Croatian-British entrepreneur wins EU Prize for Women Innovators

The mind behind UK design research and innovation lab Stromatolite, Croatian-British entrepreneur Michela Magas won first prize at the 2017 EU Prize for Women Innovators yesterday.

Ms Magas received a prize of 100,000 euros ($105,550), and was honoured at a ceremony in Brussels along with second and third place winners, Petra Wadström from Sweden and Claudia Gärtner from Germany, respectively.

In addition, Kristina Tsvetanova from Bulgaria became the first ever winner of the Rising Innovators Award — a new category that recognises excellence in female entrepreneurs aged 30 years and below. Ms Tsvetanova is CEO and co-founder of Austrian firm BLITAB Technology, the producers of the first tablet for blind users.

“This Prize demonstrates the significant contribution of women innovators in bringing many life-changing innovations to the market. It is very fitting that on this International Women’s Day 2017 we recognise and celebrate their entrepreneurial spirit and achievements [...],” said Mairead McGuinness, Vice-President of the European Parliament.