Empowering Women-Led Deep Tech: PrintyMed

The deep tech ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and women-led startups are playing a crucial role in shaping its future. One of the key initiatives supporting this transformation is the Women TechEU programme, an initiative by the European Commission designed to empower female founders in deep tech.

Each year, Women TechEU selects 40 visionary leaders from across Europe, awarding them a €75,000 non-dilutive grant to support their growth. Beyond funding, the programme provides personalized mentorship, helping founders scale their solutions, refine their business strategies, and navigate the complex landscape of tech entrepreneurship. This initiative is a step toward bridging the gender gap in deep tech and fostering a more inclusive innovation ecosystem.

PrintyMed: Advancing Medicine and Materials with Biomimetic Spider Silk

Among the remarkable startups that successfully received a €75,000 grant from the Women TechEU programme is PrintyMed, a women-founded deep tech company from Latvia pioneering biomimetic spider silk for medical applications. This innovative material mimics the properties of natural spider silk, offering strength, elasticity, and biocompatibility—ideal for use in regenerative medicine.

At the helm of PrintyMed is Jekaterina Romanova, an experienced entrepreneur with over 10 years in the medical deep tech sector. She has founded and developed multiple startups, bringing together expertise in economics, European project management, and innovation strategy. In addition to leading PrintyMed, Jekaterina is actively involved in the startup ecosystem as a mentor and lecturer, supporting the next generation of deep tech entrepreneurs.

PrintyMed’s breakthrough technology enables the production of artificial spider silk fibers that promote natural cell growth while being adaptable for various medical applications. Their first focus is the development of artificial heart valves, a groundbreaking step toward revolutionizing organ replacement and regenerative medicine. By harnessing the potential of advanced biomaterials, PrintyMed is shaping the future of medicine and saving lives.

With the support of the Women TechEU grant, PrintyMed can accelerate its research, refine its technology, and bring its biomimetic silk-based medical solutions closer to real-world applications.

European Funding Opportunities for Deep Tech

At Futuro Perfecto, we help innovative startups like PrintyMed secure the funding they need to grow. The European Commission offers a wide range of funding options, from early-stage grants to large-scale commercialization programmes. While the EIC programmes are well-known, initiatives like Women TechEU also provide excellent opportunities for women-led startups. 

Learn more about PrintyMed on their website.