Moedas announces innovation prize for women
The European Commission has launched a €100,000 EU prize to recognise outstanding women entrepreneurs who have brought their innovative ideas to the market. This year, Brussels intends to recognise three women and their outstanding achievements.
This is the third edition of the prize and aims to raise awareness of the need for more female entrepreneurs, and to inspire other women to follow in their footsteps. The first prize is worth €100,000, the second prize €50,000, and third prize €30,000.
Announcing the prize during a working lunch on Monday with outstanding women in academia, research, industry and media, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Carlos Moedas said: “There may have been some improvement in recent years but, in Europe, female researchers and entrepreneurs remain a minority. Whether economically, intellectually or socially, we cannot afford to continue missing out on this vast pool of untapped talent. The EU Prize for Women Innovators recognises women entrepreneurs for their valuable achievements, inspiring both men and women alike.”
Adding her thoughts, Věra Jourová, European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, said: “Gender equality is not only a moral imperative, but it also makes economic sense. Diversity is good for innovation and entrepreneurship, because it brings new talent and fresh ideas. The EU Prize for Women Innovators showcases female talent and can encourage other women to pursue careers in science and entrepreneurship where women are still under-represented.”
The contest is open to all women who have founded or co-founded their company, and who have at some point of their careers benefitted from EU’s research and innovation funding. Contestants will be able to submit their applications until 20 October 2015. A high level jury will evaluate and select the three winners who will be announced in 2016. The EU Prize for Women Innovators was launched in 2011 and this year’s announcement coincided with International Woman’s Day, which took place on 8 March.
