EPIC-X Open Call for Women-Led Deep-Tech Startups

The EPIC-X Open Call for Women-Led Deep-Tech Startups aims to boost women’s leadership in Europe’s deep-tech sector and strengthen innovation capacity in 16 moderate and emerging innovator countries. The programme provides financial support, tailored acceleration services and cross-border networking to help startups grow internationally.

Objectives of the Call

EPIC-X supports projects focused on:

• Deep-tech innovation and prototype development
• Market-scaling and business acceleration
• Capacity building for long-term growth
• Cross-border collaboration, visibility and ecosystem integration

Eligible Sectors

Projects should align with deep-tech domains such as:

• Artificial intelligence
• Quantum technologies
• Biotechnology
• Advanced materials
• Robotics
• Blockchain
• Clean energy and climate technologies

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility criteria include:

• Women-led startups only—with at least one woman founder or C-level executive holding minimum 25% ownership
• Startup must be legally established in one of the 16 moderate or emerging innovator countries
• Applications are open to individual startups, not consortia