Home
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 joint initiative supports women entrepreneurs whose innovations make a real impact—whether in tackling climate change, improving healthcare, or reshaping the digital economy.
Three Award Categories
There are three award categories:
- In the “EIC Women Innovators” category, three prizes of €100,000, €70,000, and €50,000 are awarded to the top three applications.
- In the “EIC Rising Innovators” category, three prizes of €50,000, €30,000, and €20,000 are awarded to the top three applications from promising "Rising Innovators" under the age of 35.
- The EIT Women Leadership Award honors outstanding female leaders from the EIT Community. The winner receives €50,000, and the two runners-up receive €30,000 and €20,000 respectively.
Who Can Apply for the European Prize for Women Innovators?
All applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- The applicant must be a woman.
- She must be legally established in an EU Member State (including the overseas countries and territories – OCTs) or a country associated with Horizon Europe.
- She must be the founder or co-founder of the company or organization.
- The company or organization must be established in an EU Member State (including OCTs) or in a country associated with Horizon Europe, and must have been registered at least two years before the call year (before January 1, 2023).
- Applicants who have already received an EU or Euratom prize cannot receive another prize for the same activities.
- Applicants for the “Rising Innovators” category must be under 35 years of age at the start of the call year. There is no age limit for the “Women Innovators” or “EIT Women Leadership” categories.
- Applicants eligible for multiple categories may apply to only one category.
Evaluation Criteria
Eligible applications are evaluated based on three award criteria:
1. Breakthrough Innovation
The company or organization founded or co-founded by the applicant must be pioneering a breakthrough and disruptive innovation, particularly in the fields of deep tech and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) within the EU or associated countries.
2. Impact
The innovation must address a real need or challenge and offer significant benefits for people and/or the planet.
3. Inspiration
The applicant must be an inspiring leader who played a key role in the success of the company or organization. She should also serve as a role model who empowers other women and girls to reach their full potential.
How to Apply
Depending on the category, you can apply using the following links:
For more details, please refer to:
The application deadline is 25 September 2025 at 17:00 (CET).
