2027 European Prize for Women Innovators
The 2027 European Prize for Women Innovators awards up to €100,000 to women who founded innovative companies in the EU or associated countries. Apply by December 1, 2026.
The 2027 European Prize for Women Innovators is run by the European Innovation Council together with the EIT. It rewards women whose companies bring breakthrough innovation to market, for example in deep tech or science.
There are three categories. Women Innovators has no age limit and pays €100,000, €70,000 and €50,000 for the top three. Rising Innovators is for women under 35 and EIT Women Leadership is for members of the EIT Community. Both pay €50,000, €30,000 and €20,000.
Applicants must have founded a company or organisation, alone or with others, established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe associated country. The company must have been registered before 1 January 2025.
Applications go through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal. The call is open from 2 September until 1 December 2026 at 17:00 CET.
An independent jury judges the entries on breakthrough innovation, impact and inspiration. Evaluation runs in January 2027, jury hearings in February and March, finalists are named in March, and the award ceremony is in June 2027.
Quick answers
Do I apply as a person or as a company?
As a natural person. The company you founded must meet the eligibility rules.
Can I enter more than one category?
No. Applicants who fit several categories may enter only one.