European Prize for Women Innovators 2025

Success — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 10:21:21 +0000

The European Prize for Women Innovators 2025 is a prestigious initiative jointly awarded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).

This collaboration aims to spotlight outstanding women entrepreneurs across Europe whose pioneering innovations are creating meaningful societal and environmental impact.

By recognizing these exceptional individuals, the prize not only supports the growth of innovation led by women but also promotes them as role models for future generations of female scientists, technologists, and business leaders.

European Prize for Women Innovators : Summary Table

Feature	Details
Organizer	European Commission (EIC & EIT)
Prize Categories	EIC Women Innovators, EIC Rising Innovators, EIT Women Leadership Award
Application Deadline	September 25, 2025
Prize Amounts	Up to €100,000 depending on category
Eligible Applicants	Women founders/co-founders in the EU or Horizon Europe-associated countries
Type	Innovation Prize / Contest
Target Group	Women Innovators, including young entrepreneurs under 35

About the European Commission

The European Commission’s Department for International Partnerships, under Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen, works with global partners to drive sustainable development.

Its mission is to reduce poverty, promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, and advance sustainable progress worldwide through impactful policies and international collaboration.

About the European Prize for Women Innovators

This annual prize celebrates women behind Europe’s most transformative innovations.

The competition is open to women from EU Member States and countries associated with Horizon Europe.

It aims to elevate visibility, unlock opportunities, and champion women’s contributions in science, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Aim and Benefits

The prize includes three distinct categories, each offering monetary rewards:

EIC Women Innovators

1st Prize: €100,000
2nd Prize: €70,000
3rd Prize: €50,000

EIC Rising Innovators (for applicants under 35)

1st Prize: €50,000
2nd Prize: €30,000
3rd Prize: €20,000

EIT Women Leadership Award

Winner: €50,000
Runner-ups: €30,000 and €20,000

These awards recognize innovation, leadership, and the ability to inspire others.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Must be a woman (natural person, not legal entity).
Must be a founder or co-founder of a company or organization.
The applicant and the company must be legally established in an EU Member State, an overseas country or territory (OCT), or a Horizon Europe-associated country.
The company/organization must have been incorporated before January 1, 2023.
Applicants cannot receive the same EU prize twice for the same achievements.

Selection Process

Eligible candidates will be evaluated based on:

Breakthrough Innovation: The company’s work demonstrates pioneering advances, particularly in STEM or deep-tech fields.
Impact: The innovation addresses real-world challenges and offers significant benefits to people and/or the environment.
Inspiration: The applicant is a visionary leader and a role model who encourages other women and girls to pursue their innovative goals.