2025 European prize for women innovators now open for applications from the MSCA community
The prize celebrates the women entrepreneurs behind Europe’s most groundbreaking innovations and is open to the MSCA community.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) have launched a new call for applications for the 2025 European prize for women innovators.
Applications will close on 25 September 2024, 17.00 CET.
About the prize
The prize celebrates the outstanding achievements of women entrepreneurs across the EU and countries associated to Horizon Europe driving positive change for people and the planet through their innovative ventures. By showcasing their success, the prize inspires girls and women everywhere and demonstrates the importance of inclusivity in technology and business.
Applications open to the MSCA community
If you think you meet the criteria for any of these awards or know another MSCA fellow who does, we invite you to share the information or apply.
For this edition, applicants should be (see the full conditions)
- women established in the EU or countries associated to Horizon Europe, and
- founders or co-founders of a company or organisation established in one of these countries
- for the Rising Innovators category, applicants must be aged under 35 at the start of the call year
The call is also open to women taking part in MSCA projects that fulfil these conditions, including
- MSCA fellows and alumnae
- coordinators
- supervisors
- team members
In the past, this prestigious accolade has been awarded to MSCA fellows and participants including
Rana Sanyal winner of the prize in 2024, participant of the MSCA PANG project and co-founder of RS Research
Maria Fátima Lucas winner of the prize in 2020, participant of the MSCA B-LigZymes project and co-founder of Zymvol Biomodelling
Michela Puddu winner of the prize in the “Rising Innovator” category in 2019, alumna of the MSCA MAG(NET)ICFUN project and co-founder and CEO of Haelixa
Categories and application
Women Innovators
This category is open to all women founders and co-founders from across the EU and Associated Countries. The winner is awarded €100,000, and two runners-up are awarded €70,000 and €50,000 respectively.
Rising Innovators
This category is open to promising young innovators under the age of 35. The winner is awarded €50,000, and two runners-up are awarded €30,000 and €20,000 respectively.
EIT Women Leadership
This category is open to those with a direct link to the EIT Community or one of the existing Knowledge and Innovation Communities. The winner is awarded €50,000, and two runners-up are awarded €30,000 and €20,000 respectively.
Online info session
On 5 July 2024, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) invite you to an informative webinar to learn more about the European Prize for Women Innovators.