The EU's Quiet Plan to Back Women-Led DeepTech

Jan de Vries · 2026-11-04

Women TechEU is a European Union initiative that supports women-led DeepTech startups across Europe. Between 2026 and 2028, the program aims to back 160 companies with grants of roughly $81,000 each (€75,000), plus mentoring, training, expert guidance, networking, and connections to investors and other EU funding programs. But here's the thing: grants alone don't build a company. That's why Women TechEU created the Allies network—a group of organizations that want to help these startups grow beyond the check. The network includes investors, tech companies, innovation organizations, media partners, EU projects, and public institutions. Think of it as a support system that sticks around after the grant money runs out. ### Who are the Women TechEU Allies? The Allies network brings together organizations from across Europe that can offer startups valuable connections, expertise, resources, and visibility. It's a mix of big names and niche players, all with something to contribute. Investors like Alma Angels, Antler, and Playfair Capital help connect startups with investment opportunities and funding networks. Tech companies and ecosystem organizations such as Microsoft, FundingBox, Women in Tech, the Western Balkan Startup Alliance, allWomen, Impulse4Women, and WomenTechIceland contribute through mentoring, knowledge sharing, and access to entrepreneurial communities. Media and event partners, including TechBBQ, Web Summit, and Wolves Summit, help increase the visibility of women-led DeepTech startups. European initiatives like EIT Deep Tech Talent, PQreact, and Ready2Scale also participate, supporting collaboration and access to additional opportunities. Together, these organizations create a stronger network of support for women entrepreneurs across Europe. ### What does being an ally involve? Becoming a Women TechEU ally means joining this network and contributing to the growth of women-led DeepTech startups. Allies can support startups in different ways, including offering mentoring, sharing business and funding opportunities, making introductions to investors or corporate partners, and promoting women-led innovations through their networks. In return, Allies gain access to the Women TechEU Partner-Hub, an online platform where startups, investors, companies, and other ecosystem organizations can connect and collaborate. Through the Partner-Hub and the wider network, Allies can: - Connect with women-led DeepTech startups and other European innovation stakeholders. - Participate in investment events, corporate challenges, meetups, and networking activities. - Receive a dedicated ally badge on their Partner-Hub profile. - Gain visibility through Women TechEU's website and social media channels. - Receive a communications pack to help promote Women TechEU within their own networks. ### How to become a Women TechEU ally Joining the Allies network is a straightforward process. First, interested organizations register on the Women TechEU Partner-Hub, the program's online networking platform. During registration, they simply select the option indicating that they would like to become an ally. Within one week, the Women TechEU Helpdesk team contacts them with further information and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This document sets out the collaboration between Women TechEU and the organization. Once both parties sign the MoU, the organization officially becomes a Women TechEU ally and can take part in the network's activities. The Partner-Hub therefore serves two purposes: it's where organizations express their interest in becoming Allies, and it's also the online space they use to connect with startups and other members of the Women TechEU community. By joining the Allies network, organizations can contribute their expertise, connections, and resources to help more women-led DeepTech startups access opportunities and grow across Europe. Interested in becoming an ally? Visit the Women TechEU website to learn more and access the Partner-Hub.