The European Prize for Women Innovators recognizes female entrepreneurs from the EU whose ideas drive positive change for people and the planet. Since 2023, the EIC has been awarding this newly created prize for women innovators together with the European Institute for Innovation & Technology (EIT). The call for proposals is aligned with the EIC Work Programme and is managed by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) and the EIT.
European Prize for Women Innovators: Who should apply?
All applicants must meet the following criteria to participate:
- The applicant must be a woman.
- The applicant must be resident in an EU Member State or in a country associated with Horizon Europe.
- The applicant must be the founder or co-founder of a company or organization.
- The company must be established in an EU Member State or a country associated with Horizon Europe. The organization must have been registered or established at least two years before January 1, 2022.
- Applicants who have already received an EU or Euratom award may not receive a second award for the same activity.
Eligible female innovators can apply for one of three categories. The "EIC Women Innovators" category offers three prizes of €100,000, €70,000, and €50,000. In the "EIC Rising Innovators" category, three female innovators under the age of 35 will receive €50,000, €30,000, and €20,000, respectively. The "EIT Women Leadership Award" recognizes outstanding female leaders from the EIT community. The three winners will also receive €50,000, €30,000, and €20,000, respectively.
Award ceremony next spring
An independent jury of experts will select the winners in each category. The jury members place particular emphasis on the degree of innovation and impact of the solutions, as well as the role model function of the innovators. The winners will be announced in spring 2025.
The EIT has a Webinar with all information about the European Prize for Women Innovators. Interested parties can find the recording and the opportunity to apply on the associated website.
