European Prize for Women Innovators 2027: up to €100,000 for women founders of innovative companies, up to €50,000 for those under 35, Ukraine eligible, apply by 1 December

The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) have launched the European Prize for Women Innovators 2027. The competition rewards women founders and co-founders whose companies have successfully brought breakthrough innovations to market.

The call provides cash awards of up to €100,000 in the primary category and up to €50,000 for younger innovators under 35 years old. Applications must be submitted ahead of the deadline on 1 December 2026.

What is funded

The scheme awards monetary prizes to celebrate outstanding achievements in technological and commercial innovation. In the core Women Innovators category, the top three ranked applicants receive €100,000, €70,000, and €50,000 respectively. These awards recognize business leadership and the successful market introduction of breakthrough products or services.

A dedicated Rising Innovators track provides prizes of €50,000, €30,000, and €20,000 for early-career founders. The call also includes an EIT Women Leadership category, though specific monetary values for this specific track are not specified in the initial call overview.

Who can apply

The prize targets individual women who are founders or co-founders of innovative companies. Applicants must have played a key role in developing and launching breakthrough innovations on the market. Legal entities do not apply directly, as nominations and submissions are made by the individuals themselves.

For the Rising Innovators category, candidates must be born on or after 1 January 1991. The EIT Women Leadership category is restricted to individuals who are active members of the EIT community. Candidates representing start-ups and innovative ventures across various sectors are eligible if they meet these foundational profile criteria.

Conditions and requirements

Participation is open to eligible individuals residing in the European Union or in any third country associated with the Horizon Europe programme. Ukraine is explicitly listed as an eligible associated country, allowing Ukrainian women entrepreneurs to participate under standard terms.

Practical tip. Ensure your documentation clearly confirms your founding or co-founding status and provides tangible evidence of how your innovation reached the market. If you are targeting the Rising Innovators category, verify that your birth date strictly satisfies the 1 January 1991 cutoff before compiling your submission materials.

How to apply

Candidates must submit their applications individually through the official EU Funding and Tenders Portal before the deadline of 1 December 2026. The platform handles registration, profile verification, and document upload.

Applicants should ensure that all personal and corporate background details are fully aligned with the official portal requirements well before the final closing date. Late submissions or applications not submitted on a personal basis will not be considered.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: ec.europa.eu.