OPEN HORIZONS OC#3
OPEN HORIZONS OC#3
Open Horizons proposes a novel approach towards covering the women-led companies funding and corporate network gap, by creating a full programme, from scratch, that relies in the work done by other initiatives (Women TechEU or Empowomen). The consortium aims to invest 1.2M in startups and is comprised by an experienced consortium of partners as PEDAL (Reputed consultancy in EU projects also specialised in public procurement), SPLORO (experts on cascade funding) and INNOVX (EIC Partner and leading Accelerator). Corporates are also linked to the proposal as partners like Migros (retail) or associated partners like Siemens Industry Software, Repsol (energy) and Stahl (Manufacturing) and planning to expand up to 10. The projects structured approach includes identifying and formulating corporate challenges, inclusive talent scouting across Europe, and facilitating the funding and implementation of pilot projects within real-world corporate settings. Post-pilot, the programme focuses on expanding growth opportunities for startups by connecting them with investment channels and helping negotiate commercial agreements for long-term collaborations. This comprehensive strategy not only provides a platform for women-led startups to showcase their innovations within major corporations but also integrates them into a broader corporate and innovation ecosystem, ensuring sustained growth and significant market presence.
Entité de financement
Commission Européenne - Horizon EuropeClôture de l'appel
19 mai 2026Zone géographique
eur
Objectif
The overarching goal of Open Call #3 (OC#3) is to support the development and enhance the investment potential of women-led digital and deeptech startups, helping them scale their solutions and create long-term impact 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 12 identified corporate challenges:
1. Towards Reliable and Data-Efficient Machine Learning for Engineering Simulation
2. Enabling Secure and Efficient Model Exchange in Simulation Workflows
3. Smart Tax Strategy Design for International Business Expansion
4. Intelligent Tax Compliance & Optimisationfor International Market Entry
5. Ultra-Rapid Biodegradable Polymer Materials for Controlled Environments
6. AI-Powered Optimisationof Last-Mile Delivery for Multi-Channel Retail
7. Upcycling Food Loss into High-Value Circular Products
8. Innovative Energy Solutions for Retail Stores and Distribution Centres
9. AI-Assisted Sustainable Formulation Acceleration for Barrier Coatings
10. AI-Powered Onboarding & Employee Journey Assistant
11. Automated Demand & Market Forecasting Using Public Data
12. AI for Production Bottleneck Detection & Workflow Optimisation
More information on the challenges in the Guide for Applicants: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/9v07onsq1nxkdtcvz0d77/AJgZ6QlMsFWfVprz22KjjOI?dl=0&e=1&preview=Open+Horizons+-+OC3+Guidelines+for+applicants.pdf&rlkey=j3j7nrctsats5aeop3h8zmm63&st=c0bsmhmw
Critères d'éligibilité
To be eligible, startups 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.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) –Consideration will be given to how the applicant plans to manage intellectual property related to the innovation, including existing protections (e.g., patents, copyrights), open-source strategies, or plans for future registrations (e.g., utility models).
Technologies clés
Deep-Tech Startups
Developing breakthrough technologies based on scientific advances, such as Artificial Intelligence, Advanced computing, Robotics, Advanced materials, Clean technologies, Industrial biotechnology
Using off-the-shelf technology without technological innovation does not qualify as deep-tech.
Digital Startups
Leveraging digital technologies as the core of the business model, such as SaaS platforms, FinTech, EdTech, Digital health, Enterprise software, Marketplaces
Typologie de consortium
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 €475,000, 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 7 of the selected startups (up to 16) 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)