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.
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. Innovators from the UK are eligible to apply.
There are three prize categories:
- 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.
- TheEIT 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 30 000 and EUR 20 000 respectively.
The applicant must be the founder or co-founder of the company or organisation. Eligible applicants can only apply to one category. The winners are chosen by an independent expert jury.
Registration for the competition closes at 4pm on 25 September 2025.
For further information please select the following link: 2026 European Prize for Women Innovators - Innovate UK Business Connect
Innovation can help your organisation to become more competitive, increase sales and enter new markets. Here you can find out what support and funding is available to help you to innovate: Support and funding | Business Wales