European Prize for Women Innovators 2023 Celebrates and Empowers Women in Innovation

In a significant stride towards promoting gender equality in the realms of innovation and technology, the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) have unveiled an upgraded European Prize for Women Innovators. This collaborative initiative represents a concerted effort to amplify the acknowledgment of women innovators, paving the way for increased opportunities and recognition of their remarkable contributions. The award seeks to honour pioneering women entrepreneurs who are effecting positive changes for both society and the environment through their groundbreaking innovations.

Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age, expressed her anticipation, stating, “This new award will be given to inspire Europe and women innovators. Launched by the European Innovation Council and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, the award aims to remove barriers for women in business and tech. I look forward to seeing many contributors.”

Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, emphasised the award’s importance in uniting Europe’s commitment to innovation and gender equality. He stated, “This new award is a great way for Europe to show its shared commitment to innovation and gender equality. It’s a cause that will bring the EIC and EIT closer together—natural allies in breaking down barriers for women in business and tech. My hope is for a large field of competing women innovators and entrepreneurs so we can show the diversity in European tech!”

The awards ceremony for the European Prize for Women Innovators 2023 is slated to occur during the European Innovation Council Summit in March 2024. The event will feature the announcement of three winners in each of the following categories:

1. Women Innovators: This category is open to women founders and co-founders from the EU and Associated Countries. The top winner will receive EUR 100,000, while the two runners-up will be awarded EUR 70,000 and EUR 50,000, respectively.
2. Rising Innovators: Young innovators under the age of 35 can participate in this category. The winner will secure EUR 50,000, with the two runners-up earning EUR 30,000 and EUR 20,000, respectively.
3. EIT Women Leadership: This category invites those associated with the EIT Community or existing Knowledge and Innovation Communities. The winner will receive EUR 50,000, and the two runners-up will be granted EUR 30,000 and EUR 20,000, respectively.

Applications for the awards will be accepted from June 15, 2023, until September 27, 2023, encompassing all three categories: Women Innovators, Rising Innovators, and EIT Women Leadership.

For further information and application details, visit the official website at: https://eic.ec.europa.eu/news/new-european-prize-women-innovators-launched-european-innovation-council-and-european-institute-2023-06-15_en