The European Commission has officially launched the 2026 edition of the European Prize for Women Innovators, recognizing the groundbreaking contributions of women entrepreneurs across Europe. Spearheaded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), this prestigious initiative continues its mission to spotlight trailblazing women whose innovations are shaping a better future for people and the planet.
This year’s competition will once again offer nine prizes across three distinct categories:
- EIC Women Innovators: Awards of €100,000, €70,000, and €50,000 to the top three applicants.
- EIC Rising Innovators (for women under 35): Awards of €50,000, €30,000, and €20,000.
- EIT Women Leadership Award: €50,000 to the winner, with €30,000 and €20,000 to the runners-up.
Applicants may only apply to one category and must be female founders or co-founders of companies established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe-associated country. The innovations must demonstrate breakthrough potential, societal impact, and inspirational leadership.
Applications are open until 25 September 2025 at 17:00 CEST. An online info session will be held on 24 June 2025 to guide potential applicants. Registration for the session is currently open.
Key dates:
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- Application Deadline: 25 September 2025
- Evaluation Period: September 2025, January 2026
- Announcement of Results: January, March 2026
Since 2023, the joint EIC-EIT prize has grown into one of Europe’s most prominent recognitions of women-led innovation, aiming to inspire a new generation of female leaders in tech, science, and entrepreneurship. Past winners have included innovators in fields ranging from biotech to AI, whose stories continue to motivate women and girls across the continent.
This initiative is part of the EIC’s broader commitment to gender equality in innovation. The EIC has already invested over €360 million in women-led deep tech companies and increased the share of women-led startups in its Accelerator programme from 8% in 2020 to 30% in 2024, significantly above market norms.
For full eligibility rules, application guidelines, and access to the online submission portal, visit the official European Innovation Council website.
