Call for Applications: European Prize for Women Innovators 2023

The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) are taking their partnership to the next level to organise the revamped European Prize for Women Innovators. This bigger and bolder competition will reward an even wider community of women innovators, celebrating their achievements and giving them more opportunities than ever!

The European Prize for Women Innovators celebrates the women entrepreneurs behind Europe’s most ground-breaking innovations. The prize awards women from across the EU and countries associated to Horizon Europe, whose disruptive innovations are driving positive change for people and planet.

Categories & Prizes

• There are three prize categories:
  • The Women Innovators prize, awarded to the most talented women innovators from across the EU and Associated Countries. The winner is awarded EUR 100 000, and two runners-up are awarded EUR 70 000 and EUR 50 000 respectively;
  • The Rising Innovators prize, awarded to promising young innovators under the age of 35. The winner is awarded EUR 50 000, and two runners-up are awarded EUR 30 000 and EUR 20 000 respectively;
  • The EIT Women Leadership Award, awarded to exceptional women leaders from the EIT Community The winner is awarded EUR 50 000, and two runners-up are awarded EUR 30 000 and EUR 20 000 respectively.

Eligibility Criteria

• 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 or EIT Women Leadership prize.

Award Criteria

• Eligible applications will be evaluated against 3 award criteria:
  • Breakthrough innovation – the company or organisation founded or cofounded by the applicant is pioneering a breakthrough and disruptive innovation within the EU or countries associated to Horizon Europe.
  • Impact – This innovation addresses a real need or challenge, with significant benefits for people and/or planet.
  • Inspiration – the applicant is an inspiring leader, who has played a pivotal role in the success of the company or organisation. The applicant is a role model who inspires and empowers other women and girls.

Expected Results: The prize will boost public awareness of the potential, importance and contribution of women to the EU innovation ecosystem and create strong role models, inspiring more women to become innovators themselves.

For more information, visit European Prize for Women Innovators.