European Prize for Women Innovators 2027: Recognition, categories, key dates and application details

Women entrepreneurs and innovators are building businesses, technologies and practical solutions that can contribute to economic development, social progress and environmental improvement. For those turning innovative ideas into real world applications, recognition can be an opportunity to boost visibility, share their work and highlight the impact achieved through their efforts.

The 2027 European Prize for Women Innovators is an opportunity to reward women working in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship at European level.

Recognising Women in Innovation

The European Prize for Women Innovators is made to recognise women whose entrepreneurial and innovative activities are contributing to Europe's future.


The focus goes beyond simply developing an idea. The initiative emphasizes women who are applying innovation to make a tangible economic, social or environmental value.

This can include developing economic opportunities, addressing societal challenges, improving people's lives, aiding communities, protecting the environment or introducing new technologies and business approaches.

The award is jointly presented by the EIC and EIT.

Recognition Beyond the Prize Money

Financial awards are one part of the competition, but recognition can also offer broader opportunities for participating innovators.

European-level visibility can support entrepreneurs communicate the significance of their work to potential partners, investors, customers, institutions and professional networks.

The EIT explains the prize as an opportunity to gain European recognition for the impact of one's work and to motivate future generations of innovators.

It can also highlight women's contributions to innovation and offer a platform for inspiring other women and girls to pursue entrepreneurship and innovation.

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Three Categories in the 2027 Competition

The 2027 edition is divided into three categories, each designed for a particular group of women innovators or leaders.

EIC Women Innovators

The EIC Women Innovators category is for women founders and co-founders who have developed innovative businesses and are producing meaningful impact.

The category is focused on women who have progressed beyond an initial concept and established or co-founded a business linked to their innovation.

EIC Rising Innovators

The EIC Rising Innovators category focuses on younger women who are showing significant promise as innovators.

The category can be relevant to younger women developing innovative technologies, businesses, research-based solutions or other forms of innovation capable of creating meaningful influence.

EIT Women Leadership

The third category is EIT Women Leadership.

It is intended for exceptional women within the EIT Community whose innovation and leadership are producing significant impact.

Applicants considering this category should analyze the applicable requirements relating to EIT Community membership and other eligibility conditions before submitting an application.

Key Dates for 2027

• Applications for the 2027 competition started on 2 September 2026.
• An online information session was set for 17 September 2026 at 11:00 CEST.
• The deadline for applications is 1 December 2026 at 17:00 CET.
• The award ceremony is set for the second quarter of 2027.
• Prospective applicants should allow sufficient time to review the requirements, prepare their details and complete the submission before the deadline.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted via the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal.

Applicants should initially identify the category that corresponds to their circumstances:

1. EIC Women Innovators
2. EIC Rising Innovators
3. EIT Women Leadership

The official Rules of the Contest should be analyzed before submission as comprehended eligibility conditions apply to every category.

A European Opportunity for Women Innovators

The 2027 European Prize for Women Innovators offers women entrepreneurs and innovators an opportunity to showcase their work to a wider European audience.

The competition includes financial awards with recognition, visibility and an opportunity to showcase innovation journeys.

Source: Opportunities for Youth