Applications to the ninth edition of the EU Prize for Women Innovators are now open.

Deadline for applications is 18 August 2022 at 17.00 (CET).

Learn more in the How to apply section.

The EU Prize for Women Innovators celebrates the women entrepreneurs behind game-changing innovations. In doing so, the EU seeks to raise awareness of the need for more women innovators, and create role models for women and girls everywhere.

The prize is awarded to the most talented women entrepreneurs from across the EU and countries associated to Horizon Europe, who have founded a successful company and brought innovation to the market. The prize is managed by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency, and the winners are chosen by an independent expert jury.

Discover last year’s winners and finalists

There are two prize categories:

• Women Innovators category: three prizes of EUR 100 000 each awarded to the most talented women innovators from across the EU and Associated Countries

• Rising Innovators category:  three prizes of EUR 50 000 each awarded to the most promising young innovators under 35

Eligible applicants can only apply to one category.

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 category.

Eligible applications will be evaluated against 3 award criteria:

1. Breakthrough innovation – the company founded or co-founded by the applicant provides a truly innovative product or service in the EU market.

2. Impact – the product or service addresses a specific societal need or challenge, with significant benefits for people and/or planet.

3. Inspiration – the applicant has played a pivotal role in the success of the company, and considers themselves a role model for other women and girls.

Apply for the Women Innovators Prize

Apply for the Rising Innovators Prize

Applicants should read the following before submitting their application:

• Rules of contest
• Frequently asked questions

In the last three years we received 616 applications from 40 countries and awarded 12 prizes in total.

Check the whole overview

Discover the winners of previous editions, and read their inspiring stories.

• 2021 edition
• 2020 edition
• 2019 edition
• 2018 edition
• 2017 edition
• 2016 edition
• 2011 and 2014 editions

For more information, please contact us at EISMEA-WIP@ec.europa.eu

You can also follow us on Twitter with the hashtag #WiPrizeEU.