The European Innovation Council and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology officially opened applications for the 2027 European Prize for Women Innovators, according to an announcement published by the EIT. Women entrepreneurs across the European Union and countries associated with Horizon Europe can submit entries through the Funding & Tenders Opportunities portal until December 1, 2026, at 17:00 CEST, to compete for cash prizes reaching up to €100 000.
Eligibility and Prize Categories for 2027
According to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, the competition features three distinct categories designed to recognize different stages of entrepreneurial leadership. The primary Women Innovators category targets women founders and co-founders from the EU and Horizon Europe associated countries, offering top prizes of €100 000 for first place, €70 000 for second place, and €50 000 for third place. Younger entrepreneurs can enter the Rising Innovators category, which is restricted to promising innovators under the age of 35, with awards set at €50 000, €30 000, and €20 000 respectively. Additionally, the EIT Women Leadership category honors exceptional members of the EIT Community whose work demonstrates strong impact, matching the Rising Innovators award structure with prizes of €50 000, €30 000, and €20 000, as reported by the EIT.
Key Dates and Application Process
Applications for the 2027 cycle opened on September 2, 2026. Organizers scheduled an online information session for September 17, 2026, at 11:00 CEST to guide prospective applicants through the submission guidelines outlined in the Rules of the Contest. The hard deadline for all submissions is December 1, 2026, at 17:00 CEST via the official EU portal, with the final award ceremony scheduled for the second quarter of 2027, according to official campaign details. Applicants with specific inquiries regarding the Women Innovators and Rising Innovators tracks can contact EISMEA-WIP@ec.europa.eu, while questions regarding the EIT Women Leadership category should be directed to eit-awards@eit.europa.eu.
Strategic Goals and Official Statements
The prize aims to highlight leaders transforming bold ideas into real-world solutions while addressing the gender gap in innovation. Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, noted in the official announcement that women innovators across Europe are driving progress in fields ranging from deep tech and digital innovation to health and climate. Winning or receiving recognition in the competition raises profiles, opens new opportunities, and showcases entrepreneurial journeys to a pan-European audience, according to the European Innovation Council.
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