At the EIC Summit in Brussels, the Commission revealed the winners and finalists of the 11th European Prize for Women Innovators. This prize acknowledges women across the EU and Horizon Europe-associated countries who have founded successful companies and introduced market innovations. Winners were chosen by an independent expert jury.
These women inspire future innovators and highlight the role of diversity and gender equality in enhancing Europes competitiveness. This year features achievements in three categories:
1) Women Innovators: Open to women founders in EU and Horizon Europe-associated countries. The winner receives €100,000; runners-up receive €70,000 and €50,000.
Winner: Agnès Arbat (Spain) – Co-founder of Oxolife, developing drugs to improve fertility.
Runners-Up:
- Rhona Togher (Ireland) – Co-founder of Lios, creating SoundBounce, a smart acoustic material.
- Fanny Bardé (France, Belgium) – Founder of SOLiTHOR, developing next-gen solid-state batteries.
2) Rising Innovators: For promising women under 35. The winner gets €50,000; runners-up get €30,000 and €20,000.
Winner: Camille Bouget (France) – Co-founder of Scienta Lab, an AI platform for immuno-inflammatory diseases.
Runners-Up:
- Claudine Adeyemi-Adams (UK) – Founder of Earlybird, providing AI-powered employment support.
- Héloïse Mailhac (France) – Co-founder of STH BIOTECH, developing SATIVITRO®, enhancing cannabinoid production.
3) EIT Women Leadership: Recognizing EIT Community members. The winner gets €50,000; runners-up get €30,000 and €20,000.
Winner: Débora Andreia Campelo Campos (Portugal) – Founder of AgroGrin Tech, transforming fruit waste into food ingredients.
Runners-Up:
- Olesja Bondarenko (Estonia) – CEO of Nanordica Medical, creating nanotech wound care products.
- Elizabeth McGloughlin (Ireland) – CEO of Tympany Medical, enhancing endoscopy technology.
Background
Since 2023, the prize has been managed by EISMEA and EIT, recognizing womens roles in transformative change and innovation in the EU.
More than 30 women innovators have been recognized, with over 100 shortlisted, serving as role models and reshaping womens leadership narratives.