Is Cascade Funding Contributing to Closing the Gender Gap in European Innovation?
06 March 2026
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Every 11 February, the world celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science—a global initiative proclaimed by the United Nations to promote full and equal access to participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for women and girls everywhere. This day recognises not only the breakthroughs and discoveries led by women, but also the barriers that remain. As UNESCO reminds us, “Inclusive science and innovation yield better outcomes. More diverse teams drive more robust solutions for society and industry”. It is a call to organisations, policymakers and innovators to build a future where talent knows no gender.
Despite the undeniable contributions of women in science, persistent gender gaps remain across Europe and worldwide. Only about 14% of deep-tech startup founders in Europe are women, and less than 2% of venture capital funding reaches women-led startups. Globally, women represent just one third of researchers and about 35% of STEM graduates. As highlighted in Sploro’s White Paper, “Gender equity is not a social add-on to innovation policy—it is a precondition for excellence, resilience, and competitiveness in Europe’s deep-tech future.” These figures and insights remind us that true innovation demands the full participation of everyone.
At Sploro, we believe that “unlocking Europe’s innovation potential means ensuring all voices are heard and supported”. Our commitment goes beyond statements—through our methodology and our involvement in EU-funded initiatives, we actively foster opportunities for women and girls in science and technology.
Empowomen, coordinated by Sploro, stands as a powerful example of how targeted EU action can transform opportunities for women founders. Through a highly competitive process, 25 women-led deep-tech startups from 17 countries were selected and supported. The programme distributed over €1.05 million in equity-free cascade funding—delivering critical, non-dilutive capital that allowed founders to focus on real innovation and growth, rather than fundraising.
The programme’s impact is real: “women-led startups that received public funding experienced 85% growth in employment and 223% revenue growth, while maintaining more equity ownership compared to peers”. Although Empowomen concluded in 2025, its legacy endures as a model of how strategic EU support can deliver tangible outcomes for women in deep-tech.
With WomenTechEU, Sploro has contributed to providing early-stage, women-led deep-tech startups with non-dilutive funding, tailored business coaching, and leadership development. As the White Paper notes, “targeted EU instruments have improved access and visibility for women in deep-tech, yet persistent gaps remain in scale-up support and access to private capital”. WomenTechEU is one of the crucial entry points for bridging those divides.
Looking forward, Sploro is proud to help drive the Open Horizons project —designed to connect women-led startups with corporate partners, funding opportunities, and pathways for long-term growth. This initiative embodies our ongoing mission: supporting women founders at every stage and building an ecosystem where no one is left behind.
The evidence is clear: targeted EU public funding can transform the trajectory of women-led deep-tech startups. Data from the White Paper shows that between 2023 and 2025, startups led by women that received EU public support experienced remarkable growth—an 85% increase in employment and a 223% rise in revenue, while retaining more equity ownership compared to peers without such backing.
These results are not just numbers—they reflect lives changed, companies scaled, and new technologies reaching the market. As highlighted by beneficiaries, “participation in these programmes was tangibly impactful and, in many cases, transformative. Non-dilutive funding and access to quality mentorship made all the difference at the right moment”.
Yet, the challenge is not fully solved. The White Paper cautions: “Without systemic reforms in private markets and stronger follow-on mechanisms, progress risks being short-lived”. That’s why Sploro has developed a robust impact measurement methodology—so that outcomes can be tracked, lessons learned, and positive change scaled up across the ecosystem.
Inclusion, data, and continuous support are not optional:
“Gender equity is not a social add-on to innovation policy—it is a precondition for excellence, resilience, and competitiveness in Europe’s deep-tech future.”
Check out the white paper:
“EU Public Funding: A Critical Catalyst for Women-Led Deep Tech Growth.”
While Empowomen (2023–2025) has reached its conclusion, Sploro’s dedication to gender equality in science and innovation remains stronger than ever. We are now actively driving new initiatives, such as Open Horizons (2025–2027), and strengthening partnerships that aim to unlock opportunities for the next generation of women founders, researchers, and innovators across Europe.
As our White Paper highlights, “true progress depends on systemic, long-term strategies where inclusion is a foundational principle across all innovation frameworks”. At Sploro, we are committed to this vision: supporting women and girls at every stage of their scientific journey, advocating for policy improvements, and ensuring that every talented mind can thrive—regardless of gender.
On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we invite you to be part of this movement. Connect with us to collaborate. Together, we can build a future where Europe’s innovation ecosystem is truly open, diverse, and resilient.
