Library FAQ
Who can apply as applicant types or consortia?
You can apply as a mono‑beneficiary single legal entity established in a Member State or Associated Country if you are a start-up, SME or research performing organisation; as a small consortium of two independent legal entities from two different Member States...
Can someone who already received an EU or Euratom prize apply?
Applicants who have already received an EU or Euratom prize cannot receive a second prize for the same activities.
Is there an age limit for the Women Innovators category?
No, there is no age limit for the Women Innovators category, but applicants eligible for several prize categories can only apply to one.
On what basis will the jury assess applications for the Women Innovators prize?
The jury’s assessment is based on Parts A and B of the application form and the submitted video. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a hearing to defend their application, which may be held remotely.
What additional commitment is expected from the winning cities in this edition of iCapital?
The winning cities (ranked 1st in each category) will be invited to sign a declaration of intent to commit to a series of actions to promote iCapital during the year.
What additional eligibility rule applies to the Rising Innovators category?
Rising Innovators applicants must be aged under 35 at the start of the call year.
What are the eligibility rules for cities applying to iCapital or the Rising Innovative City category?
Candidate cities must be located in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. For the Capital category, cities must have ≥250,000 inhabitants (exceptions apply where no such city exists). Rising category cities must have 50,000–249,999 inhabitan...
What are the expected results of the European Prize for Women Innovators?
The prize aims to boost public awareness of women’s contributions to the EU innovation ecosystem, create strong role models, and inspire more women to become innovators.
What are the indicative timelines for the Women Innovators prize and iCapital contest in 2026–2027?
Women Innovators: opening Q1–Q3 2026, submission deadline Q3–Q4 2026, award Q1–Q2 2027. iCapital: opening Q1–Q2 2026, submission deadline Q2–Q3 2026, award Q4 2026–Q1 2027.
What are the main eligibility criteria to apply for the Women Innovators or Rising Innovators categories?
Applicants must be a woman (natural person), legally residing in an EU Member State (including OCTs) or a Horizon Europe associated country; be founder or co-founder of the company/organisation; and the company/organisation must be established in an eligible c...
What are the main objectives of the European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital)?
To recognise cities as catalysers of local innovation ecosystems, promote city-led experimentation and mainstreaming of innovative practices, engage citizens, and stimulate activities that boost game-changing innovation.
What award criteria are used to evaluate city applications for iCapital?
Six cumulative criteria: Experimenting, Escalating, Ecosystem building, Expanding, City innovative vision, and Citizens' rights; applicants must provide details on concrete results of showcased initiatives.
What award criteria does the jury use to choose Women Innovators winners?
The jury evaluates: Breakthrough innovation (including Deeptech/STEM relevance), Impact (benefit to people and/or planet and socio-economic/environmental results), and Inspiration (leadership role, promotion of gender balance and gender-responsive innovation).
What categories and prize amounts exist in the European Capital of Innovation Awards?
Two categories: European Capital of Innovation (cities ≥250,000 inhabitants) — winner EUR 1,000,000 and two runners-up EUR 100,000 each; European Rising Innovative City (50,000–249,999 inhabitants) — winner EUR 500,000 and two runners-up EUR 50,000 each.
What endorsement is required for a city application to iCapital?
Each application must contain a specific endorsement signed by the city Mayor or the equivalent highest political representative.
What is the European Prize for Women Innovators?
A yearly recognition prize celebrating women entrepreneurs across the EU and Horizon Europe associated countries who have transformed ideas into disruptive innovations and act as inspiring leaders.
What prize categories and amounts are funded under this Work Programme for the Women Innovators prize?
Two EIC-funded categories: Women Innovators (three prizes: EUR 100,000, EUR 70,000, EUR 50,000) and Rising Innovators (three prizes: EUR 50,000, EUR 30,000, EUR 20,000). The EIT Women Leadership category is funded and managed by the EIT in coordination with th...
What supporting materials must applicants submit with their application?
Applicants must support their written application with an inspiring video message about themselves and their achievements lasting no more than 90 seconds.
Where can applicants find further details on evaluation, award criteria and rules of contest?
Further details and the common ‘Rules of Contest for Prizes’ are published on the Funding & Tenders Portal and in the contest-specific rules at launch of each contest.
Who organises the European Prize for Women Innovators?
The prize is organised by the Agency in coordination with the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) and winners are chosen by an independent expert jury.
Will shortlisted city applicants have an opportunity to present to the jury?
Yes, the jury will invite shortlisted applicants to a hearing to defend their application, which may take place remotely.
Can someone apply to both the main and Rising Innovator categories?
No. Applicants eligible for both categories can only apply to one; the Rising Innovator category additionally requires being aged 30 or younger.
What are the iCapital prize amounts for 2021?
European Capital of Innovation winner EUR 1 000 000; two runners-up EUR 100 000 each. European Rising Innovative City winner EUR 500 000; two runners-up EUR 50 000 each.
What are the main eligibility criteria for the EU Prize for Women Innovators?
Applicant must be a woman, an ordinary resident in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe associated country, founder or co-founder of an existing and active innovative company registered at least two years before the submission deadline, and not already award...