The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) have taken their partnership to the next level and launched today a revamped European Prize for Women Innovators. This joint competition will reward an even wider community of women innovators, celebrating their achievements and giving them more opportunities. The awards will be given to the most inspiring women entrepreneurs whose innovation is creating a positive impact for people and planet. 

By spotlighting their ingenuity, the European Prize for Women Innovators will show the central role women can (and should) play in creating a new more sustainable Europe, and inspire people of all ages to join the new vision the EIC and EIT are building of women as tech and climate leaders.

Three winners will be announced at the European Innovation Council Summit in March 2024 in each of the following categories:

• Women Innovators: this category is open to all women founders and co-founders 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.
• Rising Innovators: this category is open 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.
• EIT Women Leadership: this category is open to those with a direct link to the EIT Community or one of the existing Knowledge and Innovation Communities. The winner is awarded EUR 50.000, and two runners-up are awarded EUR 30.000 and EUR 20.000 respectively.

How to apply

Application started on 15 June 2023. You can apply until 27 September 2023 for the three categories.

You can apply via the Funding & tender opportunities portal:

• The Women Innovators prize 
• The Rising Innovators prize 
• The EIT Women Leadership Award 

For all the details please check the official webpage of the Prize.