Elena Heber places second in Europe’s Innovator Awards

The European Commission named the winners of the 12th European Prize for Women Innovators in Brussels on June 24, 2026. German entrepreneur Elena Heber, co-founder and CEO of HelloBetter, took second place in the flagship EIC category for digital therapies that expand access to mental health care.

Why it matters: - The prize spotlights women founders whose work is pushing European innovation, competitiveness and inclusion. - Elena Heber’s recognition highlights growing demand for scalable digital mental health care backed by clinical evidence. - The award also signals EU support for more women in innovation and entrepreneurship.

What happened: - The European Commission announced the winners of the 12th European Prize for Women Innovators at the European Innovation Council summit in Brussels on June 24, 2026. - Elena Heber of Germany placed second in the EIC Prize for Women Innovators category. - Heber is co-founder and CEO of HelloBetter. - HelloBetter improves access to mental health care through clinically validated digital therapies.

The details: - The prize is jointly managed by the European Innovation Council, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, and the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency. - The award recognizes women entrepreneurs whose work advances innovation across Europe and supports a more competitive, inclusive and future-focused economy. - In the EIC Prize for Women Innovators category, first place went to Katerina Spranger of Oxford Heartbeat. - Spranger’s company uses artificial intelligence to support safer and more precise treatment of brain aneurysms. - Third place in the same category went to Judit Camargo Sanromà of Roka Furadada. - Roka Furadada focuses on eco-friendly cosmetic ingredients that provide UV protection while reducing pressure on marine ecosystems. - In the EIC Prize for Rising Innovators category, Marta Oliveira of ATMOS Space Cargo won first place. - Her company works on reusable space capsules that return materials safely from orbit. - In the EIT Prize for Women Leadership category, Ella Frances Cullen of Minespider won first place. - Minespider’s blockchain and AI platform provides digital product and battery passports for supply-chain traceability. - The background materials say the prize is open to women from the EU and countries associated with Horizon Europe. - The three prize categories also include cash awards: 100,000 €, 70,000 € and 50,000 € in the main EIC category; 50,000 €, 30,000 € and 20,000 € for rising innovators; and 50,000 €, 30,000 € and 20,000 € for EIT women leaders.

Between the lines: - The selection favors businesses that pair technical innovation with social impact, especially in health, sustainability and deep tech. - Heber’s placement suggests mental health technology remains a priority area for European innovation funding and recognition. - The prize structure also shows the EU is using visibility and cash awards to widen the pipeline of female founders.

What's next: - The award is expected to keep elevating women-led companies across Europe and the Horizon Europe ecosystem. - The recognition may help finalists and winners attract further attention from investors, partners and policymakers. - The EU will continue using the prize to encourage more women and girls to pursue careers in innovation and entrepreneurship.