2026 European Prize for Women Innovators now open for applications!

The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) have launched today the 2026 edition of the European Prize for Women Innovators. This joint initiative supports women entrepreneurs whose innovations create real impact - whether it's tackling climate change, improving healthcare, or reshaping the digital economy. Each year, over 200 women apply from across Europe and beyond. Nine prizes are awarded in three categories, with a top award of €100 000.

Prize categories: 

• EIC Women Innovators category: open to women founders and co-founders from the EU and Associated Countries. Three prizes of €100 000, €70 000 and €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 €50 000, €30 000 and €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 €50 000, €30 000 and €20 000 are awarded to the three highest-ranked applications.

Key dates:

• Online info session: 24 June 2025 (from 11:00 to 12:00 CEST) – Register here
• Application deadline: 25 September 2025 – 17:00 CEST

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) 

Be part of the 2026 edition. Your idea might just be the next big thing!