2025 European Prize for Women Innovators now open for applications

The European Innovation Council (EIC) and European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) are launching today the 2025 edition of the European Prize for Women Innovators. This joint initiative celebrates the outstanding achievements of women entrepreneurs driving positive change for people and the planet through their innovative ventures.

Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth said: 

Europe is home to inspiring women innovators and entrepreneurs leading successful and game-changing companies. The European Prize for Women Innovators highlights their skills and ingenuity, casting them as role models. This prize helps strengthen gender equality in business and tech, championing women innovation talent and women-led companies.

Prize categories: 

• EIC Women Innovators category: Open to women founders and co-founders from the EU and Associated Countries. Three prizes of EUR 100 000, EUR 70 000 and EUR 50 000 are awarded to the three highest-ranked applications.
• EIC Rising Innovators category: Targeting promising innovators under the age of 35. Three prizes of EUR 50 000, EUR 30 000 and EUR 20 000 are awarded to the three highest-ranked applications.
• EIT Women Leadership category: Focused on women with a direct link to the EIT Community.  Three prizes of EUR 50 000, EUR 30 000 and EUR 20 000 are awarded to the three highest-ranked applications.

Important dates:

• Online Info-session: 5 July 2024 (from 11:00 to 12:00 CEST) – Register here 
• Application deadline: 25 September 2024 – 17:00 CET

How to apply:

If you meet the criteria outlined in the Rules of the Contest, submit your application through the Funding & Tender Opportunities portal for each prize category:

• EIC Women Innovators category
• EIC Rising Innovators category
• EIT Women Leadership category

Celebrating inspiring women across Europe:

The European Prize for Women Innovators highlights the pivotal role women play in driving innovation. By showcasing their success, the prize inspires girls and women everywhere and demonstrates the importance of inclusivity in technology and business. Get to know the last edition’s winners and their groundbreaking innovations.

Empowering women in tech and business:

Systemic barriers still hinder women's advancement in technology and business sectors. The EIT and the EIC are committed to breaking these barriers and promoting women's empowerment. Recognising their indispensable role in creating a better future is just a small part of what the EIC and EIT do to help women in business and tech. 

Have specific questions? Here’s how to reach us:

• Women Innovators and Rising Innovators categories: EISMEA-WIPec [dot] europa [dot] eu (EISMEA-WIP[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu) 
• EIT Women Leadership category: eit-awardseit [dot] europa [dot] eu (eit-awards[at]eit[dot]europa[dot]eu) 

Join us in celebrating the incredible achievements of women innovators and help build a more inclusive and innovative Europe. Apply now and be part of this transformative journey!