Working towards full gender equality in the EU has always been at the core of what we believe in at AcrossLimits, as evidenced by the many initiatives and projects that we have been a part of over the years in which we contributed towards women’s empowerment. We are deeply committed to playing our part in giving women from all walks of life access to the tools, resources and opportunities they need to counterbalance the structural barriers still in place throughout the vast majority of economic sectors. We also practice what we preach – we’re a women-lead organisation that uses our lived experiences to help pave the way for others to succeed.
Because of this, Women’s Day is always something we commemorate – but this year, AcrossLimits has even more reason than usual to celebrate!
The WomenTechEU project has just launched – one of the biggest projects we have ever been a part of, and one of our proudest achievements to date.
WomenTechEU is a game-changing two year project that aims to bridge the gender gap in the deeptech industry and empower women-lead companies and innovators from all over the EU and Horizon Europe associated countries.
Entrepreneurship is vital for societal progress, yet women remain underrepresented, comprising less than a third of EU entrepreneurs. In deep tech sectors, this gender gap is even more pronounced, with less than 2% of total investment going to women-led companies.
WomenTechEU’s primary objective is to invest €12M in equity-free grants, in which 160 women-led deep tech companies will receive a grant of up to €75,000. Additionally, we will offer comprehensive support services, all of which enhance the existing EIC Business Acceleration Services programme – women who benefit from the grant will also tap into a menu of tailored services enabling them to further scale up and develop their business!
AcrossLimits has a crucial role to play in the project, as we are responsible for leading the communication and dissemination of the project, ensuring that we build an audience for WomenTechEU, engage with stakeholders virtually and in person, and communicate what’s going on in the project. This is a very critical role in a project seeking to reach 15,000 startups and receive a minimum of 1,500 funding applications. Moreover, AcrossLimits will be leveraging its business development and entrepreneurial expertise to substantially contribute to the provision of the Programme of Business Acceleration Services.
We couldn’t be happier to be part of this initiative that is paving the way for women to shine as innovators and leaders in deep tech across Europe. Let’s empower and elevate these trailblazing women to shape the future of technology!
Do you have what it takes to be a leader in deep tech? Or perhaps you would like to contribute to the initiative by providing your expertise as a grant evaluator or as a female mentor? Are you passionate about women’s role in business and innovation? You can learn more about WomenTechEU by following our journey on social media or signing up on our website to receive automatic updates. Keep your eyes peeled – the first call will be announced very soon!
WomenTechEU is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
