficiency, enterprise AI assistants, forecasting and industrial process optimisation.

Full details are available in the Guidelines for applicants. 

Save the dates: Info days

Two dedicated Info days will provide detailed guidance on eligibility, challenges and the application process:

• 18 March 2026, 10:00 CEST
• 16 April 2026, 16:00 CEST

Founders are strongly encouraged to attend and clarify any questions before submission.

Why this final call matters

Open Horizons was created to bridge the funding and corporate access gap for women innovators. Coordinated by PEDAL Consulting, together with partners SPLORO (Spain), InnovX (Romania), and Migros Ticaret (Türkiye), the project invests €1.2 million into women-led startups between 2025 and 2027. This third Open Call marks the final intake. There will be no fourth round.

The deadline is fixed

Applications close on 19 May 2026 at 17:00 CEST.
All necessary info can be found at the project website: https://www.openhorizonsproject.eu/