WOMEN, ENTERPRISE AND INNOVATION

Women of any nationality who have founded or co-founded an innovative enterprise in Europe have until 3 November to join the competition for the EU Prize for Women Innovators.

The EU Prize for Women Innovators  seeks to showcase the achievements of women who have founded innovative enterprises, bringing to the market the results of their research and development activities by overcoming barriers to entrepreneurship such as access to finances and networks.

One of the prize’s aims is to draw attention to the need to increase female participation in the area: only 30% of all entrepreneurs in Europe are women.

Contestants
The EU Prize for Women Innovators is open to women of any nationality living in a European country who have founded or co-founded a company with a turnover of at least 100,000 euros.

This year’s edition also features a “Rising Innovator” category for entrepreneurs aged 30 years or less.

The Award
There are four prizes: 1st 100,000 euros, 2nd 50,000 euros, 3rd 30,000 euros and “Rising Innovator” 20,000 euros.

Award Criteria
The jury will assess the originality and marketability of the developed product or services, as well as the number of patents and trademarks.

Economic impact will be measured by the number of countries of sale and by the turnover achieved in 2014-2015.

Societal impact will be assessed by the number of jobs created and the potential to help Europe address major social challenges  such as ageing population, global warming, renewable energies, clean water or resource efficiency.

Lastly, contestants must prove their impact and leadership role, explaining how they influenced company success and empowered other women to be leaders and entrepreneurs.

Deadline
The EU Prize for Women Innovators is open until 3 November 2016.

Further information
Women Innovators 2017 Contest Rules