EIC Women Leadership Programme 2026: Call for Mentors – Apply Now

Application Deadline: Ongoing

About the Programme

The EIC Women Leadership Programme (WLP) is currently seeking experienced professionals to join its Call for Mentors. This initiative, led by the European Innovation Council, is designed to support female leaders within the EIC ecosystem by connecting them with seasoned mentors. The programme focuses on accelerating the professional and personal growth of women innovators and entrepreneurs across Europe. By becoming a mentor, you will play a crucial role in fostering diverse leadership, sharing valuable insights, and helping to bridge the gender gap in deep-tech and high-growth industries.

What the Programme Offers Mentors

Selected mentors will have the unique opportunity to:

• Give back to the innovation ecosystem by guiding the next generation of women leaders.
• Enhance their leadership and coaching skills through a structured framework.
• Expand their professional network by connecting with top-tier female entrepreneurs, EIC project coordinators, and other industry experts.
• Gain visibility as a contributor to a high-profile European Commission initiative.

Why This Call for Mentors Matters

The gender gap remains significant in deep-tech sectors, particularly at the leadership level. The EIC Women Leadership Programme directly targets this gap by equipping women founders and innovators with the tools, confidence, and networks they need to scale their businesses. Mentors are a critical component of this ecosystem. Your lived experience in navigating leadership challenges, raising capital, and building successful teams can help a talented woman entrepreneur avoid common pitfalls and accelerate her path to success. By answering this call, you are not just offering advice; you are actively investing in a more balanced and prosperous European innovation landscape.

Eligibility Requirements (Typical)

To be considered for this role, applicants usually need to meet the following criteria:

• Professional Experience: Possess significant professional experience, preferably in a senior leadership role (e.g., C-level, Director, or equivalent) within a relevant field such as technology, business, finance, or R&D.
• Mentoring/Coaching Skills: Demonstrated ability to guide, advise, and empower professionals. Formal coaching certification is an asset but not always mandatory.
• Commitment: Be available to commit to a set number of mentoring hours over a specified period (e.g., several months).
• Language: Proficiency in English is required.

Application Process

Applications are submitted through the EU Survey portal (the link you provided).

Application Link: Click here to apply

What to Prepare:

While the specific form fields may vary, you should prepare the following information:

1. Personal and Professional Details: Full name, current position, organization, and professional background.
2. Motivation Statement: A clear explanation of why you wish to become a mentor and what you can offer to mentees.
3. CV/Resume: An up-to-date curriculum vitae highlighting your leadership experience.
4. Expertise Area: Identification of your specific fields of expertise relevant to the EIC (e.g., scaling startups, fundraising, technology commercialisation, team management).

For More Information: Visit the Official pageof the European Innovation Council Women Leadership Programme 2026 Call for Mentors