E³UDRES² Award for Female Entrepreneurship 2025

The E³UDRES² Award for Female Entrepreneurship has the clear mission to empower women as founders, innovators, and leaders in the European startup ecosystem. Despite growing awareness, the entrepreneurial and startup landscape remains largely male-dominated. Women still face unique challenges when launching ventures, accessing funding, and being recognized for their impact. This award aims to challenge that imbalance by actively promoting visibility, opportunity, and recognition for female-driven innovation. 

By celebrating outstanding female entrepreneurs and showcasing role models from diverse backgrounds, the E³UDRES² Award for Female Entrepreneurship fosters a more inclusive and forward-thinking innovation culture. It encourages young women to step into leadership, helps build stronger support networks, and inspires the startup community to embrace diversity as a key driver of success. 

Who can participate?

• Female students
• Female researchers
• Female innovators
• Startup or project teams led by at least one woman holding a minimum 50% ownership or leadership share

Participation is open to the public and is not dependent on any affiliation with E³UDRES².

Prizes

The top submissions will be rewarded with monetary prizes.

• 1st Place: 750€

• 2nd Place: 500€

• 3rd Place: 250€

Application Deadline

Submissions are accepted until 20 November 2025

Prizes & Rewards

The winners of the E³UDRES² Award for Female Entrepreneurship will be honored with the following: 

• A monetary prize of 750€, 500€ and 250€ to support their entrepreneurial journey
• An official certificate recognizing their outstanding achievement and commitment to innovation
• Extensive media exposure, including press releases and coverage across social media channels, amplifying their visibility within the startup ecosystem
• The unique opportunity to present their business case to a distinguished audience at the SMARTUP Hall of Innovation in Austria in January 2026, connecting with industry leaders, investors, and peers

Selection Process

After submitting your application document and video, it's up to our jury to decide which are the winning submissions. The submitted videos will be shown during the International Week at the University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten, Austria, on November 24, 2025. During the Future Skills for Entrepreneurship and Innovation event, a jury will decide on the winning teams on site. The judging panel will provide detailed feedback on the submissions, acknowledging strengths and innovation while also offering insights into the potential for growth and impact.

A short Award Ceremony will be hosted during the University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten International Week on November 24, 2025.

Apply now!

E³UDRES² Award for Female Entrepreneurship 2025

In order to apply for the award, please send us your submission document (as PDF) via e-mail, including the following information:

  • Why is your idea, solution, entrepreneurship a Driver for European Smart and Sustainable Regions (max. 1 page)

  • Business and financial plan (max. 2 pages)

  • Introduce all team members including their function (max. 1 page)

  • Tell us about your innovative business case in a short video, max. 3min, and send it to us via link, WeTransfer, or similiar services.

Submissions are accepted until 20 November 2025, 12am (UTC).

Female student with long hair and bangs standing next to a glass wall with post its and smiling.

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