EIT Wins EU Agency Network Diversity and Inclusion Award

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has been recognised for its commitment to inclusion and equality, winning the EU Agency Network (EUAN) Diversity and Inclusion Award 2025 in the category ‘Outstanding External Initiative’ for its flagship Girls Go Circular programme. 

This recognition highlights the role of inclusion in fostering innovation and reinforces the EIT’s long-term commitment to advancing gender equality in Europe’s innovation ecosystem. 

This award recognises the role of inclusion in delivering innovation. EIT programmes such as Girls Go Circular give thousands of young women the skills and confidence to shape Europe’s green and digital future. This success belongs equally to our partners, the participating schools all across Europe, and above all, the young women themselves. When opportunities are shared, potential multiplies.

Martin Kern, EIT Director

Celebrating Diversity Across the EU 

Each year, the EUAN celebrates the efforts of EU Agencies and Joint Undertakings to create inclusive, diverse and respectful workplaces. Through the EUAN Diversity and Inclusion Awards, the Network recognises initiatives that: 

• promote equitable and supportive working environments; 

• raise awareness of diversity and inclusion across the EU public sector; 

• inspire others by sharing proven and replicable good practices. 

In 2025, the Awards attracted 20 applications from across the Network, and the winners were announced on 23 October 2025 during the EUAN plenary meetings in Brussels. 

Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators 

Girls Go Circular equips girls aged 14–19 with digital and entrepreneurial skills to increase their participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

Since its launch in 2020, the programme has reached over 65 000 girls in 35 countries – including all 27 EU Member States and eight Horizon Europe associated countries – and involved more than 1 000 schools. Through its circular learning model, Girls Go Circular helps young students gain the skills and confidence to become leaders in Europe’s digital and green transition.  

As part of the EU’s Union of Skills, the EIT is expanding the initiative to Girls Go STEM to train 100,000 girls in STEM subjects, creativity, and entrepreneurship by 2028—contributing to the EU-wide goal of reaching one million girls in STEM education. 

Building on a Strong Track Record 

The EIT previously won the EUAN Diversity and Inclusion Award for its EIT Women Leadership Award, which showcased women entrepreneurs driving innovation across Europe. This year’s recognition builds on that legacy, highlighting the EIT’s ongoing efforts to make innovation more inclusive and representative. 

As the EIT continues to champion inclusion across Europe’s innovation ecosystem, it remains committed to expanding opportunities for all – ensuring that every girl has the tools, confidence, and inspiration to lead Europe’s sustainable future.