The Women Innovator of the Year award honours a woman who has pioneered bold, original ideas, technologies, products, or services that have created measurable impact. Whether through science, technology, entrepreneurship, education, or creative industries, this award celebrates the spirit of innovation, risk-taking, and disruption. These women are change-makers, reshaping industries or society with their groundbreaking thinking and problem-solving abilities.
ELIGIBILITY
Open to women-identifying innovators in any field (STEM, business, design, social enterprise, etc.)
Must have developed and implemented a novel idea, product, or process
Innovation must be launched, tested, or actively in use, not just conceptual
The nominee must be the creator, lead innovator, or driver of the innovation
Judging Criteria
Originality: Uniqueness and creativity of the idea or solution
Impact: Tangible results from the innovation (growth, change, influence)
Scalability: Potential for expansion, replication, or wider implementation
Leadership: Role in executing and championing the innovation
QUALITATIVE CRITERIA
Visionary thinking and courage to challenge the status quo
Problem-solving mindset driven by purpose or social value
Tenacity in bringing innovation to life despite obstacles
Influence on teams, industries, or society through innovative work
METRICS
Product launches or market impact metrics
User/customer adoption rates
Funding or grants raised for innovation
Awards, recognitions, or publications related to the innovation
Measurable change delivered by the innovation (e.g. cost saved, lives impacted, time reduced)
ADDITIONAL CRITERIA
Innovation must have been implemented within the last 5 years
Nominee can be a founder, scientist, intrapreneur, educator, technologist, or researcher
If the innovation is team-based, the nominee must be its principal originator or project lead
