Celebrating EIT Health-supported innovators at the 2025 European Prize for Women Innovators

EIT Health is proud to celebrate the success of four remarkable women who have been recognised at the 2025 European Prize for Women Innovators – a prestigious accolade jointly managed by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). 

These trailblazing entrepreneurs, Camille Bouget (France), Agnès Arbat (Spain), Olesja Bondarenko (Estonia) and Elizabeth McGloughlin (Ireland), are not only advancing the frontiers of healthcare innovation but are also powerful role models for the next generation of female leaders in science and business. The recognition they have received acknowledges the impact of their innovative work to develop solutions to unmet health needs across Europe, which has been accelerated and supported by EIT Health.  

Women Innovators Award Winner: Agnès Arbat – Co-founder, Oxolife (Spain)

EIT Health-supported entrepreneur Agnès Arbat was awarded the top prize in the Women Innovators category for her pioneering work at Oxolife, a biotech company developing innovative drugs to improve embryo implantation and enhance fertility treatments. 

With the support of EIT Health, Oxolife secured key milestones – such as scientific guidance from the European Medicines Agency – that have propelled the development of its groundbreaking therapy for women facing infertility.  

Rising Innovator Award Winner: Camille Bouget – Co-founder, Scienta Lab (France)

Winner of the Rising Innovator category, Camille Bouget co-founded Scienta Lab, a start-up using AI to transform how targeted therapies for immuno-inflammatory diseases are developed. Her work bridges the gap between research and clinical application, enabling faster, more personalised treatment options for patients. 

Camille’s achievement highlights the value of investing in young female entrepreneurs at the cutting edge of digital health.  

EIT Women Leadership Award Runner-Up: Olesja Bondarenko – Co-founder & CEO, Nanordica Medical (Estonia) 

Olesja Bondarenko, runner-up in the EIT Women Leadership category, leads Nanordica Medical, a start-up developing nanotechnology-based wound care products that prevent infection and accelerate healing. With the support of EIT Health, Nanordica has been able to scale its vision of safer, more effective wound management – offering an essential solution to the growing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. 

Bondarenko’s recognition is a testament to her commitment to combining cutting-edge science with real-world clinical impact. Her leadership is paving the way for more personalised, efficient, and safer approaches to healthcare delivery. 

EIT Women Leadership Award Runner-Up: Elizabeth McGloughlin – Co-founder & CEO, Tympany Medical (Ireland)

Dr. Elizabeth McGloughlin has also been honoured as a runner-up for her innovative work with Tympany Medical, an Irish start-up revolutionising surgical imaging with its variable angle endoscopy technology. This breakthrough approach enhances visibility and precision during procedures, improving outcomes for both patients and healthcare providers. 

With longstanding support from EIT Health, Tympany Medical has advanced from concept to clinical innovation, backed by mentorship, funding, and expert networks.  

Driving Innovation, Empowering Women 

EIT Health is proud to have supported these innovators on their journeys—from early-stage development to pan-European recognition. Through our accelerator programmes, strategic funding, and community of health leaders, we help transform bold ideas into scalable solutions that address Europe’s most pressing healthcare challenges. 

These awards not only spotlight individual excellence but also reinforce the importance of gender equality and diverse leadership in fostering innovation. As European Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, noted, “Their bold ideas and leadership are breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of innovators. I hope their success encourages more women in Europe and beyond to pursue innovation and leadership.” 

Congratulations to Agnès, Olesja, Elizabeth, and Camille! 

Their accomplishments are a testament to their vision, resilience, and the transformative potential of female-led innovation in healthcare. EIT Health extends heartfelt congratulations and looks forward to supporting their continued success as they shape the future of health in Europe and beyond. 

Stay tuned to EIT Health News and our social media channels for more stories of innovation, impact, and inspiration.