The project's pillars include amplifying market presence through targeted funding and investor matchmaking, integrating startups into the ecosystem through cross-border acceleration activities, and providing a holistic growth program. By prioritising inclusivity, diversity, and systemic change, WE-RISE seeks to enhance the impact and visibility of women-led startups, contributing to the broader advancement of the European innovation ecosystem towards sustainability.
The present Open Call aims to attract and select 20 women-led tech startups in GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech, particularly from less developed European countries, with ambitions to enhance their impact and market presence.
The total budget to be allocated for the Open Call is 600.000 €.
Application Period: March 12, 2025 – May 14, 2025 (23:59 CET).
Application Process Overview
Eligible startups must first create a profile on the EuroQuity platform and join the WE-RISE Greenhouse Community. Upon joining, they can access and complete the application form for the WE-RISE Open Call – Phase 1.
- Application Period: March 12, 2025 – May 14, 2025 (23:59 CET).
- Selection: 20 startups will be chosen to enter Phase 1 after signing a Sub-Grant Agreement.
- Phase 2 Eligibility: Startups completing the 3-month support program and developing their Strategic Action Plan (SAP) can apply for Phase 2.
- Organization details (contact info, PIC number, etc.).
- Project summary and goals.
- Startup’s current stage and financial information.
- Problem/market opportunity analysis.
- Innovation details and IP protection actions.
- Market and competition analysis.
- Commercial strategy and scalability.
- Expected impact (social, environmental, economic).
- Team details and pitch deck.
Applicants must also complete a self-assessment Investment Readiness Level (IRL) questionnaire to evaluate their startup’s maturity in innovation, team, product/service, market, impact, and finance.
- Potential of the SAP developed in Phase 1.
- Goals and strategy development.
- Action plan and performance indicators.
- Timeline and milestones.
- Budget breakdown for personnel, travel, indirect costs, and subcontracting.
Each phase is scored based on alignment with WE-RISE objectives, innovation, market potential, scalability, and investment readiness.
Key Aspects of the Whole Selection Process
Evaluation Criteria
- Phase 1 Evaluation: Max score of 15, assessed by two evaluators.
- Phase 2 Evaluation: Max score of 10, considering strategic alignment, feasibility, and achievement of KPIs (e.g., securing €100k investment or major client contracts).
- If significant score discrepancies arise, a Consensus Meeting determines the final evaluation.
Eligible Activities for Funding
- Phase 1: Participation in international events, conferences, investor meetings and SAP development.
- Phase 2: Product development, technology improvements, scale-up activities, infrastructure access, user testing, business model development, marketing, sales enhancement, and ecosystem-building.
Selection Process
- Eligibility Check: Applications reviewed for compliance.
- Assignment of Evaluators: Two evaluators per application.
- Scoring: Based on predefined criteria.
- Consensus Meeting: Resolving scoring discrepancies.
- Final Selection: Based on ranking and quotas (100% women-led startups, 60% from moderate/emerging innovator countries).
- Feedback & Results Communication: Applicants receive evaluations and results.
Financial Support
- Phase 1: €100,000 total; 20 beneficiaries; €5,000 per startup.
- Phase 2: €500,000 total; 10 beneficiaries; €50,000 per startup.