On October 1st, the second of four open calls for the Women TechEU program concluded successfully. Like the first call, which closed in May, this round attracted a high level of interest, demonstrating the continued engagement of women entrepreneurs across Europe. A total of 827 applications were received, showcasing the sustained enthusiasm for the program’s offerings.
The geographical spread of applicants was impressive, with submissions from 41 different eligible countries. The United Kingdom led the way with 109 applications, followed by France with 80 and Türkiye with 77. This broad participation highlights the program’s pan-European reach and its appeal to women-led deep tech startups in diverse regions.
The second Open Call saw applicants from a wide range of deep tech sectors. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), including Big Data, continued to dominate, with 451 applicants focusing on these technologies. Other popular sectors included:
Interestingly, the sectors of Advanced Computing/Quantum Computing and Semiconductors (microchips) had the lowest engagement, with only 7 and 5 applications, respectively. This reflects a varied but still selective focus on cutting-edge technologies.
The Women TechEU team is pleased to report that the second Open Call ran more smoothly than the first. Thanks to a feedback loop from the initial round, the team was able to refine and clarify the application process. As a result, there were fewer inquiries and requests for assistance during and after the submission period. The well-attended InfoDays also helped address any uncertainties from potential applicants.
However, one recurring challenge was the “procrastination curve”—a significant spike in submissions occurred in the final hours before the deadline. Despite reminders and outreach, many applicants waited until the last minute, with a noticeable surge in activity in the final minutes.
The current phase involves eligibility checks and evaluations of the applications. The Sploro team, which manages the operational side of the project, has optimized its processes, learning from the first Open Call and implementing innovative strategies to handle large volumes of submissions more efficiently.
Sploro’s expertise in managing cascade funding and running EU Open Calls positions the team at the forefront of this niche. By utilizing the latest technologies and tools, they are improving how such large-scale funding initiatives are handled.
The success of the second Open Call reaffirms the significance and growing recognition of the Women TechEU program in fostering deep tech innovation led by women. As the project continues to evolve, the Women TechEU team remains committed to supporting the next generation of women entrepreneurs, helping them drive forward groundbreaking technological advancements and contribute to a more inclusive and innovative future in Europe.
