European Prize for Women Innovators to celebrate visionary creators

the European Commission revealed the winners of the 12th edition of the European Prize for Women Innovators at the European Innovation Council (EIC) Summit in Brussels. The prize, which is jointly managed by the EIC and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), celebrates women entrepreneurs whose work is advancing innovation across Europe and contributing to a more competitive, inclusive and forward-looking economy.

From pioneering advancements in healthcare and sustainability to revolutionising space technology and digital traceability, this year’s finalists exemplify the transformative power of women-led innovation.

The prize showcases the remarkable achievements of winners and runners-up across three categories:

EIC Women Innovators

The EIC Women Innovators category honours exceptional women founders and co-founders from EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. The winner receives €100 000, while the two runners-up receive €70 000 and €50 000 respectively.

• Winner: Katerina Spranger (Ukraine/UK), founder and CEO of Oxford Heartbeat, harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance the safety and precision of brain aneurysm treatments.
• Second place: Elena Heber (Germany), co-founder and Managing Director of HelloBetter, expanding access to mental health care through clinically validated digital therapies and AI-driven solutions.
• Third place: Judit Camargo Sanromà (Spain), founder and CEO of Roka Furadada, tackling the growing threat of skin cancer with eco-friendly cosmetic ingredients that deliver high-performing UV protection while safeguarding marine ecosystems.

EIC Rising Innovators

The EIC Rising Innovators category recognises promising young women innovators under the age of 35. The winner receives €50 000, while the two runners-up receive €30 000 and €20 000 respectively.

• Winner: Marta Oliveira (Belgium), co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of ATMOS Space Cargo, enabling reusable space capsules to safely return materials from orbit and unlock new research opportunities.
• Second place: Judit Giró Benet (Spain), founder of The Blue Box, developing a non-invasive urine-based test to improve early breast cancer detection, particularly for women underserved by traditional screening methods.
• Third place: Carin Lightner (Switzerland), co-founder and CEO of Enantios, accelerating drug discovery through faster and more precise analysis of complex molecules, paving the way for next-generation medicines.

EIT Women Leadership

The EIT Women Leadership category recognises exceptional members of the EIT Community. The winner receives €50 000, while the two runners-up receive €30 000 and €20 000 respectively.

• Winner: Ella Frances Cullen (Portugal), co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Minespider, revolutionising supply chain transparency through a blockchain- and AI-powered platform that delivers digital product and battery passports while promoting sustainability and compliance.
• Second place: Stefania Raimondo (Italy), co-founder of Navhetec, advancing plant-based nanomedicine by extracting bioactive particles from citrus juice to develop high-efficacy health products with novel functionalities.
• Third place: Neide Vieira (Portugal), co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of IPLEXMED, accelerating the diagnosis of infectious diseases through graphene-based biosensors that enable portable, rapid and lab-grade testing.

Quote

Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said: “The European Prize for Women Innovators recognises the bold ideas and leadership of women who are transforming innovation into real-world impact. This year’s finalists and winners show how entrepreneurship and diversity go hand in hand in strengthening Europe’s innovation capacity. Their achievements are an inspiration for the next generation of innovators across Europe.”

Background

The European Prize for Women Innovators highlights the vital contribution of women entrepreneurs to Europe’s innovation ecosystem and long-term competitiveness. Now in its 12th edition, the prize celebrates women whose disruptive innovations are delivering tangible benefits for society and the planet. It also aims to inspire more women and girls to pursue careers in innovation, science and entrepreneurship.

About the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)

The EIT strengthens Europe’s ability to innovate by powering solutions to pressing global challenges and by nurturing entrepreneurial talent to create sustainable growth and skilled jobs in Europe. The EIT is an EU body and an integral part of Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. The Institute supports dynamic pan-European partnerships, EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), among leading companies, research labs and universities. These KICs are dedicated to driving systemic change in Europe and beyond, focusing on climate change, culture and creativity, digitalization, energy, health, food, manufacturing, raw materials, urban mobility and water. Together with their leading partners, the EIT Community offers a wide range of innovation activities across Europe: entrepreneurial education courses, business creation and acceleration services and innovation-driven research projects.

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