[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

June 17, 2025 (opens) | September 25, 2025 (deadline)

€220,000 total; up to 3 prizes awarded in this category

Honors women entrepreneurs in the EU leading breakthrough innovations, with the aim of inspiring future women scientists, innovators, and tech leaders.

--- ## Description The European Prize for Women Innovators (Women Innovators Category) recognizes outstanding women entrepreneurs who have founded or co-founded companies driving disruptive innovations in the EU or Horizon Europe-associated countries. The prize aims to raise public awareness of the contributions of women to the European innovation ecosystem, create visible role models, and reinforce gender equality in science, technology, and business leadership. It is organized by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), and awarded annually. --- ## Due Dates - **Submission Opens:** June 17, 2025 - **Submission Deadline:** September 25, 2025, 17:00 Brussels time Evaluation: October 2025 – February 2026 Results and awards: February – May 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - **Total Budget for Category:** €220,000 - **Number of Prizes:** Up to 3 awarded in the Women Innovators category - **Prize Distribution:** Typically divided among first, second, and third place winners --- ## Eligibility - **Applicant:** Must be a woman (cis or transgender as legally defined), applying as a natural person (not a legal entity). - **Residency:** Must be legally residing in an EU Member State (including overseas countries and territories) or a country associated with Horizon Europe. - **Company/Organization:** Applicant must be the founder or co-founder of a company/organization established in an eligible country, and the company must have been registered or incorporated before January 1, 2023. - **Previous Prizes:** Applicants who have already received an EU or Euratom prize cannot receive a second prize for the same activities. - **Joint Applications:** Not accepted; each applicant applies individually. - **Additional Categories:** Applicants eligible for several prize categories may apply to only one. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-EIC-2025-PRIZE-WIP-WomenInnovatorsCategory?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=2&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - **Required Documents:** - Application Form Part A (administrative info, completed online) - Application Form Part B (technical description, max 15 pages, uploaded as PDF) - Mandatory annexes and supporting documents (templates provided in the Submission System) - Video message (max 90 seconds, under 100MB, describing achievements and leadership) - **Participant Registration:** Applicants must register in the [Participant Register](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/participant-register) and undergo validation before the deadline. - **Evaluation:** Applications are assessed by a jury based on three criteria: Breakthrough Innovation, Impact, and Inspiration (minimum 6/10 per criterion, 18/30 overall). If more than 500 applications are received, a pre-selection will be conducted. --- ## Additional Information - **Award Criteria:** - **Breakthrough Innovation:** Demonstrate a disruptive innovation, especially in STEM or deep-tech. - **Impact:** Evidence of significant benefit for people and/or the planet. - **Inspiration:** Leadership as a role model for women and girls, and promotion of gender equality. - **Communication:** Winners must promote the prize and acknowledge EU support in all related dissemination. - **Prize Payment:** Funds are disbursed after the award ceremony and submission of all required documents. - **IPR:** The awarding authority does not claim ownership of project results but may use non-sensitive material for publicity. --- ## External Links - [Women Innovators Category – Official Call Page](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-EIC-2025-PRIZE-WIP-WomenInnovatorsCategory?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=2&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Rules of Contest (PDF)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/roc_horizon-eic-2025-prize-wip_en.pdf) - [Participant Register](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/participant-register) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points| [Find NCPs](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT Helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | ---

Women Innovators category

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