EU funds deeptechs with female founders

As part of the "Women TechEU" pilot program, the European Union is funding a total of 50 startups led by women. Ten of the companies come from Germany.

The European Commission has launched a new funding program to support deeptechs that have a woman at the helm. Funding for 50 companies will begin in March. Ten of the selected startups are from Germany. They will each receive funding in the amount of 75,000 euros. In addition, the start-ups will take part in mentoring and coaching activities.

Among the German start-ups, for example, is "Frischemanufaktur" from Halle. The company focuses on improving the shelf life of food to combat food waste. Startup Nocturne from Berlin produces AI-based software for measuring retinal shape changes for neurological applications and is also participating.

With the program, the European Commission aims to strengthen the representation of women in technology-based industries. In the high-tech industry, women often face additional hurdles such as gender stereotypes, it said. The funding aims to combat the innovation gap between men and women and thus increase the number of women-led startups.

"I am particularly proud of the successful completion of the first call for proposals for Women TechEU. The high number of open applications confirms the need for women in the high-tech sector to get support for their businesses at the early, riskiest stage," said Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.