20 Jun 2025
EIC and EIT launch 2026 edition of European Prize for Women Innovators
The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) have launched today 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. 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 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 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 are awarded to the three highest-ranked applications.
The application deadline is 25 September 2025, 17:00 CEST. Applications can be submitted through the Funding & Tender Opportunities portal for each prize category.
For more information: