The 2026 European Prize for Women Innovators has recognized three female founders for their work in deeptech sectors. Katerina Spranger, CEO of Oxford Heartbeat, won the main prize for developing AI software that assists surgeons in performing less invasive neurovascular and cardiovascular procedures. Her company's platform aims to improve stent selection for patients, with its first product focused on brain surgeries. Oxford Heartbeat, a spinout from Oxford University, has already supported over 1,000 surgeries across Europe and received €2.5 million in EIC accelerator grant funding.

Marta Oliveira, COO of ATMOS Space Cargo, secured the Rising Innovators award for her company's work on reusable space capsules designed for cargo return from low-earth orbit. ATMOS's Phoenix 1 capsule had its first flight in 2025, and Oliveira anticipates significant demand following the International Space Station's decommissioning. The company received €13.1 million in EIC accelerator funding, covering its next two flights.

Ella Cullen, CMO at Minespider, received the EIT Women Leadership award for co-founding a blockchain startup that traces materials and identifies problematic supply chains, particularly focusing on conflict minerals like tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold. Minespider's technology was validated through work with Volkswagen and has been supported by €2.8 million in European grants. These awards underscore the growing contribution of women in high-tech innovation and the critical role of European public funding in scaling these ventures.