This prize celebrates the women entrepreneurs behind Europe’s game-changing innovations
2022 edition
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.
About
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.
Categories
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.
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 category.
Award criteria
Eligible applications will be evaluated against 3 award criteria:
- Breakthrough innovation – the company founded or co-founded by the applicant provides a truly innovative product or service in the EU market.
- Impact – the product or service addresses a specific societal need or challenge, with significant benefits for people and/or planet.
- 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.
How to apply
Apply for the Women Innovators Prize
Apply for the Rising Innovators Prize
Applicants should read the following before submitting their application:
- 8 March 2022Contest open
- 18 August 2022(17:00 CET )Deadline for applications
- Q4 2022Announcement of finalists and winners
Statistics 2019 - 2021
In the last three years we received 616 applications from 40 countries and awarded 12 prizes in total.

Contact us
For more information, please contact us at EISMEA-WIP@ec.europa.eu
You can also follow us on Twitter with the hashtag #WiPrizeEU.
News
The European Innovation Council invites the EIC funded projects to join this open call aiming at creating an interactive exhibition during the EIC Summit, taking place on 07-08 December 2022 in Brussels.
Would like to help improve the EIC datahub? Register now
Collaboration and innovation to drive progress. Former Awards' winners and runners-up gather in Helsinborg, on June 1st, to launch the iCapital Alumni Network.