As part of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Business Acceleration Services, the EIC Women Leadership Programme is championing women in innovation and tech by boosting their skills and bringing together the community needed to thrive in today’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Following her participation in the programme’s 5th cohort, EIC Transition beneficiary Tina Černič sat with the EIC Community team to share her experience, from her initial doubts to her newfound confidence and the impact that the programme has had on her career.
In today’s fast-paced innovation landscape, bridging technical expertise with leadership skills is essential, yet challenging. This intersection between talent and ambition is exemplified in Tina’s journey with the EIC Women Leadership Programme. As a process development engineer at ReCatalyst, a pioneering start-up focused on next-generation platinum-alloy catalysts for hydrogen fuel cells, she embarked on a transformative journey to hone the skills that would prepare her for leadership within an evolving industry.
The 5th cohort, held from April to June 2024, focused on equipping EIC female researchers and aspiring leaders like Tina with essential tools and skills to advance their leadership paths. Participants received access to training sessions, networking events, business coaching, mentoring, and various career and business development opportunities.
Taking the leap: applying for the EIC Women Leadership Programme
Tina first learned about the programme through a co-worker at ReCatalyst, who shared the application link and encouraged her to consider the opportunity. Though relatively new to her role and with limited exposure to European innovation initiatives, she was intrigued by the programme’s focus on women in research, and she chose to pursue the opportunity to challenge herself, step out of her comfort zone and gain new skills.
Building the future of fuel cells with ReCatalyst
As a young company that has secured an EIC Transition grant for its ambitious ENABLER project, ReCatalyst is tackling one of the most pressing issues in clean energy: the production of affordable and efficient platinum-alloy catalysts for hydrogen fuel cells needed to bring greenhouse gas emissions down to zero.
In this context, Tina’s role as a process development engineer in the research and development team is both challenging and crucial, contributing directly to the scaling and commercialisation of catalyst technology. Her position demands innovation and precision, but also the agility and leadership needed to meet a growing demand while optimising production processes.
ReCatalyst's platinum cobalt on carbon, a catalyst solution with a mission to optimise the use of precious metals
The move from academia to start-up
Asked about the key challenges in her journey, Tina highlighted her shift from academia to the world of start-ups and entrepreneurship:
As start-ups are poised for rapid expansion, every team member must develop leadership skills to prepare for evolving roles. With limited experience, quickly adjusting to new operational dynamics and driving professional growth has been challenging.
Through the EIC Women Leadership Programme, Tina was able to adapt to this new environment, gaining insights into leadership and team dynamics:
Through the programme, I’ve gained valuable insights into leadership, team management, organisational techniques, and effective communication strategies – tools that will better prepare me for future challenges.
The power of community, mentorship and learning
For Tina, the most rewarding aspect of the programme was becoming part of a supportive network and community. However, beyond the collective inspiration, the personal mentorship she received proved to be a turning point:
The most valuable aspects of the programme were becoming part of this supportive and like-minded community. In addition to the great coaches, choosing my own mentor and building a relationship with her was also very important and beneficial. The guidance and support I received on a monthly basis helped me address immediate challenges.
Among the various training sessions she followed with the programme, Tina was most impacted by the session on intention setting. This training emphasised the importance of prioritising attention and managing energy, along with self-awareness, reflection, and responsibility as key leadership qualities.
Broadening horizons and getting to know industry leaders
Another key highlight of the programme for Tina was the networking opportunities on offer, which enabled her to meet accomplished women from various industries and broaden her perspective on her career possibilities:
I had the chance to meet many inspiring women with diverse career paths and unique experiences. Hearing about their successes and how they overcome challenges left me feeling motivated and empowered. It was also eye-opening to see the variety of directions a career can take, which gave me a broader perspective on potential future steps. Expanding my network with such accomplished women has been fantastic; you never know when new connections may lead to future collaborations or projects.
Charting the future: the lasting impact of the EIC Women Leadership Programme
As Tina graduated from the 5th cohort of the EIC Women Leadership Programme, she walked away with what she describes as a ‘notebook full of insights’ on both personal and professional growth:
Each training session has offered new perspectives on tackling everyday challenges and knowing when to make small but impactful adjustments. It also equipped me with the tools to resolve conflicts more effectively and navigate changes with greater ease. Developing new habits and organisational skills is a long-term process, but I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned, knowing that it will make a lasting impact on my journey.
For those considering the EIC Women Leadership Programme, Tina’s message is clear: 'Absolutely apply!' The programme, she emphasises, is a rare chance to gain not only knowledge but a strong support system:
This is an exceptional and rare opportunity where you can gain so much knowledge, especially for those from technical fields where communication and leadership skills are not always emphasised. Most importantly, you will have the chance to connect with accomplished women and gain invaluable insights from their experiences.
About the EIC Women Leadership Programme
Supporting women innovators is integral to the EIC's strategic goals for 2021-2027, aimed at enhancing Europe’s economic competitiveness. The EIC has allocated significant resources to women-led companies, demonstrating a commitment to closing the gender gap in research and business. Initiatives like the EIC Women Leadership Programme and Women TechEU are crucial in driving deep-tech innovation and empowering women across Europe.
If you have any questions, please contact us through the EIC Community’s contact page by choosing the 'EIC Women Leadership Programme' category, or visit the frequently asked questions (FAQ).
