SCALE'HER is a European Union-funded accelerator program designed to support and strengthen women-led start-ups operating in strategic digital and deep tech markets. The initiative aims to elevate exceptional female-led ventures by bridging the innovation gap between high and low-performing regions across Europe. Its core mission is to increase the market presence of these startups and unlock significant funding opportunities, transforming promising ventures into investment-ready powerhouses through a comprehensive approach that includes mentorship, strategic pitch sessions, and network building.
Program Structure and Timeline
• Program Duration: The program consists of a 6-month accelerator phase followed by a 3-month mentoring phase.
• Accelerator Phase: A step-by-step programme focused on teaching founders how to fund and grow their business.
• Mentoring Phase: A period of personalised strategic mentoring focused on execution readiness, fundraising strategy, and scale-up priorities.
• Cohort Size: The program selects a tight-knit circle of 60 women-led deep-tech startups.
• Program Schedule: The cohort journey begins in September and concludes by the end of June 2027.
Key Features and Benefits
• Funding: This is a fully EU-funded programme backed by Horizon Europe, making it completely free for founders.
• Support Network: Participants gain access to expert mentorship, funding opportunities, and a powerful network to scale their startups.
• Consortium: The program is powered by a consortium of 10 industry-leading organizations from 9 countries across Europe.
• Digital Platform: A dedicated digital platform is available, designed as an interactive, user-friendly one-stop-shop for public authorities, decision-makers, investors, capital providers, and start-ups.
• Core Objectives: The program emphasizes growth, leadership development, market validation, and networking to enhance market footprint and strengthen connections with relevant ecosystems.
Application Details for the 2026 Cohort
• Target Applicants: The program is seeking ambitious female founders of deep-tech startups.
• Application Period: Applications are currently open for the 2026 cohort.
• Application Deadline: The submission deadline is May 31, 2026.
• Application Process: The online application is estimated to take about 10 minutes to complete.
This initiative presents a structured opportunity for women entrepreneurs in the European deep-tech sector to accelerate their growth. Through its comprehensive support system, including mentorship, network access, and strategic guidance, the program is positioned to help participants scale their ventures and enhance their market impact.