The opportunities created by novel technologies and disruptive innovations promise to deliver the fair and sustainable recovery Europe needs. But Europe risks missing out on these opportunities if half its population is overlooked as a source of innovation and creative talent.

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.

Three prizes of €100,000 each are awarded in the main category. A fourth prize of €50,000 is awarded to a promising ‘Rising Innovator’ aged 30 or younger. 

Applications to the EU Prize for Women Innovators 2021 are now closed. Applications will be assessed from July through to October, and the winners will be announced at the European Innovation Council summit in November 2021.

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

• 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