Horizon Europe: Ukrainian-British CEO wins European Prize for Women Innovators 2026

Katerina Spranger (Ukraine/UK), founder and CEO of Oxford Heartbeat, is one of the winners of the 12th edition of the European Prize for Women Innovators, revealed by the European Commission on 4 June at the European Innovation Council (EIC) Summit in Brussels. 

The prize is awarded to women from the EU and Horizon Europe associated countries whose disruptive innovations are delivering tangible benefits for society and the planet, driving progress and strengthening Europe’s competitive edge in the global economy.

The prize showcases the remarkable achievements of winners and runners-up across three categories: EIC Women Innovators, EIC Rising Innovators, and EIT Women Leadership.

Katerina Spranger, who is originally from Odesa, Ukraine, won the EIC Women Innovators category, which recognises exceptional women founders and co-founders from EU Member States and Associated Countries of Europe’s multi-billion-euro programme Horizon Europe. 

Katerina Spranger was awarded for harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance the safety and precision of brain aneurysm treatments. She will receive €100,000.

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