Open Call – EIC Women Leadership Programme 7th Cohort: Calling women researchers and entrepreneurs in early-stage ventures

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is pleased to announce the launch of the 7th cohort of the EIC Women Leadership Programme (EIC WLP). Building on the success from the previous editions, this cohort running from February to April 2025, is open to researchers and entrepreneurs in early-stage ventures. It will serve the needs of researchers, and junior entrepreneurs (2 years or younger start-ups), by helping them validate and grow their early business ideas. It will provide valuable guidance on key business aspects, such as business set up, business model development and validation, access to early financing, etc. Each participant will get access to a mentor and business coach and will have the opportunity to expand their network through online events.  

If you would like to boost up your leadership and entrepreneurial skills, apply until 15 December 2024, EOD! 

Got your attention? Check out the testimonials from previous editions below or watch the recording of the third EIC WLP Closing Ceremony here.  

Key components of the programme  

1. Training Sessions: deep-diving into a variety of leadership and research topics. 

2. Networking Events: expanding your contacts into the research and business world. 

3. Coaching Scheme: addressing your research projects challenges. 

4. Mentoring Scheme: unlocking your personal career development. 

Timeline

Before applying, please check the timeline of the EIC WLP activities below to ensure your availability: 

Eligibility criteria  

The 7th cohort of the EIC Women Leadership Programme is dedicated exclusively to women researchers and young entrepreneurs (2 years or younger startups). Eligible candidates have benefitted from one of the following schemes:  

Researchers:  

• EIC Pathfinder   
• EIC Transition   
• FTI under Horizon 2020 
• FET Open and FET Proactive under Horizon 2020 

(Co-)founders and managers (CEOs, CTOs, CFOs, COOs, CCOs, etc.) in early-stage ventures (younger than 2 years):  

• EIC Accelerator 
• Women TechEU 
• Seal of Excellence under Horizon Europe 

We are looking forward to welcoming you into our community of women innovators and providing you with the programme services taking your business career into the next level. 

Need help? 

For additional information, please refer to our Helpdesk service (please choose 'EIC Women Leadership Programme' as the subject) or visit our ​​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). 

What our alumni say about the EIC Women Leadership Programme

Joana Simões Correia, Executive Director and CSO at Exogenus Therapeutics: 

The EIC Women Leadership Programme was all about self-confidence and empowerment. 

Alessandra Balduini, Professor and principal Investigation at SilkFusion: 

The EIC Women Leadership Programme had a great impact on my career. As a scientist, I learnt about business and how to direct my science, my research, in that sense. 

Additional Information about the EIC Women Leadership Programme 

Involvement of women in advanced technology sectors is crucial not only for equitable representation but also to fully harness Europe’s capabilities in science and business. The EIC Business Acceleration Services (BAS) amplify the impact of EIC investments. With the EIC Women Leadership Program, the EIC aims to level the playing field in scalable businesses and mindsets by unlocking potential and breaking down barriers to success. Established as a pilot in 2021, the WLP has so far provided skills enhancement and networking support to 6 cohorts of more than 250 female researchers and entrepreneurs from the EIC Community and beyond. Besides dedicated trainings, the programme features individual coaching, mentoring and pitching activities as well as different outreach initiatives to raise awareness and showcase women researchers and entrepreneurs as role models.