Library FAQ
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...
What are the objectives of the European Innovation Procurement Awards?
To recognise public and private buyers promoting innovation procurement and the innovative ways solutions are procured, emphasising buyer–supplier cooperation.
What award criteria are used to judge iCapital applications?
Experimenting, escalating, ecosystem building, expanding, and the city's long-term innovative vision.
What award criteria does the jury use for the Women Innovators prize?
Breakthrough innovation, impact on societal need and economy, and inspiration through leadership and potential to motivate others.
What categories and population requirements exist for the iCapital awards in 2021?
European Capital of Innovation: cities with minimum 250 000 inhabitants (or largest cities in countries with no such city if ≥50 000). European Rising Innovative City: towns/cities with 50 000 to 249 999 inhabitants.
What categories and prize amounts exist for the Innovation Procurement Awards in 2021?
Three categories: Innovation procurement strategy, Facing societal challenges (COVID-19), and Procurement leadership. Each category awards a winner EUR 75 000 and a runner-up EUR 25 000.
What criteria does the jury consider for the Innovation Procurement Awards?
Transformation of procurement towards innovation, uptake (replicability and scalability), collaboration leading to the solution, and societal impact (including digital transformation and Green Deal priorities).
What endorsement is required when applying for an iCapital award?
Each application must include a specific endorsement signed by the city Mayor or equivalent highest political representative.
What is the EU Prize for Women Innovators?
A prize that celebrates women entrepreneurs behind game-changing innovations, raising awareness of female innovators and creating role models.
What is the focus of the European Social Innovation Competition challenge prize in 2021?
'Skills for tomorrow' — social innovations that help people and organisations identify, develop and strengthen skills needed to adapt and thrive.
What is the purpose of the European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital)?
To recognise cities as catalysts of local innovation ecosystems and stimulate activities that boost game-changing urban innovation.
What is the selection and support process for the Social Innovation challenge prize?
Up to 30 semi-finalists are shortlisted and receive four months of business acceleration services; they then submit development plans, from which 10 finalists are chosen and 3 winners are awarded EUR 50 000 each.
What prize categories and amounts exist for the EU Prize for Women Innovators in 2021?
The 'Women Innovators' main category awards three prizes of EUR 100 000 each; the 'Rising Innovator' category awards one prize of EUR 50 000 to an applicant aged 30 or younger.