Deadline: September 25, 2025
Are you a trailblazing female entrepreneur with a game-changing innovation? The 2026 European Prize for Women Innovators is now open for applications! This prestigious award celebrates the remarkable achievements of women driving innovation across the European Union and countries associated with Horizon Europe. With a total of nine cash prizes across three award categories, it is a powerful opportunity to gain visibility, funding, and recognition.
Whether you’re an established leader or a rising star under 35, the 2026 European Prize for Women Innovators could be the perfect platform to take your venture to the next level.
About the Prize
Jointly organised by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), this prize highlights women founders and co-founders who are making a difference through breakthrough innovations.
Categories and Prizes
There are three prize categories:
- EIC Women Innovators
- €100,000 (1st prize)
- €70,000 (2nd prize)
- €50,000 (3rd prize)
- EIC Rising Innovators (for women under 35)
- €50,000, €30,000, €20,000
- EIT Women Leadership (for women linked to the EIT community)
- €50,000, €30,000, €20,000
Key Dates
Mark your calendar with these essential dates:
- Call Launch: 17 June 2025
- Online Info Session: 24 June 2025, 11:00–12:00 CEST
- Application Deadline: 25 September 2025 at 17:00 CEST
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a natural person (not an organisation)
- Be a woman founder or co-founder of an existing company
- Your company must be based in an EU Member State (including Overseas Countries and Territories) or a Horizon Europe-associated country
- Your company must have been legally registered on or before 1 January 2023
- Past winners of the same EU/Euratom prize for the same activities are not eligible
- For the Rising Innovators category, applicants must be under the age of 35 at the start of 2025
- No age limit applies for the other two categories
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be judged based on the following pillars:
- Breakthrough Innovation: Ground-breaking ideas, particularly in STEM or deep-tech sectors
- Impact: Solutions addressing key social, environmental, or economic challenges
- Inspiration: Demonstrated leadership and commitment to empowering others
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Carefully read the Rules of Contest and EIC Work Programme 2025
- Select one prize category to apply under
- Prepare your documents and submit your application through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
We also recommend attending the online info session on 24 June 2025, where you can get additional guidance and answers to your questions.
Why Apply?
Winning the European Prize for Women Innovators provides more than just financial support. It opens doors to:
- Increased visibility in the innovation ecosystem
- Valuable networking and partnership opportunities
- A stronger platform to scale your ideas and create lasting impact
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Call Opens | 17 June 2025 |
| Info Session | 24 June 2025 (11:00–12:00 CEST) |
| Deadline | 25 September 2025 (17:00 CEST) |
| Categories | Women Innovators, Rising Innovators (Under 35), EIT Women Leadership |
| Top Prize | €100,000 |
Don’t miss this opportunity to spotlight your innovation and inspire the next generation of women leaders.
👉 Click here to apply via the EU Funding Portal
👉 Read more about the programme here
Need help preparing a winning application?
📩 Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining and review.
