Open Call: European Prize for Women Innovators

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The European Prize for Women Innovators recognises women entrepreneurs who have developed impactful innovations and contributed to research, technology, and entrepreneurship in Europe. The annual prize offers awards ranging from €50,000 to €100,000, with a total prize budget of €220,000, to eligible women innovators in EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries.

About the European Prize for Women Innovators

The European Prize for Women Innovators celebrates women who have transformed innovative ideas, research, or technologies into impactful companies, organisations, products, or services. The prize is organised through collaboration between the European Commission and the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT). Winners are selected by an independent expert jury based on the impact and achievements demonstrated through their innovation and entrepreneurial activities. The prize also aims to increase the visibility of successful women innovators and encourage more women and girls to pursue careers in: Prize Amount The European Prize for Women Innovators provides financial awards across its eligible categories. - Individual awards range from €50,000 to €100,000. - The total prize budget is €220,000. - The prize is awarded annually. - Winners are selected through an independent expert evaluation process. The award recognises the achievements and impact of women who have successfully developed and advanced innovative ideas, technologies, businesses, or organisations. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Applicants must meet specific requirements relating to gender, residence, entrepreneurial involvement, and company or organisation registration.

Eligible applicants must:

- Be women applying as natural persons. - Be legally resident in an EU Member State, including eligible overseas countries and territories, or a country associated with Horizon Europe. - Be the founder or co-founder of an eligible company or organisation. - Have established the company or organisation in an eligible country. - Ensure that the company or organisation was registered at least one year before the call year. Applicants should carefully check the eligibility requirements for the specific prize category before submitting an application. What Is the Rising Innovators Category? The Rising Innovators category is designed for younger women who are building their careers and achievements in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Applicants for this category must:

- Be a woman applying as a natural person. - Meet the applicable residence requirements. - Be the founder or co-founder of an eligible company or organisation. - Meet the required company registration conditions. - Be under 35 years of age at the start of the call year. This category provides recognition to emerging women innovators whose entrepreneurial and innovation activities demonstrate significant potential and impact. What Is the EIT Category? The EIT category is intended for women innovators who have a direct connection with the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) Community.

Applicants must:

- Meet the general eligibility requirements of the prize. - Be the founder or co-founder of an eligible company or organisation. - Have a direct link to the EIT Community. - Meet the applicable residence and company registration requirements. The EIT connection is a specific requirement for applicants seeking recognition under this category. Why Does the Prize Matter? The European Prize for Women Innovators highlights the contributions of women to Europe’s research, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The prize aims to:

- Increase recognition of successful women entrepreneurs. - Encourage women and girls to pursue careers in science and innovation. - Promote women in technology and research leadership. - Provide role models for the next generation of women innovators. - Support a culture that values women’s participation in research and innovation. - Highlight innovations that have created meaningful economic or societal impact. By recognising women innovators publicly, the prize helps increase the visibility of women who are contributing to Europe’s innovation landscape. How Are Winners Selected? Winners are selected by an independent expert jury. The evaluation process considers the applicant’s innovation and entrepreneurial achievements, including the impact created through their work. Applicants should therefore clearly demonstrate: - The innovative nature of their work. - Their role as a founder or co-founder. - The development and growth of their company or organisation. - The impact created by their innovation. - Their contribution to research, technology, entrepreneurship, or society. - Evidence that supports the achievements described in the application. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their application by ensuring that they meet all eligibility conditions and provide clear information about their innovation and entrepreneurial achievements. The application process generally involves:

- Check eligibility: Confirm that you meet the requirements for residence, gender, founder or co-founder status, and company registration.

- Choose one category: Determine whether you are applying under the applicable general, Rising Innovators, or EIT category.

- Review category requirements: Rising Innovators applicants must be under 35 at the start of the call year, while EIT applicants must have a direct link to the EIT Community.

- Prepare your innovation profile: Clearly describe your innovation, business or organisation, achievements, and impact.

- Provide supporting information: Include relevant details demonstrating your entrepreneurial and innovation record.

- Check company details: Ensure that the company or organisation was established in an eligible country and registered at least one year before the call year.

- Submit individually: Joint applications are not accepted, so each applicant mus