Applications are now open for the 2018 edition of the EU Prize for Women Innovators.

The award, launched by the European Commission in 2011, recognises women entrepreneurs who have achieved outstanding innovations and brought them to market.

It is open to any woman in the EU (or a country associated to Horizon 2020) who founded or co-founded their existing and active company before 1 January 2016 and who has benefitted from public or private research and innovation funding.

The winning contestant will receive a prize of €100,000, while the second- and third-place runners up will receive €50,000 and €30,000 respectively.

A €20,000 Rising Innovator Award – available to women aged 30 and under – will also be given to an exceptional innovator at the beginning of her career.

“The EU Prize for Women Innovators gives public recognition to outstanding women entrepreneurs and inspires other women to follow in their footsteps,” said Science and Innovation Commissioner Carlos Moedas.

“We have seen some exceptional achievements since the start of the competition. For example, the 2017 winners created an innovation lab bringing together scientists and artists, or invented the first ever digital tablet for blind users. I look forward to seeing many more fresh ideas and talent in the new edition of the contest.”

Applications close on 15 November 2017. The winners will be selected by a high-level jury and announced on International Women’s Day on 8 March 2018.

See the Application Guide for more information on how to apply.

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