The European Prize for Women Innovators honors female entrepreneurs from the EU whose ideas create positive change for people and the planet. Since 2023, the EIC has awarded this newly created prize for innovators together with the European Institute for Innovation & Technology (EIT). The call for applications is in line 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 reside 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 based in an EU member state or in a country associated with Horizon Europe. Additionally, the organization must have been registered or founded at least two years before January 1, 2022.
- Applicants who have already received an EU or Euratom prize cannot receive a second prize for the same activity.
Eligible innovators can apply for one of three categories. In the “EIC Women Innovators” category, there are three prizes of €100,000, €70,000, and €50,000. In the “EIC Rising Innovators” category, three innovators under 35 years of age receive €50,000, €30,000, and €20,000. The “EIT Women Leadership Award” goes to outstanding female leaders from the EIT community. The three winners also receive €50,000, €30,000, and €20,000 respectively.
Award ceremony in spring
An independent expert jury selects the winners of each category. The jury members place particular emphasis on the degree of innovation and the 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 recorded 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 corresponding website.
