Empowering Innovation In Green, Agri, And Climate Tech
The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also known as Keve, is spearheading a transformative funding initiative aimed at bolstering women-led deep-tech startups. As the coordinating body for the Enterprise Europe Network in Cyprus, the Chamber is launching WE-RISE Open Call 2, a program specifically crafted to nurture innovative ventures in the GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech sectors.
Strategic Investment For Sustainable Growth
Funded under Horizon Europe, the WE-RISE initiative dedicates a total budget of €600,000 to empower startups developing advanced technological solutions with significant environmental impact. With a clear focus on scalability, this open call is set to select 20 women-led tech startups from EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries, giving special preference to ventures from moderate and emerging innovator regions, including Cyprus.
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Two-Phase Acceleration Model
The program unfolds in two distinct phases. The initial Nurture Phase is a three-month intensive period during which each selected startup receives a €5,000 grant. This phase is designed to fortify strategic planning through tailored business coaching, specialized training, and the development of a comprehensive Strategic Action Plan, culminating in participation in critical investor meetings.
Successful candidates from this stage may advance to the Bloom Phase, where up to 10 startups will be awarded an additional €50,000 grant. This subsequent phase focuses on accelerating product development, market expansion, and executing robust strategic growth activities.
Clear Eligibility And Application Guidelines
To qualify, startups must be women-led with key leadership roles, such as CEO, CTO, or CSO, occupied by a woman. Eligible entities must operate within the GreenTech, AgriTech, or ClimateTech sectors and have been legally established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe associated country before January 1, 2025. Applicants are also required to meet at least one transversal criterion, such as achieving a significant product-market fit or securing a minimum funding threshold of €300,000.
Interested startups should create a profile on the EuroQuity platform and join the WE-RISE Greenhouse Community. The formal application, which must be submitted in English, is open from December 4, 2025, until the final deadline at 17:00 CET on February 12, 2026. Detailed information can be found on the WE-RISE Open Call 2 page.
Driving Commercial Impact Through Strategic Support
This well-structured initiative not only provides vital financial support, but also offers the strategic expertise necessary for these startups to scale effectively. The dual-phase approach—combining initial empowerment with subsequent acceleration—ensures that promising ventures are well-equipped to succeed in a competitive global market, reinforcing Cyprus’s emerging role as a hub for innovation.
