Our Network of Impact-Driven Initiatives
WE-RISE is part of a wider European movement empowering women in deep tech and driving sustainable innovation. Through collaboration with other EU-funded initiatives, we strengthen support for women founders, boost cross-border cooperation, and build a more inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem across Europe.
​
Together, these initiatives create synergies, share best practices, and expand the collective reach of women-led innovation.
Sister Projects
.png)
EmpoWomen
EmpoWomen, operating within the framework of the HORIZON-CSA action and falling under the call designation HORIZON-EIC-2022-STARTUPEU-01, is a project funded under grant agreement number 101120693. This initiative is dedicated to supporting startups led by women in Europe, providing equity-free funding and vouchers for mentorship, business angel investment, and participation in tech summits. The primary goal of EmpoWomen is to promote gender equality and diversity in entrepreneurship, contributing to economic growth and innovation in Europe.
.png)
Innovate-EU
INNOVATE-EU is a European project dedicated to strengthening startups through interconnected and inclusive innovation ecosystems. It aims to bridge the gap between innovation leader regions and emerging innovators by empowering deep-tech startups and scale-ups through knowledge exchange, community building, and tailored training. By reducing innovation disparities and fostering collaboration, INNOVATE-EU contributes to a more cohesive and competitive European innovation landscape.
Open Horizons
Open Horizons is a programme funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe initiative. It aims to strengthen women-led digital and deep-tech startups by fostering direct collaboration with leading European corporations. Through three open calls, 39 startups will be selected to join a tailored acceleration programme, receiving equity-free funding of up to €55,000 and targeted support in corporate engagement, investment readiness, and scaling opportunities.
.png)
EPIC-X
EPIC-X is a European initiative designed to transform the innovation ecosystem by empowering women-led deep-tech startups from moderate and emerging innovator countries. The project will support 20 selected startups through the six-month Acceleration+ Programme, offering €40,000 in grant funding and €20,000 in expert mentoring vouchers. By fostering connectivity, investment opportunities, and cross-border collaboration, EPIC-X aims to accelerate the growth and impact of women-led startups, strengthening Europe’s deep-tech innovation landscape.
Other Projects
HER FUND
HER FUND is a European initiative dedicated to building a community of gender-conscious investors to support women-led startups and foster a more inclusive innovation ecosystem. The project aims to close the funding gap for women-led companies in Less Connected Innovation Ecosystems (LCIEs) by connecting them with investors, analysing the financing landscape, and strengthening access to capital across Europe.
Women TechEU
Women TechEU is EU-funded initiative supporting women leading deep-tech startups across Europe. The project aims to create a more gender-balanced entrepreneurship ecosystem by providing women innovators with funding, resources, and mentorship to help their companies thrive. Through four open calls, Women TechEU will support 160 startups with €75,000 equity-free grants and tailored business development programmes including coaching and targeted training.
CONTACT
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 European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
