EIC Board reaffirms commitment to advancing gender equality in innovation

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Board has published a Statement on Gender an Diversity reaffirming its commitment to advancing gender equality across Europe’s innovation ecosystem and calling for stronger action across the sector.

The EIC Board points out that despite improvements, systemic gender disparities persist across the innovation landscape. Women represent 42% of STEM graduates in the EU but hold fewer than 25% of leadership roles, secure significantly less investment, and are rarely in decision-making positions in venture funding.

To help close this gap, the EIC continues to champion initiatives such as Women Leadership Programme and Women TechEU, which support and empower women in deep tech startups. The EIC Accelerator has also seen a promising rise in women-led companies—from 8% in 2020 to 30% in 2024—well above market averages. Overall, the EIC has invested €363 million in women-led deep tech companies over four years.

Looking ahead, the EIC Board is calling for stronger gender-focused measures and the embedding of gender equality across the entire innovation chain. By integrating gender metrics into its strategic planning and promoting balance at all levels, the EIC aims to create a more equitable and competitive innovation landscape.

The Board urges stakeholders across the innovation sector to contribute to making inclusive innovation the norm—ensuring that women are not only included, but central, in shaping Europe’s technological future.

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EIC Statement on Gender and Diversity: Recommitment to Inclusive Innovation