Meet the Winners of the EU Prize for Women Innovators 2025

On April 3, 2025, the European Innovation Council (EIC) Summit in Brussels hosted one of the most anticipated events celebrating female ingenuity and entrepreneurship in Europe: the announcement of the winners for the 11th edition of the prestigious EU Prize for Women Innovators. This event recognises and celebrates the pioneering contributions of women innovators 2025 whose groundbreaking work across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as entrepreneurial ventures, are driving transformative changes throughout the European Union.

Organized jointly by the European Innovation Council, the SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), the prize highlights the importance of diversity and gender equality in European innovation ecosystems. It aligns strongly with EU strategies to empower female entrepreneurs in Europe and encourage inclusive growth in tech and sustainable development.

This year’s European innovation awards brought together remarkable women from different industries, whose work exemplifies creativity, perseverance, and impact. They ranged from breakthroughs in pharmaceutical fertility treatments to advancements in acoustic technologies, next-generation battery innovations, AI-powered healthcare platforms, sustainable food ingredient development, and cutting-edge medical devices.

History and Significance of the EU Prize for Women Innovators

Since its inception over a decade ago, the European Prize for Women Innovators has played a crucial role in spotlighting groundbreaking female leaders shaping Europe’s technological and entrepreneurial landscape. This recognition not only celebrates remarkable achievements but also tackles persistent gender disparities in STEM and business sectors, encouraging an inclusive and equitable innovation culture.

The prize aligns with broader European Union policies aiming to foster female participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, thus accelerating digital transformation and sustainable growth. Through funding, mentorship, and visibility, it motivates women innovators to scale their breakthroughs and inspire successive generations.

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Recognizing Excellence: The Awards Categories and Winners

The EU Prize for Women Innovators 2025 celebrates achievements in three major categories, each shining a light on different stages of innovation ecosystems and leadership:

• Women Innovators: Awarded to established entrepreneurs whose innovative solutions have proven market impact.
• Rising Innovators: Focused on up-and-coming women entrepreneurs showing exceptional promise and advancing frontier technologies.
• EIT Women Leadership: Recognizes women leading transformative companies that marry science with sustainable and socially impactful business models.

Women Innovators Category

At the forefront of female entrepreneurship and innovation, this category celebrated visionaries who have established thriving companies addressing complex societal challenges.

Winner: Agnès Arbat (Spain)

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Agnès co-founded Oxolife, a pharmaceutical company dedicated to enhancing fertility treatments by developing innovative drugs that improve embryo implantation success rates. With a medical degree and advanced management training, they harness decades of pharmaceutical industry expertise to lead clinical development and product innovation, mentoring future generations through academic involvement. Their work not only advances reproductive health but also simplifies infertility treatments, making them more accessible.

Second Place: Rhona Togher (Ireland)

Rhona’s company, Lios, created SoundBounce, a revolutionary smart acoustic material that offers remarkably superior noise reduction with less bulk and weight. With a background in physics and hands-on acoustic innovation, they are committed to greener, quieter environments across sectors including construction, automotive, aerospace, and home appliances.

Third Place: Fanny Bardé (France/Belgium)

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As founder of SOLiTHOR and an expert in material science and battery technology, Fanny pioneers solid-state batteries using non-flammable and environmentally friendly electrolytes. With a rich career including leadership in Toyota Motor Europe’s advanced battery R&D and management of a large-scale European project, their startup vision supports sustainable travel through next-gen energy solutions.

Rising Innovators Category

This category shines a light on emerging talents leveraging artificial intelligence and biotechnology, demonstrating the future of European innovation.

Winner: Camille Bouget (France)

Co-founder of Scienta Lab, Camille is dedicated to accelerating precision medicine for immuno-inflammatory diseases using AI, applying their pharmacy background combined with digital marketing expertise to bridge gaps between science and technology.

Second Place: Claudine Adeyemi-Adams (UK)

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Founder of Earlybird, Claudine harnesses AI and voice technology to deliver personalized employment support through government contracts. A former lawyer, they have a track record of digitally transforming career support platforms and winning prestigious awards for innovation.

Third Place: Héloïse Mailhac (France)

Co-founder of STH BIOTECH, Héloïse develops biotech platforms for pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoid production, establishing sustainable, controlled environments for rare therapeutic compounds.

EIT Women Leadership Category

Honoring scientific and entrepreneurial leadership in sustainable and impactful ventures.

Winner: Débora Andreia Campelo Campos (Portugal)

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Founder and CEO of AgroGrin Tech, Débora blends biotechnological expertise with business acumen to turn industrial fruit waste into health-promoting food ingredients, pushing the envelope for clean-label and sustainable food production.

Second Place: Olesja Bondarenko (Estonia)

CEO of Nanordica Medical and an expert in nanoparticle research, Olesja leads the development of nanotech-based wound care products aimed at infection prevention and healing acceleration.

Third Place: Elizabeth McGloughlin (Ireland)

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Leading Tympany Medical, Elizabeth innovated variable angle endoscopy technology advancing surgical visualization and cleaning systems, balancing clinical expertise with entrepreneurial success while managing a busy family life.

The Jury: Champions of Innovation and Inclusion

The winners were selected by an internationally recognized panel combining expertise in media, entrepreneurship, academia, and innovation policymaking. Notable jury members included Josine Bakkes, Kave Bulambo, Brian Cahill, Marta Echarri, Maria Engonga, Gianluca Galletto, Valentina Milanova, Elena Poughia, Rui Serapicos, Christopher Trunk Black, Simone Vecchi, and Stephanie von Behr. Their varied backgrounds ensure a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the nominees.

Comprised of interdisciplinary experts, the jury panel brings a wealth of experience in media strategy, innovation ecosystems, academia, venture capital, and social impact. Each member contributes unique insights into evaluating candidates based on creativity, impact, scalability, and leadership qualities.

Beyond their evaluative roles, these jurors are actively involved in promoting diversity, mentoring upcoming entrepreneurs, and shaping innovation policies that support equitable opportunities for women across Europe and beyond.

Empowering Women in Science, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Across Europe

These awards embody the European Union’s dedication to accelerating gender equality in STEM and entrepreneurship. They shine a spotlight on how female entrepreneurs are shaping the future of innovation by breaking barriers, driving technological advances, and fostering inclusive growth.

By recognizing and promoting women innovators 2025, the EU Prize not only celebrates individual achievements but also encourages systemic change, inspiring young women and the wider ecosystem to embrace diversity and build sustainable, impactful businesses.

Inspiring the Next Generation & Shaping the Future

Also Read: Increasing Women’s Participation in STEM and Health Research 

The narratives of these accomplished women serve as beacons for aspiring innovators across Europe and globally. Their stories highlight the importance of perseverance, boldness, and mentorship in navigating complex industries. They reflect how innovative leadership grounded in scientific excellence and social purpose can catalyze broader societal benefits.

Their groundbreaking work—from fertility-enhancing pharmaceuticals to advanced energy storage, AI in healthcare, sustainable food production, and transformative medical technologies—illustrates the breadth of female contributions to Europe’s innovation future.

Conclusion

As the 11th edition of the EU Prize for Women Innovators closes, it reaffirms the vital role women play in driving scientific progress, economic development, and social innovation. The prizes elevate the profiles of these outstanding innovators and provide them with greater visibility and opportunities to scale their impact.

For more detailed insights on the global winners, the innovation awards ceremony, and ongoing initiatives to support female entrepreneurship, visit thewomenspost.com.