Women Innovators, Your Time Is Now: Apply for the 2027 European Prize for Women Innovators

Your innovation could change an industry, inspire a generation and gain the recognition it deserves across Europe.

Innovation is not only about technology. It is about courage, creativity and the determination to turn an idea into a solution that improves lives, strengthens communities and protects our planet. Across Europe, women entrepreneurs are leading businesses, developing breakthrough technologies and creating meaningful change. Yet many of their achievements remain underrepresented.

The 2027 European Prize for Women Innovators, jointly awarded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the European Innovation Council (EIC), offers an opportunity to change that. Applications are now open, inviting women innovators to step forward and showcase the impact of their work.

Recognition can be a powerful catalyst for growth.

Winning—or even being shortlisted for - this prestigious European prize can raise an entrepreneur’s profile, attract new partners and open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.

For women building innovative businesses, applying can help to:

• Gain European visibility: Present your innovation to a wider audience of investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and potential partners.

• Strengthen credibility: Recognition from a major European innovation initiative can reinforce trust in your company, technology and leadership.

• Unlock new opportunities: Greater visibility may lead to networking, collaboration, investment discussions and new markets.

• Inspire future innovators: Sharing your journey demonstrates that women can lead transformative businesses in every sector.

• Celebrate impact: The prize recognises innovation that creates value for society, the economy and the planet - not simply a promising idea.

For many entrepreneurs, the application process itself is valuable.

It provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress of a business, clearly communicate its achievements and define the next stage of its growth.

The 2027 edition offers nine prizes across three categories, ensuring that different stages of innovation and leadership are represented.

1. EIC Women Innovators

Open to women founders and co-founders from EU Member States and countries associated with Horizon Europe.

The three prizes are:

• €100,000 - First prize

• €70,000 - Second prize

• €50,000 - Third prize

2. EIC Rising Innovators

Designed for promising women innovators under the age of 35 who are making an impact through their entrepreneurial and innovative work.

The three prizes are:

• €50,000 - First prize

• €30,000 - Second prize

• €20,000 - Third prize

3. EIT Women Leadership

This category celebrates exceptional women from the EIT Community whose innovation and leadership are delivering significant impact.

The three prizes are:

• €50,000 - First prize

• €30,000 - Second prize

• €20,000 - Third prize

Whether your work focuses on deep tech, digital solutions, healthcare, climate action, agriculture, biotechnology or another field, this is an opportunity to bring your achievements into the spotlight.

Applications opened on 2 September 2026 and must be submitted through the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal, using the relevant prize category.

The application deadline is: 1 December 2026, at 17:00 CET.

An online information session is also scheduled for 17 September 2026 at 11:00 CEST, offering applicants an opportunity to learn more about the prize and application process. The award ceremony is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2027.

Before applying, candidates should carefully review the official rules and eligibility requirements.

Explore the official 2027 European Prize for Women Innovators and apply

The European Prize for Women Innovators is just one example of the opportunities available to ambitious entrepreneurs and innovators.

At AgriVentures.co, you can discover many more opportunities connected to the European innovation and agri-food ecosystem, including:

• EU funding opportunities for innovative projects and businesses.

• International prizes and recognition programmes.

• Accelerator and business development programmes.

• Events, conferences and networking opportunities.

• Initiatives related to agriculture, biotechnology, climate action, soil resilience and sustainable food systems.

For women working in agriculture, food technology, biotech or climate innovation, these opportunities can be especially valuable.

They can support the development of new solutions, strengthen entrepreneurial networks and connect promising ideas with the resources needed to grow.

Check out our guides for funding opportunities

https://projects.agriventures.co/resources

Agriventures Connect 3.0 is coming on 20th of April 2027 in Sofia, Bulgaria

https://connect.agriventures.co/

The role of Agriventures in supporting agrifood innovation

As the agritech startup ecosystem grows across Europe, initiatives such as Agriventures are helping connect entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and policymakers working in agriculture and food innovation.

Agriventures focuses on supporting agrifood startups, biotechnology innovation, and access to European funding for agriculture, while also helping entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of startup financing, venture capital, and research commercialization.

By strengthening connections between startups, research institutions, investors, and farmers, Agriventures contributes to building a stronger agricultural innovation ecosystem that can accelerate the transition toward sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.

Through knowledge sharing, events, and ecosystem building, Agriventures helps ensure that promising agritech innovations can scale and reach farmers, food producers, and global markets.