Open Call – EIC Women Leadership Programme 9th Cohort: Calling women (co-)founders and C-suite leaders

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is, in partnership with the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), and as part of the EIC Business Acceleration Services, announcing the launch of the 9^th cohort of the EIC Women Leadership Programme (EIC WLP). Building on the success from the previous editions, this cohort, running from September to November 2025, is open to women (co-)founders and leaders in C-suite positions. It will serve the needs of advanced entrepreneurs (active in startups established more than 2 years ago) by helping them grow their businesses. It will provide valuable guidance on key leadership and entrepreneurial skills, such as negotiation, fundraising, team development. Each participant will get access to a personal 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 11 May 2025, EOD!

Got your attention? Check out the testimonials from previous editions below or watch the following video to know more!

Key components of the programme 

1. Training Sessions: deep diving into a variety of leadership and entrepreneurial topics 
2. Networking Events: expanding your contacts in the business world 
3. Business Coaching Scheme: addressing your business challenges 
4. Personal Mentoring Scheme: unlocking your personal career development 

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

Timeline of events

*Please kindly note that the EIC or EIT will not cover your travel & logistic expenses to attend the in-person event.

Eligibility criteria 

The 9th cohort of the EIC Women Leadership Programme is dedicated exclusively to female leaders who are part of a founding team and/or in a chief position (CEOs or other C-suite managers) of companies, established at least 2 years before the call deadline. Eligible candidates have benefitted from one of the following schemes or programmes:

• SME Instrument Phase I and Phase II,
• EIC Transition,
• EIC Pathfinder,
• EIC Accelerator,
• Seal of Excellence under Horizon Europe,
• Women TechEU,
• EIC Scaling Club and
• EIT Programmes (all KICs).

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 technical support, please contact the WLP team via hello@eicwlp.com or visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

What our alumni say about the EIC Women Leadership Programme

It has been an inspiring journey, filled with insightful presentations by true experts in their field. I had the privilege to connect with and learn from remarkable WOMEN researchers and leaders, whose experiences and wisdom have left a lasting impact on me.

Eva Szemes, CFO & Project manager at Lynxes Innovation Ltd.

This programme has been an incredible journey of learning, growth and connection. Here are the lectures I found most valuable: Growth Strategies with Laurence Bret-Stern, Strategic leadership by Rebecca Hill, Story telling by Rebecca Williams, Inspiring story with Sophie Bolzer, Negotiation by Guillermo Sánchez Prieto Ph D  …and many other incredible sessions.

Adi Paz, Founder & CEO at OnTime

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 7 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.