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European Institute of Innovation and Technology

EIT Women Leadership Award

Awards EUR50,000 to a top woman leader from the EIT Community, plus EUR30,000 and EUR20,000 to two runners-up.

An independent expert jury scores eligible applications on breakthrough innovation, impact and inspiration. This is one of three prize categories run under the same call; an applicant who qualifies for more than one may only enter one, applying as a natural person through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal. The 2026 edition's call is now closed, with winners announced at the EIC Summit in Brussels.

This category of the European Prize for Women Innovators looks for exceptional women leaders within the EIT Community whose company or organisation is pioneering breakthrough, disruptive innovation, often in deep-tech or STEM fields, within the EU or a Horizon Europe associated country. It wants leaders who have played a pivotal role in that success and who inspire other women and girls.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.-
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Prize
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€100K

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