Enterprise Evolution and leading women’s economic development charity The Women’s Organisation have announced the launch of EPIC-X, a ground-breaking initiative designed to accelerate women-led deep tech start-ups and bridge the innovation divide across Europe.
Through EPIC-X, a pan-European alliance of 16 innovation ecosystem builders is coming together to connect regional innovation hubs, foster collaboration, and unlock excellence by addressing the underrepresentation of talent across Europe.
It builds on strategic regional strengths and smart specialisation strategies to create a sustainable and inclusive innovation ecosystem.
Driving inclusive innovation and growth EPIC x will be a pioneering Accelerator and Programme, which includes a Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) scheme to directly fund and support women-led deep tech start-ups. EPIC-X will support:
- Cross-fertilisation and Knowledge Exchange – Facilitating interregional learning and collaboration among start-ups and innovation leaders.
- A Mobility Scheme – Supporting start-up founders with access to new markets and networks across Europe.
- Quadruple Helix Engagement, bringing together academia, industry, policymakers, and civil society to co-create, implement, and assess high-impact innovation strategies.
Women in Deep-Tech
Enterprise Evolution and The Women’s Organisation continue to provide international leadership in Women’s Entrepreneurship bringing their extensive experience in female entrepreneurship, business support, and international ecosystem building to this innovation.
Maggie O’Carroll, CEO of The Women’s Organisation, emphasised the importance of targeted support for women in deep tech:
“Despite their immense talent and potential, women remain underrepresented in deep tech industries. EPIC-X is a major step towards closing that gap by providing female founders with the funding, resources, and networks they need to thrive in an innovation-driven economy.”
Echoing this sentiment, Helen Millne, Managing Director of Enterprise Evolution, added:
“Innovation is at its strongest when diverse voices are heard. By leveraging our expertise and collaborating with a dynamic European ecosystem, we are ensuring that women-led deep tech businesses have the platform they need to grow and succeed.”
Impact EPIC-X will spearhead efforts to drive policy change by shaping policy, amplifying and testing effective investment and practice interventions to deliver long-term economic and social impact, ensuring that women-led deep tech start-ups play a key role in Europe’s innovation landscape.
(L-R: Helen Millne, Managing Director of Enterprise Evolution and Maggie O’Carroll, CEO of The Women’s Organisation)
About us
Enterprise Evolution is a national and international social enterprise driving sustainable business growth, economic development, and social change. We offer diverse services in research, business development, implementation, and social impact, helping clients adapt to future challenges. Our expertise includes social impact measurement, reporting, and verification, using our Social Score technology to demonstrate tangible community and stakeholder benefits.
Want to work with us? Get in touch at hello@enterpriseevolution.eu | 00 353 (94) 9014029
