Women have always played an important role in scientific progress — and today, they continue to shape the research, technologies and innovations that will define Europe’s future.
This is also true within PERSEUS. Women contribute across scientific, technical, management and other project roles. Through our Women in Science initiative, PERSEUS highlights the achievements and contributions of women working across the project and celebrates their role in advancing the next generation of solar technologies.
Now, we would like to draw attention to an opportunity to recognise women whose work is taking innovation even further.
The European Prize for Women Innovators, jointly awarded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), celebrates women entrepreneurs behind Europe’s groundbreaking innovations. The prize recognises women whose innovations create positive impact for people and the planet, while also highlighting inspiring leaders and role models for the next generation.
For the 2027 edition, the EIC Women Innovators category offers three prizes of €100,000, €70,000 and €50,000. There is also an EIC Rising Innovators category for women under 35, with prizes of €50,000, €30,000 and €20,000.
The prize is particularly relevant to the world of research and deep tech: applications are assessed based on breakthrough innovation, impact and inspiration. Eligible applicants must be women founders or co-founders of an eligible company or organisation established in the EU or a Horizon Europe associated country.
The PERSEUS community includes many women contributing to scientific discovery, technological development, project leadership and innovation. Some may also be taking their work beyond research and into entrepreneurship and real-world applications. If you know a woman connected to the PERSEUS community — or beyond it — whose innovative work deserves European recognition, why not encourage her to apply? The deadline for applications is 1 December 2026, 17:00 CET.
Do you know a woman innovator who deserves to be recognised? Share her story and encourage her to apply! Find out more about the European Prize for Women Innovators and the eligibility criteria on the European Commission's website.