The EQT Foundation has opened a global grant program for scientists working on solutions for women’s health. The Breakthrough Science grants program will award between €25,000 to €100,000 to researchers addressing critical gaps in female health innovation.
Women’s health has long been overlooked in medical research and funding. Despite women comprising over half the global population, only one percent of healthcare innovation investment is directed specifically toward female-specific conditions. Many diseases – including cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders, gynecological and maternal health issues – remain understudied, misdiagnosed, or lack effective treatment options.
The challenges are particularly pronounced in low-resource settings, where access to specialized care and cutting-edge medical solutions remains limited. This disparity underscores the importance of targeted funding and innovation in women’s health.
The new program focuses on funding scientific solutions at the intersection of science and commercialization. Specifically, the grants will prioritize research in four key areas:
- Advanced diagnostics for conditions like endometriosis, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders that present differently in women
- Non-hormonal therapeutics for menstrual health, menopause, and gynecological conditions
- Female-focused deeptech innovations improving access, affordability, and effectiveness of care
- Innovative maternal health solutions for complications like pre-eclampsia and pre-term birth, with an emphasis on both high- and low-resource healthcare settings
Beyond financial support, EQT Foundation will provide access to its global network, connecting scientists with industry partners, commercialization support, and expert mentorship to help bring breakthrough ideas from lab to market.
Scientists from accredited institutions worldwide can submit proposals until April 27, 2025, at 23:59 CET. A panel of experts will review applications, with selected candidates advancing to a second-stage interview. Final grant recipients will be announced in early June 2025. Interested researchers can apply here.
