2026 EU Prize for Women Innovators Celebrates Tech and Medical Breakthroughs

• The 2026 EU Prize for Women Innovators honored three entrepreneurs for their contributions to medicine, space technology, and supply chain transparency.
• Despite progress, women in Europe hold only 25% of leadership roles, account for 9% of patent applicants, and receive 2% of venture capital funding.

2026 EU Prize for Women Innovators Winner: Dr. Katerina Spranger

• Dr. Spranger, founder of London-based Oxford Heartbeat, received the top prize of €100,000.
• Her company develops AI-powered software to assist surgeons in selecting optimal brain implants.
• Research indicates that one-third of current implant selections are suboptimal; her technology aims to improve patient outcomes through precise data analysis.

Rising Innovators Award: Marta Oliveira

• The award for innovators under 35 went to Marta Oliveira, co-founder of ATMOS Space Cargo.
• The company develops reusable capsules to return cargo and experiments safely from space, reducing dependence on US re-entry technology.
• ATMOS has secured €25 million in funding and employs approximately 90 people.

Women Leadership Award: Ella Cullen

• Ella Cullen, co-founder of Minespider, won for her work in supply chain transparency.
• The platform allows companies like Google, Ford, and Renault to track raw materials, environmental footprints, and ethical sourcing compliance.
• The company emphasizes a flexible, inclusive work culture to support employee well-being.