The European Prize for Women Innovators is jointly awarded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the European Innovation Council (EIC). Through this collaboration, the EIT and EIC are showcasing a large pool of women innovators, offering more opportunities for trailblazers, and providing inspiring role models for women and girls everywhere. The European Prize for Women Innovators celebrates the women entrepreneurs behind Europe's most game-changing innovations. The prize awards women from across the EU and countries associated to Horizon Europe, whose disruptive innovations are driving positive change for people and planet.
There are three prize categories:
- In the EIC Women Innovators category, three prizes of 100.000, 70.000 and 50.000 Euros are awarded to the three highest-ranked applications;
- In the EIC Rising Innovators, three prizes of 50.000, 30.000 and 20.000 Euros 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 50.000 Euros, and two runners-up are awarded 30.000 and 20.000 Euros respectively.
Eligible applicants can only apply to one category. All applicants must comply with the following eligibility criteria to participate:
- The applicant must be a woman;
- The applicant must be legally established in an EU Member State, including overseas countries and territories (OCTs) or a country associated to Horizon Europe;
- The applicant must be the founder or co-founder of the company or organisation;
- The company or organisation must be established in an EU Member State including OCTs or a country associated to Horizon Europe, and registered or incorporated at least two years before the call year (before 1 January 2023);
- Applicants who have already received an EU or Euratom prize cannot receive a second prize for the same activities.
The application deadline is 25 September 2025.
