European Prize for Women Innovators: the 2023 call for applications is now open!

Are you a female entrepreneur with an innovative idea that will bring positive change to our society? Apply now to the European Prize for Women Innovators and enjoy the chance to be celebrated and rewarded for your hard work. 

The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) are taking their partnership to the next level to organise the revamped European Prize for Women Innovators. This bigger and bolder competition will reward an even wider community of women innovators, celebrating their achievements and giving them more opportunities than ever! 

Applications opened on 15 June 2023 and will close on 27 September 2023 at 17:00 CET.

About

The European Prize for Women Innovators celebrates the women entrepreneurs behind Europe's most ground-breaking 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.

The prize is managed jointly by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency and the European Institute for Innovation & Technology. The winners are chosen by an independent expert jury.

Categories

There are three prize categories:

• The Women Innovators prize, awarded to the most talented women innovators from across the EU and Associated Countries. The winner is awarded EUR 100 000, and two runners-up are awarded EUR 70 000 and EUR 50 000 respectively;
• The Rising Innovators prize, awarded to promising young innovators under the age of 35. The winner is awarded EUR 50 000, and two runners-up are awarded EUR 30 000 and EUR 20 000 respectively;
• The EIT 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.

Eligible applicants can only apply to one category.

How to apply

Applications are now open and will close on 27 September 2023 at 17:00 CET.

Please consult the Rules of contest before submitting your application.

Apply for the EIT Women Leadership Award 

Apply for the Rising Innovators Prize

Apply for the Women Innovators Prize

Who should apply

The prize is open to:

• Women (this prize celebrates women in all their diversity)
• Established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country
• Who have founded an innovative company registered at least 2 years before the call year

Those applying for the Rising Innovators category must be under 35. There is no age limit to apply for the Women Innovators or EIT Women Leadership prize.

Award criteria

Eligible applications will be evaluated against 3 award criteria:

1. Breakthrough innovation – the company or organisation founded or cofounded by the applicant is pioneering a breakthrough and disruptive innovation within the EU or countries associated to Horizon Europe. 
2. Impact – This innovation addresses a real need or challenge, with significant benefits for people and/or planet.
3. Inspiration – the applicant is an inspiring leader, who has played a pivotal role in the success of the company or organisation. The applicant is a role model who inspires and empowers other women and girls. 

Questions? Here’s how you can reach us

Questions regarding the Women Innovators and Rising Innovators categories should be sent to EISMEA-WIP@ec.europa.eu

Questions for the EIT category should be sent to eit-awards@eit.europa.eu

Check out our Women Innovators factsheet!