CompetitionEuropean CommissionAccepting applications

European Prize for Women Innovators: Up to €100,000 for Women-Led Innovation

The EU's annual prize for women founders is open, with up to €100,000 and three prizes in each category for women whose innovations benefit people and the planet.
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About this opportunity

Some founders turn ideas into disruptive innovations that benefit people and the planet, and stand out as inspiring leaders along the way. The European Prize for Women Innovators exists to recognise exactly those women from across the EU and Horizon Europe associated countries.

This annual EU prize awards three prizes in each category, with up to €100,000 for the winners. It is not just money.

The prize brings visibility, credibility and a place in a community of women who are changing what European innovation looks like. To apply you should be a woman legally residing in an EU Member State (including overseas countries and territories) or a Horizon Europe associated country, and the founder or co-founder of a company or organisation established in that same region and registered at least one year before the call year.

Previous EU or Euratom prize winners cannot receive a second prize for the same activities, and the EIT category requires a direct link to the EIT Community. The

Application timeline

is 1 December 2026. Read the full call on the funding page and submit your nomination of yourself, because sometimes you are the best person to make the case.

What you receive

  • Up to €100,000 prize funding
  • Three prizes awarded in each category
  • EU-level recognition and visibility as an inspiring innovation leader

Who can apply

  • Women legally residing in an EU Member State (including overseas countries and territories) or a Horizon Europe associated country
  • Founder or co-founder of a company or organisation established in the same region
  • Company registered or incorporated at least one year before the call year
  • Previous EU or Euratom prize winners cannot receive a second prize for the same activities
  • The EIT category requires a direct link to the EIT Community

How to apply

  • Read the prize call on the funding page
  • Prepare evidence of your innovation and its impact
  • Submit your application before 1 December 2026

Sources and verification

Important disclaimer

Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.

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