Innovation and entrepreneurship are creating new opportunities for economic and social development. In this context, Women4Tech by Finnova was launched in 2023 as an initiative aimed at supporting, promoting and empowering female entrepreneurial talent in areas such as technology, innovation and the social economy.
Promoted by the Finnova Foundation, this initiative seeks to support women with innovative ideas, startups or entrepreneurial projects by facilitating access to collaboration networks, European programmes and spaces where they can develop and present their solutions.
A space to promote female entrepreneurship
The main objective of Women4Tech by Finnova is to support women entrepreneurs developing innovative projects, whether in the technological, social or business fields.
Through this initiative, actions such as the following are promoted:
- support for startups and projects led by women,
- access to European innovation and entrepreneurship networks,
- dissemination of funding opportunities and European programmes,
- participation in innovation challenges, hackathons and events,
- creation of networking and collaboration spaces among women entrepreneurs.
Beyond the technological sector, Women4Tech also promotes initiatives related to the social economy, impact entrepreneurship and territorial development, encouraging projects that generate social and economic value within their communities.
Supporting social economy initiatives: the example of Sembrando Iniciativas
Within this approach, Women4Tech by Finnova also supports projects that promote entrepreneurship within the social economy. One example is the Sembrando Iniciativas project, which fostered entrepreneurial initiatives with social and territorial impact, supporting individuals who developed new business ideas with a sustainable and collaborative vision.
Another example is the Erasmus+ project 100WomenPlus, which established collaboration links between women entrepreneurs from Africa and Europe. These are just two examples among the many projects carried out in recent years.
These types of initiatives help strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems, creating opportunities for more women to develop their own projects, access support networks and consolidate their initiatives.
Participation in the Techovation Girls Comunidad Valenciana challenges
As part of its commitment to promoting young talent and innovative entrepreneurship, Women4Tech by Finnova participates in the Techovation Girls Comunidad Valenciana challenges through its Girls4Tech initiative, an international educational initiative that encourages girls and young women to develop technological solutions that respond to real-world challenges.
Through this collaboration, Finnova helps bring the innovation ecosystem closer to new generations of female entrepreneurs, fostering creativity, innovative thinking and the development of impactful projects.
Participation in these challenges also helps connect young women with Europe and with its innovation funding methodologies.
Startup Europe Awards and recognition of female entrepreneurship
Women4Tech by Finnova is also connected with European initiatives that promote recognition and visibility for innovative startups, such as the Startup Europe Awards, an initiative promoted by the European Commission and the Finnova Foundation to identify, promote and reward startups offering innovative solutions in different sectors.
An example of this initiative is the Women Startup Europe Awards, dedicated to highlighting and supporting entrepreneurial projects led by women. A notable example is the edition developed in the context of the European project AFRIMAC2, promoted by the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, with the aim of strengthening business cooperation and entrepreneurship between Europe and Africa, creating new opportunities for women-led startups and facilitating their connection with international innovation ecosystems.
Connecting with European opportunities for entrepreneurship and the new European Commission Gender Equality Strategy
Women4Tech by Finnova also works to bring women entrepreneurs closer to the opportunities offered by European funding and collaboration programmes. In this context, the European Commission has recently presented an information document outlining upcoming actions linked to the new European Union Gender Equality Strategy, announcing future calls and opportunities within the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme.
This document previews initiatives aimed at supporting projects that promote women’s participation and professional development in different fields, opening new possibilities for organisations, startups and entrepreneurs to develop innovative projects and establish collaborations at the European level.
Building a network of women entrepreneurs
Women4Tech by Finnova positions itself as a meeting point for women who want to innovate, create and develop impactful projects, whether in the technological, business or social economy fields.
Through collaboration with educational programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives and European projects, the initiative contributes to strengthening a network of women entrepreneurs developing new solutions and generating opportunities within the innovation and social economy ecosystem.
If you would like to join this network, you can subscribe to our newsletter to receive information on opportunities, calls for proposals and activities related to female entrepreneurship and innovation.