About the opportunity
The 2027 European Prize for Women Innovators is a prestigious initiative jointly awarded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the European Innovation Council (EIC). It aims to honor women founders, co-founders, and leaders who are turning bold ideas into real-world solutions that benefit society, the economy, and the planet. By highlighting these achievements, the prize seeks to close the gender gap in innovation and provide visibility to women who are shaping Europe’s future. The competition is open to innovators across various sectors, including deep tech, digital innovation, health, and climate. Winners receive significant financial recognition and increased professional exposure to a Europe-wide audience.
Funding and benefits
- Women Innovators category: Prizes of €100,000, €70,000, and €50,000
- Rising Innovators category: Prizes of €50,000, €30,000, and €20,000
- EIT Women Leadership category: Prizes of €50,000, €30,000, and €20,000
- Increased professional profile and visibility across Europe
Who can apply?
- Women founders and co-founders based in the EU or countries associated with Horizon Europe
- Rising Innovators must be under the age of 35
- EIT Women Leadership category is for members of the EIT Community
- Applicants must meet the specific criteria outlined in the official Rules of the Contest
Required documents
- Application form submitted via the Funding & Tenders Opportunities portal
- Supporting documentation as specified in the Rules of the Contest for the chosen category
When to apply
- Applications opened: 2 September 2026
- Information session: 17 September 2026
- Deadline to apply: 1 December 2026, 17.00 CET
How to apply
- Review the Rules of the Contest for specific category requirements
- Register for the information session if desired
- Submit the application through the official Funding & Tenders Opportunities portal
Additional information
- The award ceremony is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027
- Queries for Women Innovators and Rising Innovators categories can be sent to EISMEA-WIP@ec.europa.eu
- Queries for the EIT Women Leadership category can be sent to eit-awards@eit.europa.eu
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Women entrepreneurs and founders who have already launched a business or innovation project with tangible impact
- EIT Community members looking to gain recognition for their leadership and innovative contributions
- Young innovators under 35 who are in the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey
What should you think carefully about?
- The application process requires adherence to strict criteria defined in the Rules of the Contest, which should be reviewed thoroughly before starting
- The competition is highly selective and requires a clear demonstration of the impact and innovation of your work
- Applicants must be based in the EU or countries associated with Horizon Europe to be eligible
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This prize is an excellent goal for women innovators seeking to validate their business models, gain high-level European recognition, and secure non-dilutive funding to scale their impact. It serves as a significant milestone for those looking to elevate their professional profile and join a network of influential European leaders.
Our take
Women entrepreneurs and leaders who have developed impactful, innovative solutions should seriously consider applying. It is less suitable for those whose work does not have a clear, demonstrable impact or for those based outside of the EU and Horizon Europe associated countries.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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