Meet the innovators shaping Europe’s future: 2026 EIT Awards nominees
EITThe European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) today announced the nominees for the 2026 EIT Awards.
With this year’s announcement, the EIT and its Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) celebrate outstanding innovators from across the EIT network for their breakthrough work in fields including robotics and artificial intelligence, sustainable fashion and the circular economy, regenerative agriculture, and digital and social inclusion. Their innovations include AI-powered voice monitoring to detect worsening heart failure, mycelium-based insulation made from industrial residues, low-carbon self-healing concrete produced from mine tailings, a smartphone-based medical device that measures menstrual blood loss, safer AI-assisted tram systems, innovative approaches to more sustainable cacao production and new technologies for renewable hydrogen.
A diverse showcase of talent
The 2026 EIT Award nominees highlight an impressive variety of changemakers, innovators, and successful entrepreneurs, underscoring the breadth and diversity of the EIT’s vast network across Europe and beyond. This year, nominees represent the following countries: Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Poland, Spain, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom. Discover the complete list of nominees and their groundbreaking ideas here.
Behind every innovation is someone willing to challenge how things are done and turn an idea into something that can make a difference. This year's EIT Awards nominees show the power of talent when amplified through our community. With support, networks and opportunities to grow, innovators are turning bold ideas into solutions that improve lives across Europe.
Stefan Dobrev, Chairperson of the EIT Governing Board
EIT Awards categories
The nominees announced today will compete in the following categories:
- EIT Changemaker Award – recognising leaders within the EIT Community and beyond, whose activities and achievements generate a significant social impact.
- EIT Innovation Team Award – celebrating diverse groups that have developed a unique product, service, or process with high added value and breakthrough potential.
- EIT Venture Award – highlighting successful startups within the EIT Community that address societal challenges and show strong growth potential.
- EIT Public Award – the community’s favourite finalist, chosen by public vote. Online voting for the Public Award will open ahead of the ceremony at eitawards.eu.
Each award comes with a monetary prize of €50 000 (first place), €30 000 (second place), and €20 000 (third place). The Public Award has only one winner.
Join the EIT Awards
The winners will be announced at the 2026 EIT Awards Ceremony taking place on 2 December 2026 in Budapest, Hungary.
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