Européen
Open Horizons Open Call 1
The Open Horizons Open Call #1 is a significant opportunity for women-led, digital, and deep-tech startups in Europe. This initiative aims to upscale innovative startups by providing structured pathways for investment and growth within the deep-tech ecosystem.
Type of projects to be funded: The call focuses on women-led, digital and deep-tech startups, particularly those at the early stages of their lifecycle. These projects should aim to deliver innovative solutions and develop scalable business models, addressing one of the 17 identified corporate challenges:
1. Advanced EV Charging Solutions for Grid Flexibility
2. Predictive Maintenance and Smart Diagnostics for Industrial Machinery
3. AI-driven Automation in Textile Quality Control
4. Digital Twin for Sustainable Agriculture
5. Next-generation Smart HVAC Control Systems
6. Energy-efficient AI for Edge Devices
7. Automated Material Sorting for Recycling
8. Bio-based Coatings for Packaging Materials
9. AI-enhanced Digital Water Management
10. Real-time Monitoring of Supply Chain Carbon Emissions
11. Comparative Tool for Renewable Thermal Solutions, Based on Hourly Demand Profiles
12. Improved Photosynthesis of Microalgae
13. Innovative Solutions for a Smart(er) Home
14. Sound Absorbing, Acoustic Meta-material
15. Building Tomorrow – Low-Carbon & Circular Construction Solutions
16. Prediction of Fabric Physical Properties and Suitable Yarn-Density Combinations Based on MRP Data
17. Automatic Machine Assignment and Optimization of Weaving and Dyehouse Production Processes Based on Yarn and Fabric Parameters
More information on the challenges in the Guide for Applicants: https://www.openhorizonsproject.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Open-Horizons-OC1-Guidelines-for-applicants-2.pdf
Deeptech: advanced computing, artificial intelligence (AI), life sciences, advanced manufacturing, energy and clean technologies, new materials, cybersecurity, robotics, and nanotechnology
The Open Horizons programme is structured into two main stages with a total duration of
6 months: the Inception Stage (1 month) and the Piloting Stage (5 months). A total of
€335,000, and up to €55,000 per selected startup will be disbursed in the form of
equity-free grants across both phases, based on performance and engagement with the
assigned corporate partner.
Only 5 of the selected startups (11) will advance from the
Inception Stage to the Piloting Stage.
Following the completion of the pilot, startups enter a crucial phase focused on scaling
their solutions and unlocking further commercial and investment opportunities, designed to strengthen the startup’s visibility and position within the market:
• Corporate Venture Capital Engagement
• Commercial Opportunity Exploration
• Joint Ventures Approach (where applicable)
The call supports individual startups specifically targeting those led by women.
Specific eligibility requirements: Eligible startups must be established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country. They should be women-led and meet the SME criteria under Horizon Europe. The startups should have raised no more than €1M in equity before submission.
“Consideration will be given to how the applicant plans to manage intellectual property related to the innovation, including […] open-source strategies.”

