Top European Initiatives Empowering Women in Tech in 2026

In a rapidly evolving digital era, Europe is stepping up to empower women in tech with dynamic initiatives that go beyond mere tokenism. From non-dilutive grants for deep-tech startups to mentorship programs for women researchers and entrepreneurs, these efforts are unlocking pathways to leadership, innovation and impact. For female founders facing funding gaps, hidden networks and persistent bias, the right initiative can make the difference between staying on the sidelines and leading the charge. In this post we spotlight the most effective “women in tech Europe” programs, structured around clear themes so you can easily navigate what’s available and how to access it. Whether you’re a budding founder, early-career researcher or tech professional seeking to level up, the following pillars map out the major initiatives driving real progress and how you can plug in. Let’s dive into programs that are closing the gender gap in STEM and tech entrepreneurship across Europe.

Grants and Funding Opportunities for Women-Led Tech Startups in Europe

Europe is actively supporting women-led deep tech startups through various grants and funding schemes. These initiatives aim to bridge the gender gap in innovation and provide women entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to scale their ventures.

Women TechEU: €75,000 Grants for Deep Tech Startups

Women TechEU is an EU-funded programme offering €75,000 equity-free grants to early-stage, women-led deep tech startups across Europe. The initiative aims to support 160 startups over two years, providing not only financial assistance but also business development services, including mentoring and coaching.

• Eligibility: Women founders in deep tech startups based in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
• Support: €75,000 non-dilutive grant, personalized business development programme, and access to a network of investors and partners.
• Application: Open calls are announced periodically; the fourth call closed on 4 August 2025.

EmpoWomen: Empowering Women in Emerging European Countries

EmpoWomen is a Horizon Europe programme dedicated to accelerating women-led deep tech startups, particularly from underrepresented regions. With a total funding pool of €1.125 million, the initiative offers equity-free grants, mentorship, and access to a pan-European innovation network.

• Focus: Women-led startups in deep tech sectors from emerging European countries.
• Support: Equity-free funding, mentorship, and participation in tech summits.
• Recent Activity: Showcased 14 innovative startups at the Bucharest Demo Day in September 2025.

EIC Women Leadership Programme: Building Future Leaders

The EIC Women Leadership Programme, a collaboration between the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), focuses on enhancing leadership skills among women researchers and entrepreneurs. The programme offers training sessions, business coaching, and mentoring to help women scale their ventures and assume leadership roles in deep tech.

• Eligibility: Women researchers and entrepreneurs from the EIC and EIT Communities.
• Support: Training in leadership and entrepreneurship, business coaching, and mentoring.
• Recent Cohort: The 9th cohort ran from September to November 2025.

How to Apply and Get Involved

To benefit from these programmes, women entrepreneurs should:

• Identify Eligibility: Ensure your startup aligns with the programme’s focus areas and meets the eligibility criteria.
• Prepare Application Materials: Gather necessary documents, including a detailed business plan, financial projections, and a compelling pitch.
• Submit Applications: Apply through the respective programme’s official channels before the application deadlines.
• Engage with Support Networks: Participate in networking events, mentorship sessions, and training programmes to maximize the benefits.

By leveraging these opportunities, women-led startups can access the resources and support needed to thrive in the competitive tech landscape.

Leadership and Mentorship Programs Empowering Women in Tech

In Europe, numerous initiatives are dedicated to empowering women in technology through leadership development and mentorship. These programmes aim to bridge the gender gap in the tech industry by providing women with the necessary tools, networks, and support to thrive in their careers.

Women TechEU: Mentorship for Deep Tech Founders

Women TechEU is a European Union-funded programme supporting women-led deep tech startups. Beyond financial grants, it offers comprehensive business development services, including personalized mentorship and coaching, to help women founders scale their ventures and become leaders in the tech industry.

• Eligibility: Women founders of deep tech startups based in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
• Support: €75,000 equity-free grant, business development services, and access to a network of investors and partners.
• Application: Open calls announced periodically; interested applicants should monitor the official website for updates.

EIC Women Leadership Programme: Elevating Female Entrepreneurs

The EIC Women Leadership Programme, a collaboration between the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), focuses on enhancing leadership skills among women researchers and entrepreneurs. The programme offers training sessions, business coaching, and mentoring to help women scale their ventures and assume leadership roles in deep tech.

• Eligibility: Women researchers and entrepreneurs from the EIC and EIT Communities.
• Support: Training in leadership and entrepreneurship, business coaching, and mentoring.
• Recent Cohort: The 9th cohort ran from September to November 2025.

Tech Leaders Mentoring Programme: Nurturing Future IT Professionals

The Tech Leaders Mentoring Programme is a 4-month, free mentoring initiative designed for women aspiring to start or advance their careers in IT and new technologies. The programme pairs participants with experienced mentors who provide guidance, support, and insights into the tech industry.

• Eligibility: Women interested in starting or developing their careers in IT and new technologies.
• Support: 4-month mentoring programme with experienced professionals in the tech industry.
• Application: Applications are accepted periodically; interested individuals should check the official website for the next application cycle.

IE School of Science and Technology’s Mentorship Programme: Empowering Female Students

The Tech Mentorship Program and the Rise with IE Women initiative at IE School of Science and Technology offer female students the opportunity to learn and grow with accomplished women in their fields, both professionally and personally, empowering them to become the best version of themselves.

• Eligibility: Female students at IE School of Science and Technology.
• Support: Mentorship from accomplished women in tech, professional and personal development opportunities.
• Application: Interested students should apply through the official website.

Women Go Tech: Guiding Women Towards Tech Careers

‘Women Go Tech’ is a Lithuania-based NGO whose mission is to guide women towards careers in tech through mentoring sessions, providing content, organizing events, and community building. The initiative aims to address the underrepresentation of women in Lithuania’s ICT sector by providing support and resources to aspiring female tech professionals.

• Eligibility: Women interested in pursuing careers in tech.
• Support: Mentoring sessions, events, and community building activities.
• Application: Interested individuals can join the community through the official website.

SheSharp Mentorship Programme: Supporting Women and Non-Binary Individuals in Tech

SheSharp pledges to support its community by providing resources to help women and non-binary people enter, stay, and grow in tech. As a completely volunteer-run initiative, SheSharp offers a mentorship programme that includes e-learning licenses, books, and software to aid in the mentorship journey.

• Eligibility: Women and non-binary individuals interested in tech careers.
• Support: Mentorship, e-learning resources, and community support.
• Application: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; interested individuals should apply through the official website.

How to Get Involved:

• Identify Suitable Programmes: Assess your career stage and goals to select the most appropriate mentorship or leadership programme.
• Prepare Application Materials: Gather necessary documents, such as a CV, motivation letter, and any required references.
• Submit Applications: Apply through the official channels of the selected programmes, adhering to application deadlines.
• Engage Actively: Participate fully in the mentorship or leadership activities, seeking guidance and building connections.

By leveraging these programmes, women in tech can enhance their leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and accelerate their career growth.

Digital Skills, Inclusion, and Networking Opportunities for Women in Tech

In 2025, Europe is intensifying efforts to bridge the digital gender divide by empowering women and girls with essential digital skills, fostering inclusive networks, and promoting gender equality in the tech sector. These initiatives aim to create a more inclusive digital economy where women and girls have equal opportunities to thrive in the digital world.

Connecting Women in Digital (WiDCON): Empowering Women Across Europe

WiDCON is a pan-European initiative dedicated to promoting women’s participation in the digital sector. Through the Women in Digital Declaration, WiDCON focuses on enhancing digital skills, challenging gender stereotypes, and fostering women entrepreneurs in tech. The initiative provides platforms for knowledge sharing, skill development, and networking, contributing to the goals of the Digital Decade Policy Programme. WiDCON also offers tools like the Women in Digital Index and Scoreboard to track progress and identify best practices across EU Member States.

Girls in ICT Day 2025: Inspiring the Next Generation

Celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of April, Girls in ICT Day encourages young women and girls to explore careers in STEM. The 2025 theme, “Girls in ICTs: Bridging ALL Divides for an Inclusive Digital Transformation,” emphasizes equitable digital inclusion, especially for girls in vulnerable situations. The event features various activities, including workshops, mentorship sessions, and discussions with industry leaders, aimed at inspiring and empowering the next generation of women in tech.

European Digital Skills Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Digital Inclusion

The European Digital Skills Awards recognize outstanding projects and organizations dedicated to empowering individuals with essential digital competencies. These awards highlight initiatives that promote digital literacy and inclusion, showcasing innovative approaches to fostering digital skills across Europe. The 2025 awards will feature a special webinar on October 27 to officially reveal the finalists and winners across all categories.

Women in Digital Summit 2025: Advancing Gender Inclusion in Tech

Scheduled for November 13–14, 2025, in Brussels, the Women in Digital Summit brings together leaders from industry, government, and education to discuss strategies for closing the digital gender gap. The summit will feature keynotes, panel discussions, and networking sessions focused on best practices and policy recommendations to promote women’s participation in ICT. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with the Women in Digital Forum, a platform for collaboration among experts to advance girls and women’s participation in ICT.

EIT Women and Girls in STEM: Promoting Inclusive Digital Innovation

The EIT Education and Skills Days 2025 aim to raise awareness of gender gaps in STEM and promote inclusive digital innovation across Europe. Since 2021, over 4,600 participants have gathered annually to challenge stereotypes and empower girls to pursue careers in science and technology. The 2025 event will celebrate five years of impact in closing the gender gap in STEM and fostering inclusive digital innovation.

How to Get Involved:

• Participate in Events: Join initiatives like Girls in ICT Day and the Women in Digital Summit to gain insights, network with professionals, and explore opportunities in the digital sector.
• Engage with Platforms: Utilize resources provided by WiDCON and the Women in Digital Forum to access training materials, mentorship, and best practices for advancing in digital careers.
• Apply for Awards: If you’re involved in a project promoting digital skills and inclusion, consider applying for the European Digital Skills Awards to gain recognition and support.
• Collaborate with Organizations: Partner with organizations like EIT to participate in programs aimed at empowering women and girls in STEM and digital fields.

By engaging with these initiatives, women and girls can enhance their digital skills, build inclusive networks, and contribute to shaping a more equitable digital future.

Sector-Specific Programs for Women in Green Tech, AgriTech, and Climate Tech

In 2025, Europe is witnessing a surge in initiatives designed to empower women in GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech. These sector-specific programmes aim to bridge the gender gap in sustainability and innovation by providing tailored support to women-led startups.

WE-RISE: Empowering Women in GreenTech, AgriTech & ClimateTech

The WE-RISE project is a European Union-funded initiative aimed at supporting underrepresented female entrepreneurs in GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech. The programme offers a comprehensive 3-month support phase, providing each selected startup with a €5,000 non-dilutive grant to cover travel expenses for exhibitions, fairs, and investor meetings. The goal is to amplify the market presence of high-potential women-led startups, particularly from emerging European countries, and contribute to the broader advancement of the European innovation ecosystem towards sustainability.

EWA – Empowering Women in Agrifood

EWA is a 6-month programme led by EIT Food, dedicated to equipping women entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector with the tools they need to thrive. The programme offers training, mentoring, business coaching, and networking opportunities, aiming to empower women in the agrifood sector, help them overcome challenges, and boost the creation of sustainable businesses aligned with EIT Food’s missions: healthier lives through food, a net-zero food system, and a fair, resilient food system.

Women in Climate Tech EU

Women in Climate Tech EU is Europe’s first female-only network dedicated to founders and investors within the climate tech sector. The network aims to connect, inspire, and empower women who are shaping the future of climate technology. By fostering a community of like-minded professionals, the network provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and support, contributing to the advancement of women in the climate tech industry.

Rocket Up 2025: Scaling Women-Led Startups

Rocket Up 2025 is a strategic internationalisation support programme designed to help women-led startups scale across Europe. Launched during the Upstream Festival in Rotterdam, the programme offers a six-month journey of strategic support, providing selected startups with the resources and guidance needed to expand their market presence and impact.

How to Get Involved:

• Identify Relevant Programmes: Assess your startup’s focus area—GreenTech, AgriTech, or ClimateTech—and identify programmes that align with your goals and needs.
• Prepare Application Materials: Gather necessary documents, such as a business plan, pitch deck, and any required references, to support your application.
• Submit Applications: Apply through the official channels of the selected programmes, adhering to application deadlines and criteria.
• Engage Actively: Participate fully in the activities and opportunities provided by the programmes, seeking mentorship, networking, and growth opportunities.

By leveraging these sector-specific programmes, women-led startups in GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech can access the support and resources needed to thrive in their respective industries.

How Women Can Unlock Opportunities and Thrive in Tech Across Europe

Europe is steadily creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem by supporting women through grants, leadership programmes, digital skills initiatives, and sector-specific support. From Women TechEU’s funding for deep tech startups to mentorship programmes like EIC Women Leadership and inclusive networks such as WiDCON, these initiatives are breaking barriers and opening doors for female innovators. Sector-specific programmes in GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech further empower women to lead in emerging industries.

For women and girls aspiring to thrive in tech, the key is to actively explore these opportunities, leverage mentorship, and participate in skill-building initiatives. By tapping into these resources, women entrepreneurs and tech professionals can enhance their skills, expand networks, and accelerate career growth. The European initiatives highlighted here are not just programmes—they are stepping stones toward a more equitable and innovative tech future.