The European Innovation Council (EIC) Women Leadership Programme (WLP) supports female researchers, aspiring female leaders, and entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their skills and broaden their professional connections in the innovation ecosystem. Open to EIC beneficiaries, members of the EIT Communities and WomenTechEU, the programme matches participants with mentors ranging from experienced CEOs and investors to serial entrepreneurs, who meet with participants on a regular basis to provide tailored support based on their career goals and challenges.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) Women Leadership Programme (WLP) recently culminated its latest cohort with a highlight event organized in person on 6 June in Vienna, Austria. This vibrant event offered participants a rich array of panel discussions, keynote speeches, and workshops, providing an unparalleled networking and learning opportunity.
Real-life impact: insights from EIC WLP mentors and trainers
The EIC Community Team sat with the programme’s mentors and trainers to learn more about their experience with the programme and their offer to participants.
Diana Navarro, Head of Research and Innovation at University Hospital and an Investor in Venture Builder Partners, shared her motivations and experiences as a mentor in the WLP.
I thought it was quite an interesting program, and I always like the idea of being with young people and those starting out. Seeing their enthusiasm and drive is inspiring. Giving back is important to me because I also had mentors at some point. It's rewarding to share your time and insights with others at different stages in their careers. You gain new perspectives and ideas, which keeps you up to date. It's a very worthwhile experience, and you definitely get back more than you give.
Elisabeth Schwab, Brand Marketing Professional and Head of Marketing, echoed similar sentiments.
Having worked in tech and often being the sole woman in leadership positions, I've learned the importance of not doing it alone. There is help and support available. Through another leadership programme and my mentors, I realized this. Now, it's my turn to return the favour. Mentoring is not only beneficial for the mentees but also for me. I learn so much from their perspectives, which enriches my personal growth. Leadership can be tough and lonely, but with support, we can overcome these challenges. I encourage everyone to both seek and offer help whenever possible.
Rebecca Hill, Principal Consultant at Wise Sherpa, highlighted the value of the exchanges taking place within the programme:
As both a facilitator in the EIC Women Leaders programme and a member of the EISMEA coaching pool working with female founders and leaders, I have been particularly impressed by the quality of the discussions and engagement I have experienced amongst the programme participants. Their ability to share openly the challenges they are facing and not only grasp the concepts that are being presented but then explore how they might take and run with these to ensure both they and their organisations are led in a better way is equally impressive and exciting!
Nora Stolz, founder of The Female Forum, captured the vision of the programme and what the participants could learn:
I truly believe in women leadership. I believe in the power and in the untapped opportunities that female leaders in the entrepreneurial startup space have in Europe. I explained women how to increase their self-awareness, which leadership styles are available, how they can adjust their style.
A diverse and inclusive learning environment and its impact
The EIC Women Leadership Programme prides itself on its geographic diversity, with participants from all over Europe, as well as covering a wide industry spectrum, including HealthTech, EduTech, BioTech, and ClimateTech, thus providing a broad-spectrum array of perspectives and insights.
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.
Apply for the upcoming cohort
The upcoming 6th Cohort of the EIC WLP will focus on women (co-)founders and leaders in C-suite positions specifically, from EIC and EIT communities. The 6th Cohort will open for applications on 1 July, with the programme starting in September 2024.
Keep an eye on the programme page for updates on our open calls!
Background Information
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 WomenTechEU are crucial in driving deep-tech innovation and empowering women across Europe.
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interest of knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission, or any other organisation.