Climate change, improving healthcare, or reshaping the digital economy

The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) have launched the 2026 edition of the European Prize for Women Innovators. This joint initiative supports women entrepreneurs whose innovations create real impact - whether it's tackling climate change, improving healthcare, or reshaping the digital economy. Each year, over 200 women apply from across Europe and beyond. Nine prizes are awarded in three categories, with a top award of 100,000 Euro. The Prize has the following categories.

EIC Women Innovators category: open to women founders and co-founders from the EU and Associated Countries. Three prizes of 100,000, 70,000 and 50,000 Euro are awarded to the three highest-ranked applications.

EIC Rising Innovators category: targeting promising innovators under the age of 35. Three prizes of 50,000, 30,000 and 20,000 Euro are awarded to the three highest-ranked applications.

EIT Women Leadership category: focused on women with a direct link to the EIT Community.  Three prizes of 50,000, 30,000 and 20,000 Euro are awarded to the three highest-ranked applications.

Application deadline: 250925

Applications can be submitted through the Funding & Tender Opportunities portal for each prize category.

Information: https://eic.ec.europa.eu/news/2026-european-prize-women-innovators-now-open-applications-2025-06-17_en

07.07.2025