Innovation has always been the driving force behind progress, and women inventors are making remarkable contributions across industries, transforming ideas into groundbreaking solutions. However, the journey of an inventor can often be challenging, particularly when it comes to gaining recognition, funding, and visibility. That’s why awards celebrating innovation and invention are vital—they highlight achievements, inspire others, and open doors to new opportunities.
Whether you’re a seasoned inventor, an entrepreneur leveraging innovation, or someone just embarking on this creative journey, these awards offer a chance to showcase your work, connect with like-minded individuals, and leave a lasting impact. This curated list of prestigious awards recognizes excellence across fields such as technology, design, engineering, and social impact, with a special focus on empowering women in innovation.
These awards span various industries and disciplines, so you may want to explore the ones that align with your invention’s field and impact. Winning or being recognized by these awards can provide validation, visibility, and credibility for your innovative work.
European Women Innovators Award 2025
This award, launched by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), aims to inspire girls and women to become active inventors. It highlights the central role that women play in promoting innovation. There are three prize categories:
- EIC Women Innovators: For inventive female founders from the EU and associated countries. Three prizes of up to EUR 100,000 will be awarded.
- EIC Rising Innovators: For female inventors under the age of 35. Three prizes of up to EUR 50,000 will be awarded.
- EIT Women Leadership: For women connected to the EIT community. Three prizes of up to EUR 50,000 will be awarded. For more information and application details, visit the European Women Innovators Award page.
Deutscher Zukunftspreis – The Federal President’s Award for Technology and Innovation
This prestigious German award honors excellent inventions that have achieved successful commercialization and contributed to sustainable job creation. It encourages young people to engage in science and technology. The award is presented personally by the Federal President. The German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) nominates projects for this award. Inventors can contact the DPMA about their projects. For more information and application details, visit the Deutscher Zukunftspreis page.
European Inventor Award
Presented annually by the European Patent Office (EPO), this award recognizes outstanding inventors from Europe and around the world who have made exceptional contributions to social development, technological progress, and economic growth. The award includes categories such as Industry, Research, SMEs, Non-European Countries, and Lifetime Achievement. To be nominated, at least one valid European patent must have been granted for the invention. For more information and nomination details, visit the European Inventor Award page.
National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF) Induction
The NIHF honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to innovation and the U.S. patent system. Inductees are celebrated for their technological advancements that have changed the world. The NIHF also offers educational programs to inspire emerging creators and entrepreneurs. For more information and nomination details, visit the National Inventors Hall of Fame website.
National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellow and Senior Member Programs
The NAI recognizes and encourages inventors with patents issued from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, enhancing the visibility of academic technology and innovation. The Fellow status is the highest professional distinction accorded to academic inventors, while the Senior Member status recognizes active faculty, scientists, and administrators with success in patents, licensing, and commercialization. For more information and nomination details, visit the National Academy of Inventors website.
Edison Awards

Overview:
The Edison Awards recognize and honor excellence in new product and service development, marketing, human-centered design, and innovation across industries. Named after Thomas Edison, they celebrate game-changing ideas and developments.
Categories:
- Applied Technology
- Consumer Goods
- Energy & Sustainability
- Health & Wellness
(And more industry-specific categories.)
Eligibility:
Companies, individuals, and organizations with innovative products or services launched in the past three years are eligible.
Benefits:
- Global recognition for innovation.
- Networking opportunities with other top innovators.
- Media exposure and inclusion in the Edison Awards community.
Application Details:
Visit the Edison Awards website for deadlines, submission requirements, and more information.
Lemelson-MIT Prize
Overview:
The Lemelson-MIT Prize is awarded to outstanding inventors who create impactful technologies and demonstrate a commitment to addressing real-world challenges.
Prize Amount:
$500,000, one of the largest single-cash prizes for inventors.
Eligibility:
Nominees must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, hold patents for their inventions, and demonstrate measurable impact.
Benefits:
- Financial reward to further innovation.
- Recognition by a prestigious institution.
- Media opportunities to showcase their work.
Application Details:
Learn more at the Lemelson-MIT Prize page.
Royal Academy of Engineering’s MacRobert Award
Overview:
The UK’s premier award for engineering innovation, the MacRobert Award celebrates impactful technologies with proven commercial success and societal benefits.
Prize Amount:
The winning team receives £50,000 and a gold medal. Finalists receive national recognition.
Eligibility:
Open to individuals or teams of engineers working in the UK.
Benefits:
- Prestigious recognition.
- Media exposure and networking opportunities.
- Financial reward.
Application Details:
Explore more at the Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award site.
National Medal of Technology and Innovation
Overview:
This is the highest honor for technological achievement in the U.S., presented by the President to individuals, teams, or organizations who have made significant contributions to technological progress and economic development.
Eligibility:
Nominees must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and their contributions must demonstrate a lasting impact.
Benefits:
- National recognition from the U.S. President.
- Prestige in the technology and innovation community.
- Media exposure.
Application Details:
Visit the National Medal of Technology and Innovation site for deadlines and criteria.
IndieBio’s Breakout Lab Awards
Overview:
IndieBio recognizes groundbreaking early-stage companies in the life sciences and biotechnology fields, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to scale their innovations.
Benefits:
- Access to funding and mentorship.
- Networking within the biotech community.
- Opportunities to showcase innovations at IndieBio events.
Eligibility:
Early-stage startups and teams focusing on cutting-edge biotechnology solutions.
Application Details:
Learn more at IndieBio’s website.
TIME’s Best Inventions
Overview:
TIME magazine compiles an annual list of the most innovative products and ideas that are transforming the way people live, work, and think.
Categories:
Products are selected across various industries, including technology, health, sustainability, and consumer goods.
Eligibility:
Open to companies, inventors, and innovators worldwide who have launched products in the past year.
Benefits:
- Global exposure through TIME’s extensive readership.
- Recognition for innovation and creativity.
- Opportunities to engage with media and stakeholders.
Application Details:
Details on how to apply are typically published annually on TIME’s website.
TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield
Overview:
A prestigious startup competition, this awards innovative early-stage companies the title of “Startup Battlefield Champion.”
Prize Amount:
$100,000 in equity-free funding for the winner.
Eligibility:
Early-stage startups across all industries and technologies are eligible.
Benefits:
- Extensive media coverage.
- Mentorship from industry experts.
- Access to investors and partners.
Application Details:
Visit the TechCrunch Disrupt site for application dates and guidelines.
SXSW Innovation Awards
Overview:
As part of the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, these awards celebrate the most forward-thinking technological advancements across categories like AI, sustainability, and health.
Categories:
- AI & Machine Learning
- Health, MedTech, & BioTech
- Smart Cities, Transportation, & Delivery
(And others.)
Eligibility:
Open to innovators globally with projects that launched or significantly evolved in the past year.
Benefits:
- Exposure at one of the largest creative events in the world.
- Networking with industry leaders and investors.
- Recognition for innovation.
Application Details:
Find more information at the SXSW Innovation Awards page.
Global Teacher Prize
Overview:
The Global Teacher Prize celebrates exceptional teachers who make a significant impact on their students and communities through innovative teaching practices. Established by the Varkey Foundation, it highlights the role of educators in shaping the future.
Prize Amount:
$1 million for the winner.
Eligibility:
Open to active teachers worldwide in public or private institutions, teaching students aged 5–18. Teachers of vocational training and online courses are also eligible.
Benefits:
- Financial reward for the winner.
- Global recognition for innovative teaching.
- Media exposure to amplify their educational initiatives.
Application Details:
Nominations and applications are typically open annually. Visit the Global Teacher Prize website for detailed guidelines.
Red Dot Design Award
Overview:
The Red Dot Design Award is one of the world’s most prestigious design competitions, recognizing innovative and high-quality design in product design, communication design, and design concepts.
Categories:
- Product Design
- Communication Design
- Design Concept
Eligibility:
Open to designers, companies, and organizations globally.
Benefits:
- Prestigious Red Dot label for winners.
- Showcasing in Red Dot’s exhibitions and yearbook.
- Opportunities to network with top designers and brands.
Application Details:
Application periods and guidelines vary for each category. Visit the Red Dot Design Award website for more information.
CES Innovation Awards
Overview:
Presented at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), these awards honor outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products.
Categories:
Categories include smart home, gaming, health & wellness, and vehicle tech, among others.
Eligibility:
Open to consumer technology manufacturers and developers worldwide. Products must be available to the market by a specified date in the award year.
Benefits:
- Recognition at CES, one of the world’s largest tech events.
- Display of winning products at the Innovation Awards Showcase.
- Extensive media exposure.
Application Details:
Learn more about eligibility and deadlines at the CES Innovation Awards website.
World Technology Awards
Overview:
The World Technology Awards celebrate individuals and organizations pushing the boundaries of science, technology, and related fields. Organized by the World Technology Network (WTN), the awards cover diverse categories.
Categories:
Categories include IT hardware, biotechnology, energy, space, and ethics, among others.
Eligibility:
Nominees must demonstrate significant innovation and impact in their respective fields. Both individuals and organizations can apply.
Benefits:
- Membership in the World Technology Network.
- Networking opportunities with global innovators.
- Recognition at the World Technology Awards Ceremony.
Application Details:
Details on applications and nominations are available at the World Technology Network website.
Design Museum’s Beazley Designs of the Year
Overview:
Organized by the Design Museum in London, this award celebrates innovative and groundbreaking designs across architecture, fashion, graphics, product, and transport.
Categories:
- Architecture
- Digital
- Fashion
- Graphics
- Product
- Transport
Eligibility:
Designs from any country launched or significantly developed within the award year are eligible.
Benefits:
- Inclusion in the Design Museum’s annual exhibition.
- Global recognition in the design community.
- Opportunity to influence design trends.
Application Details:
Find more information on the Design Museum website.
Anita Borg Institute’s Top Companies for Women Technologists
Overview:
This award recognizes companies that support and advance women in technology roles, encouraging gender diversity in innovation-driven fields.
Why It’s Relevant:
Highlights organizations fostering inclusive environments where women can thrive in technology and invention.
Learn More:
Visit the AnitaB.org website for nomination and award details.
AAAS-Lemelson Invention Ambassador Program
Overview:
This program, by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Lemelson Foundation, celebrates inventors who contribute to society and inspire the next generation.
Why It’s Relevant:
Focuses on the social and educational impact of invention, particularly valuable for women aiming to inspire others.
Learn More:
Details can be found at the AAAS website.
European Inventor Award
Overview:
Presented by the European Patent Office, this award honors inventors worldwide for contributions to innovation and economic growth.
Why It’s Relevant:
Includes a category specifically for “Popular Prize,” where the public votes, offering visibility for women inventors.
Learn More:
Find details on the European Inventor Award website.
Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards
Overview:
This global program supports women entrepreneurs leading impactful businesses, with a focus on innovation and social change.
Prize Amount:
Winners receive up to $100,000 and access to mentorship opportunities.
Why It’s Relevant:
Empowers women entrepreneurs leveraging invention and innovation to create change.
Learn More:
Visit the Cartier Women’s Initiative website.
Innovators Under 35 (MIT Technology Review)
Overview:
This list recognizes 35 outstanding innovators under the age of 35 across various categories, including inventors and entrepreneurs.
Why It’s Relevant:
Often features breakthrough technologies and innovations led by women, showcasing the next generation of female leaders.
Learn More:
Details are available on the MIT Technology Review website.
Hedy Lamarr Award for Innovation and Technology
Overview:
Named after the actress and inventor of frequency-hopping technology, this award honors women in STEM fields who make extraordinary technological contributions.
Why It’s Relevant:
Specifically celebrates female innovators and inventors, offering visibility and recognition in male-dominated fields.
Learn More:
Visit HedyLamarrFoundation.org for more information.
WIPO Global Awards (World Intellectual Property Organization)
Organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), these awards recognize exceptional companies and individuals using intellectual property to make a positive impact on society economically, socially, or culturally. An international jury with expertise in IP, innovation, and business evaluates the candidates. The award categories change annually.
Overview:
Recognizes businesses and individuals using intellectual property (IP) to create impactful solutions for society.
Why It’s Relevant:
Encourages women-led businesses and inventors to protect and leverage their IP for global impact.
Learn More:
Find application details at the WIPO Global Awards website.
National Women’s Hall of Fame Induction
Overview:
Honors women who have made outstanding contributions in various fields, including science, technology, and innovation.
Why It’s Relevant:
Focuses on celebrating the lifetime achievements of women, including inventors and innovators.
Learn More:
Visit the National Women’s Hall of Fame website.
James Dyson Award
Overview:
An international design competition that encourages young engineers and inventors to create solutions to real-world problems.
Prize Amount:
Winners receive up to $40,000.
Why It’s Relevant:
Promotes engineering and invention, often highlighting innovative projects led by women.
Learn More:
Visit the James Dyson Award website.
Global Good Awards
Overview:
Recognizes companies, NGOs, and individuals working on projects with a strong social or environmental impact, often through innovation and technology.
Why It’s Relevant:
Spotlights women-led initiatives using invention to solve global challenges.
Learn More:
Visit the Global Good Awards website.
Nobel Prize
Overview:
The Nobel Prize honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, peace, and economic sciences. While not exclusive to inventors, it recognizes innovation with global impact.
Prize Amount:
Approximately $1 million per category, along with a gold medal and diploma.
Eligibility:
Nominees must be individuals or organizations demonstrating outstanding achievements in their fields.
Benefits:
- Global recognition as one of the highest honors.
- Prestige in their field.
- Financial reward.
Application Details:
The Nobel Committees oversee nominations, and candidates must be nominated by experts in their respective fields. Visit the Nobel Prize website for detailed guidelines.
Please note that application deadlines and eligibility criteria may vary for each award. It is advisable to visit the respective links for the most current information and submission guidelines.
From global platforms like the Nobel Prize and the European Inventor Award to specialized programs such as the Hedy Lamarr Award for Innovation and Technology, these awards demonstrate that innovation knows no bounds. They not only honor exceptional contributions but also shine a spotlight on the transformative power of invention.
For women inventors, these accolades provide more than recognition—they amplify voices, foster connections, and inspire the next generation of innovators to dream big and challenge the status quo.
If you’re a trailblazer in your field, why not explore these opportunities and take a step toward gaining the recognition you deserve? The world is waiting for your ideas, and with the right support and acknowledgment, the possibilities are endless.