Rising Innovators category

Breakthrough innovation: The company or organisation founded or co-founded by the applicant is developing a breakthrough innovation (focus on Deep-tech and STEM fields). The applicant demonstrates what makes the innovation breakthrough compared to existing solutions.

Impact: The innovation addresses a real need or challenge, with significant benefits for people and/or the planet (socio-economic/environmental impact such as wellbeing, education, profit, job creation). The applicant explains current performance and growth.

Inspiration: The applicant is an inspiring leader, a pivotal figure in the success of the company or organisation, and a role model empowering other women and girls. The applicant describes efforts to promote gender balance and/or advocate for initiatives advancing gender equality.

Scoring: Each criterion is scored out of 10. Minimum pass per criterion is 6. Overall minimum score is 18/30.

No explicit sectoral or business type exclusions stated for this prize; focus is on eligible applicant criteria.

Prize winners must promote the prize and its results by providing targeted information to multiple audiences (including media and public), acknowledging EU support and displaying the European flag. Communication activities must be factually accurate and follow dissemination obligations, including disclaimers set by the EU.

Complete and submit application form in the Funding & Tenders Portal Submission System.

Applicants must register in the Participant Register before the call deadline and will be validated by the Central Validation Service.

Up to six best ranked applications will be invited for a hearing with the jury in Brussels (can take place remotely).

Applications are evaluated by a jury against the award criteria. If more than 500 applications are received, a pre-selection is done.

The top 3 ranked applications receive the prize money.

Completed application form (Parts A and B), including details on breakthrough innovation, impact, and inspiration.

Proof of eligibility (age, gender, legal residence, founder/co-founder status etc.) upon request.

Validated registration as a natural person in the Participant Register, with supporting legal status documentation.

Submission of a video as part of the application.

For the organisation: established and registered at least one year before the call year.