Overview
Applications are open for the European Prize for Women Innovators 2027, offering nine cash prizes across three categories to recognise women entrepreneurs whose innovations are delivering positive economic and social impact.
Jointly awarded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), the competition celebrates women founders and leaders who have developed innovations addressing challenges facing society and the environment.
Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram
Women entrepreneurs from Cyprus, as an EU Member State, are eligible to apply, provided they meet the competition’s requirements.
Applications close on 1 December 2026 at 17:00 CET, with the awards ceremony scheduled for June 2027.
Prize categories
The 2027 edition features three categories, with a combined €420,000 in cash prizes available to nine winners.
EIC Women Innovators
This category recognises women founders and co-founders from EU Member States and countries associated with Horizon Europe who have developed breakthrough innovations.
- First prize: €100,000
- Second prize: €70,000
- Third prize: €50,000
EIC Rising Innovators
Designed for promising women innovators under the age of 35, this category recognises younger entrepreneurs whose work demonstrates innovation, impact and leadership.
- First prize: €50,000
- Second prize: €30,000
- Third prize: €20,000
EIT Women Leadership
This category recognises exceptional women leaders with a direct connection to the EIT Community whose innovations and leadership have made a significant impact.
- First prize: €50,000
- Second prize: €30,000
- Third prize: €20,000
Alongside the financial awards, the competition offers European recognition and visibility for women entrepreneurs and their work.
Who Can Apply
The competition is open to women founders and co-founders who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must apply as individuals rather than on behalf of a legal entity.
- They must be legally residing in an EU Member State or a country associated with Horizon Europe.
- They must be the founder or co-founder of a company or organisation established in an eligible country.
- The company or organisation must have been registered or incorporated before 1 January 2025. Self-employment alone does not satisfy this requirement.
- Applicants who have previously received an EU or Euratom prize cannot receive another prize for the same activities.
Additional requirements apply to specific categories.
Selection criteria
Applications will be evaluated by an independent expert jury against three criteria.
Breakthrough innovation: Applicants must demonstrate how their company or organisation is developing a breakthrough innovation, particularly in areas such as deep technology and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). They must explain what distinguishes their innovation from existing solutions.
Impact: The innovation must address a real need or challenge and demonstrate benefits for people or the environment. Applicants should provide evidence of their organisation’s performance, growth and wider economic, social or environmental impact.
Inspiration: Applicants must demonstrate their contribution as leaders and role models, including how they have supported other women and girls or promoted greater gender equality in innovation and entrepreneurship.
The competition covers innovation across different sectors, including deep tech, digital technologies, healthcare, climate and other fields where new solutions are delivering measurable results.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted by 1 December 2026 at 17:00 CET through the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders Portal.
For enquiries about the Women Innovators and Rising Innovators categories, applicants can contact EISMEA-WIP@ec.europa.eu.
Questions about the EIT Women Leadership category can be directed to eit-awards@eit.europa.eu.
About The European Prize For Women Innovators
The European Prize for Women Innovators recognises women entrepreneurs whose innovations are contributing to Europe’s economic, social and technological development.
Since 2023, the European Innovation Council and European Institute of Innovation and Technology have jointly delivered the prize, recognising women advancing innovation while encouraging more women and girls to pursue entrepreneurship, science and technology.
The competition is managed by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) and the EIT, with winners selected by an independent expert jury.
