€1.2 Million for Women Innovators: WE-RISE Opens Its Second Call for Deep-Tech Startups

The EU-funded WE-RISE initiative supports women-led startups at the forefront of Europe’s green and digital transition. Coordinated by Fast Track Ventures (Portugal) in collaboration with G-Force (Slovakia), Bpifrance (France), Toro Ventures (Spain), and Sunrise Tech Park (Lithuania), WE-RISE provides tailored funding, mentorship, and visibility within the European innovation ecosystem. The project offers €1.2 million in non-equity funding and hands-on support to help founders scale their innovations and strengthen their role in Europe’s sustainable future. 

WE-RISE launched its first Open Call in March 2025, attracting 267 applications from 43 countries. The strong response showed a clear demand for support among women innovators working in GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech. From these, 20 startups were selected to join the program: Alteva, Alternative Innovation, Kybele’s Garden, Lam’on, H+H Labs PSA, Algbio, Seamoretech SA, reLi Energy, Cropt, Inobiostar, Invisible-Light Labs GmbH, Change Bio, Simbio, Myceen OÜ, P-Agro Minerals, ColorSensing, IBISA, Atom H2 Energy tech S.L., PV2+ GmbH, and Ion Membrane Company. Over 60% of the selected startups came from emerging or widening countries, demonstrating WE-RISE’s commitment to inclusivity and balanced innovation across Europe. 

During the first phase, startups focused on foundational growth through training, workshops, and coaching. With the support of dedicated mentors, they developed their Strategic Action Plans (SAPs), defining concrete steps toward scaling, investment readiness, and market expansion. Each participant received an initial grant of €5,000 to engage in activities such as networking, partnership building, and business development. 

“Coaching has been the most valuable part of the program, helping us sharpen our communication, identify strategic goals, and translate our technology’s potential into market-oriented milestones,” said Aygen Savaş Alkan, Co-Founder and CEO of Kybele’s Garden. María Mateo Iborra, Co-Founder and CEO of IBISA, added, “Workshops gave my team fresh perspectives, especially those new to startups or fundraising.” 

After completing the first stage, 10 startups: Atom H2 Energy tech S.L., Algbio, H+H Labs PSA, reLi Energy, Cropt, Inobiostar, IBISA, Seamoretech SA, Change Bio, and ColorSensing advanced to Phase 2. Each startup advancing to Phase 2 is awarded a €50,000 grant to further scale its innovation. Over the following four months, this stage helps them implement their SAPs through targeted coaching, investor matchmaking, and stakeholder engagement. 

Reflecting on their experience, many founders emphasized how WE-RISE helped them build structure and confidence while refining their long-term strategies. As Seda Köksal Yeğin, Co-Founder and CTO of Ion Membranes, summarized, “For us, WE-RISE marks a turning point in our company’s development - a period that can be clearly divided into before and after WE-RISE. It has truly been a milestone for us.” 

Building on the success of this first Open Call, WE-RISE opened its Second Call on December 4, 2025, offering another opportunity for women-led deep-tech startups to benefit from dedicated mentoring, financial support, and cross-border collaboration. The deadline to submit applications is February 12, 2026. The program continues to grow a strong community where founders exchange experience, gain visibility, and take confident steps toward scaling their technologies. 

More information about the Open Call: https://www.we-rise.eu/open-call-2