Up to €100,000 for Women Entrepreneurs & Innovators – European Prize for Women Innovators 2027

The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) are offering cash prizes of up to €100,000 to recognise women entrepreneurs developing breakthrough innovations that benefit society, the economy and the environment.

The European Prize for Women Innovators 2027 celebrates exceptional women founders and leaders across Europe, recognising their achievements in innovation, entrepreneurship and positive social impact.

Here's what you can expect:

• Up to €100,000 in prize funding

• Nine cash prizes across three award categories

• Recognition from leading European innovation organisations

• Opportunities to showcase groundbreaking technologies and businesses

• Increased visibility within Europe's innovation ecosystem

• Recognition for entrepreneurial leadership and positive social impact

What funding is available?

1. Women Innovators – Up to €100,000

For women founders and co-founders behind breakthrough innovations.

• 🥇 First Prize: €100,000

• 🥈 Second Prize: €70,000

• 🥉 Third Prize: €50,000

2. Rising Innovators – Up to €50,000

For promising women innovators under the age of 35.

• 🥇 First Prize: €50,000

• 🥈 Second Prize: €30,000

• 🥉 Third Prize: €20,000

3. EIT Women Leadership – Up to €50,000

For exceptional women leaders connected to the EIT Community.

• 🥇 First Prize: €50,000

• 🥈 Second Prize: €30,000

• 🥉 Third Prize: €20,000

What types of innovations are recognised?

The programme welcomes breakthrough innovations across different sectors, including:

• Artificial Intelligence & Digital Technology: Developing innovative digital solutions

• Healthcare & Life Sciences: Improving healthcare and medical technologies

• Climate & Sustainability: Addressing environmental challenges

• Engineering & Deep Tech: Developing advanced scientific and technological solutions

• Education: Improving learning and educational opportunities

• Social Innovation: Creating solutions with meaningful social and economic benefits

Innovations must demonstrate originality, real-world impact and the potential to inspire future entrepreneurs.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Women founders and co-founders of innovative businesses

• Women entrepreneurs leading established innovations

• Women innovators under 35 applying to the Rising Innovators category

• Eligible women leaders from the EIT Community

• Women legally residing in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, including the UK

Important eligibility requirements:

Applicants must:

• Apply as an individual woman, rather than as a company.

• Be legally resident in an eligible country.

• Be the founder or co-founder of the relevant company or organisation, subject to category-specific conditions.

• Have a company or organisation established in an eligible country and registered before 1 January 2025.

• Demonstrate a breakthrough innovation with measurable benefits.

• Show strong entrepreneurial leadership and positive impact.

• Apply to only one prize category.

• Not have previously received an EU or Euratom prize for the same activities.

For the Rising Innovators category, applicants must have been under 35 at the beginning of 2026.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are evaluated against three main criteria:

1. Breakthrough Innovation

How original and innovative is the solution compared with existing approaches?

2. Impact

What measurable social, economic or environmental benefits has the innovation delivered?

3. Inspiration

How has the applicant demonstrated leadership and inspired other women and girls to pursue entrepreneurship and innovation?

How does the application process work?

Applicants must:

1. Select the most appropriate prize category.

2. Review the official Rules of Contest.

3. Prepare evidence of their innovation, achievements and impact.

4. Submit their application through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

5. Participate in further evaluation or jury hearings if shortlisted.

Funding: €20,000–€100,000 in cash prizes, depending on category and ranking.

Geographic Eligibility: EU Member States and eligible Horizon Europe Associated Countries, including the United Kingdom.

Applications Opened: 2 September 2026

Application Deadline: 1 December 2026 at 17:00 CET