European Prize for Women Innovators 2026

The European Prize for Women Innovators celebrates women entrepreneurs behind Europe's most game-changing innovations. This prestigious prize recognizes women from across the EU and countries associated with Horizon Europe, whose disruptive innovations are driving positive change for people and the planet.

📝 Opportunity Details

• Date Published: July 17, 2025
• Application Deadline: September 25, 2025
• Category: Contest, Entrepreneurs, Women
• Eligible Locations: Europe

🌍 About the Prize

The European Prize for Women Innovators is jointly awarded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the European Innovation Council (EIC). This collaboration highlights a large pool of women innovators, offering opportunities for trailblazers and providing inspiring role models for women and girls everywhere.

🎁 Benefits

Categories and Awards:

1. EIC Women Innovators Category:

   • EUR 100,000, EUR 70,000, and EUR 50,000 for the top three highest-ranked applications.

2. EIC Rising Innovators Category:

   • EUR 50,000, EUR 30,000, and EUR 20,000 for the top three highest-ranked applications from promising innovators under the age of 35.

3. EIT Women Leadership Award:

   • EUR 50,000 for the winner.
   • Awards for two runners-up.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Gender: The applicant must be a woman (applications must be submitted as a natural person, not as a legal entity).
• Residency: The applicant must be legally established in an EU Member State, including overseas countries and territories (OCTs), or a country associated with Horizon Europe.
• Role: The applicant must be the founder or co-founder of the company or organization.
• Company Status: The company or organization must:
  • Be established in an EU Member State (including OCTs) or a country associated with Horizon Europe.
  • Be registered or incorporated at least two years before the call year (before January 1, 2023).
• Previous Awards: Applicants who have already received an EU or Euratom prize cannot receive a second prize for the same activities.

Additional Criteria for Rising Innovators:

• Applicants must be under 35 years old at the start of the call year.

Note:

• There is no age limit for the Women Innovators or EIT Women Leadership categories.
• Applicants eligible for multiple categories can only apply to one.

🏆 Selection Criteria

Eligible applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Breakthrough Innovation:

   • The company or organization founded/co-founded by the applicant is pioneering a breakthrough and disruptive innovation, particularly in deep-tech and STEM fields within the EU or Horizon Europe-associated countries.

2. Impact:

   • The innovation addresses a real need or challenge, delivering significant benefits for people and/or the planet.

3. Inspiration:

   • The applicant is an inspiring leader who has played a pivotal role in the success of the company or organization and serves as a role model for empowering other women and girls.

📅 Application Process

Before submitting your application, please consult the following documents:

• Rules of Contest
• EIC Work Programme 2025

Application Links:

• EIC Women Innovators Category
• EIC Rising Innovators Category
• EIT Women Leadership Category

📌 Application Deadline

September 25, 2025

🌐 More Information

For more details, visit the official European Prize for Women Innovators page.

Apply now to be part of this prestigious opportunity and showcase your groundbreaking innovations!

• In the EIC Women Innovators category, three prizes of EUR 100,000, EUR 70,000 and EUR 50,000 are awarded to the three highest-ranked applications.
• In the EIC Rising Innovators, three prizes of EUR 50,000, EUR 30,000 and EUR 20,000 are awarded to the three highest-ranked applications from promising 'Rising Innovators' under the age of 35.
• The EIT Women Leadership Award, awarded to exceptional women leaders from the EIT Community. The winner is awarded EUR 50,000, and two runners-up are awarded EUR 25,000 each.