Building an Inclusive Deep Tech Future

At OSA, we believe that innovation thrives when diverse perspectives come together. Our commitment to gender equality and social inclusion is embedded in everything we do—from the startups we support to the training programs we deliver.

Our Commitment to Gender Equality & Diversity

As part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology's (EIT) Deep Tech Talent Initiative, OSA has pledged to train over 1,000 deep tech innovators by 2025 with gender equality and social inclusion at the core of our mission.

We recognize that deep tech—spanning artificial intelligence, advanced materials, robotics, cleantech, and biotechnology—has historically been dominated by homogeneous groups. This lack of diversity not only limits innovation but also perpetuates inequalities in access to opportunities, funding, and leadership roles.

Our commitment goes beyond compliance. We actively work to:

  • Ensure equal access to our accelerator programs, training courses, and mentorship opportunities regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, or socioeconomic background
  • Promote diverse representation in our cohorts, teaching faculty, mentors, and advisory boards
  • Design inclusive curricula that address the unique challenges faced by underrepresented founders in deep tech
  • Track and report on gender and diversity metrics across all our programs
  • Partner with organizations that share our commitment to equity and inclusion
  • Challenge biases in funding, hiring, and business development within the deep tech ecosystem

Official Gender Equality Plan

Download the signed and official Gender Equality Plan detailing our strategic goals and actions for 2025-2030.

Download Plan (PDF)

Why Diversity Drives Innovation

Deep tech solutions address humanity's most pressing challenges—climate change, healthcare, sustainable energy, and food security. These challenges affect everyone, yet the teams building solutions often represent only a narrow slice of society.

Research shows that diverse teams:

  • Generate more innovative solutions (McKinsey: 35% more likely to outperform)
  • Better understand diverse markets and customer needs
  • Make more balanced risk assessments
  • Attract top talent from wider pools
  • Build products that serve broader populations

In deep tech specifically:

  • Only 15% of deep tech founders are women (Dealroom, 2023)
  • Female-led deep tech startups receive less than 3% of venture capital (Pitchbook, 2022)
  • Underrepresented minorities face even greater barriers to entry and funding
  • Geographic and socioeconomic factors limit access to deep tech education

We're working to change these statistics.

How We're Making a Difference

Training & Education

Equal Access to Learning

  • All OSA training programs are open to applicants regardless of background
  • Scholarships and reduced fees for underrepresented groups
  • Flexible learning formats (online, hybrid, in-person) to accommodate different needs
  • Materials available in multiple languages
  • Accessibility features for participants with disabilities

Inclusive Curriculum Design

  • Case studies featuring diverse founders and companies
  • Content that addresses barriers faced by women and minorities in deep tech
  • Guest speakers from underrepresented backgrounds
  • Mentorship programs pairing diverse mentors with mentees

Accelerator Programs

Diverse Cohort Selection

  • Gender-balanced cohort targets (minimum 40% women founders)
  • Outreach to underrepresented communities
  • Blind application review processes to reduce bias
  • Partnerships with women-in-tech and minority entrepreneurship organizations

Supportive Environment

  • Zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment
  • Safe spaces for discussing challenges unique to underrepresented founders
  • Peer support networks
  • Family-friendly scheduling and childcare considerations

Funding & Investment

Equitable Access to Capital

  • Transparent evaluation criteria for pilot programs and funding
  • Diverse investment committee and advisory board
  • Connections to impact investors focused on diversity
  • Support for EU grants that prioritize gender equality (EIC Women Leadership Prize, etc.)

Partnerships & Advocacy

Ecosystem Building

  • Partnerships with organizations like Women in Deep Tech, Diversity VC, and others
  • Participation in EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative
  • Advocacy for policy changes that support underrepresented founders
  • Public reporting on our diversity metrics

Tracking Our Impact

Transparency is key to accountability. We publicly report on our progress toward gender equality and diversity goals.

Current Metrics (2023-2024):

Metric Target Current Status Progress
Women in training programs 40%+ 32%
Underrepresented minorities 25%+ 18%
Women-led startups in accelerator 40%+ 28%
Diverse mentors and advisors 50%+ 42%
Scholarships awarded 20+ 14

Annual Reporting

We publish an annual diversity report detailing:

  • Participant demographics across all programs
  • Funding allocation by founder demographics
  • Success rates and outcomes by group
  • Challenges encountered and lessons learned
  • Updated goals for the coming year

Resources for Underrepresented Founders

We've compiled resources to support women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups in deep tech:

Funding Opportunities

  • EIC Women Leadership Prize (€100k)
  • Diversity-focused VCs and angel networks
  • National grants for underrepresented founders
  • Crowdfunding platforms with diversity focus

Networks & Communities

  • Women in Deep Tech Europe
  • Black Founders Network
  • LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs Alliance
  • Disability:IN

Educational Resources

  • Unconscious bias training
  • Inclusive leadership courses
  • Negotiation skills for women
  • Building diverse teams

OSA-Specific Support

  • Mentorship matching program
  • Peer support groups
  • Office hours with diverse advisors
  • Scholarship application assistance

Be Part of the Change

Building an inclusive deep tech ecosystem requires collective action. Here's how you can get involved:

For Founders

  • Apply to our accelerator programs
  • Join our training courses
  • Connect with our mentor network
  • Share your story to inspire others
Apply Now

For Mentors & Advisors

  • Volunteer your time to support underrepresented founders
  • Share your expertise through guest lectures
  • Provide feedback on our programs
  • Help us expand our network
Become a Mentor

For Partners & Sponsors

  • Sponsor scholarships for underrepresented participants
  • Co-create programs focused on diversity
  • Share job and internship opportunities
  • Amplify diverse voices in your networks
Partner With Us

We're Listening

Our commitment to gender equality and diversity is ongoing. We welcome feedback, suggestions, and partnerships.

Contact Us

diversity [at] osa-ventures [dot] com
hello [at] osa-ventures [dot] com

Report a Concern

If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment, or bias in any OSA program, please report it confidentially to diversity [at] osa-ventures [dot] com. We take all reports seriously and will investigate promptly.

Suggest a Partnership

Know an organization working on diversity in deep tech? We'd love to collaborate. Reach out at partnerships [at] osa-ventures [dot] com.

Our Partners in Inclusion

We're grateful to work alongside organizations committed to diversity in deep tech:

Certifications & Memberships

EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative Pledge Member (2023)