Research, innovation, and entrepreneurship are key in academia, with entrepreneurship serving as a bridge between science and business to drive economic growth. While being more inclusive of women is generally seen as beneficial, gender equality is still far off, with a clear gender gap showing unequal conditions. The Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) in 2024 showed a global gender gap of 68.5% across 146 economies. The Economist’s Glass-Ceiling Index (GCI) in 2024 highlighted a persistent 12% wage gap. This study investigates the gender gap in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across European universities, specifically examining the distribution of European Research Council (ERC) funding and potential gender bias. Analyzing the geographical allocation of ERC grants, the study reveals a funding disparity, with fewer women researchers receiving funding. While countries with fewer projects show no significant gender differences, those with larger funding volumes exhibit clear disparities favouring men. The second part of the study explores the potential reasons behind the differing percentages of female and male researchers and the socioeconomic factors influencing ERC funding. The analysis suggests that gender equality has an impact on the proportion of female Principal Investigators (PIs) in a country, and factors like women’s participation in the workforce, working conditions, entrepreneurship, and political representation influence ERC grants for women. Structural changes are so needed for a more gender-balanced academic environment. Future research could look at sociocultural and psychological barriers for women in securing ERC funding.