- 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.
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