Women Who Empower
Innovator Awards
Launched in 2021, the Women Who Empower Innovator Awards recognize bold, creative changemakers in Northeastern’s vast entrepreneurial ecosystem—and provide them with capital, resources, and networks to elevate their ideas, products, businesses, and brands.
The Innovator Awards have provided more than $1.32 million in funding to over 100 changemakers in the Northeastern community representing all colleges and disciplines. In 2024, we recognized 33 innovators with grants totaling $500,000.
What truly sets the Innovator Awards apart is that the program recognizes and celebrates the innovators themselves—not just their idea or venture. Program applicants are first evaluated by a committee to determine semifinalists, and then reviewed by a team of experienced judges on several rubrics including creativity, leadership, entrepreneurship, authenticity, community and inclusion, track record, and the overall potential impact of their idea.
THE AWARDS
In 2025, we are seeking applications for one-time grants from individuals who are passionate about innovation and community and would benefit from financial backing to develop and advance their entrepreneurial endeavors.
We invite submissions from Northeastern undergraduate and graduate students, university alumnae, and program alumnae of the Roux Institute Founder Residency and Lab for Inclusive Entrepreneurship. Candidates can be at any stage of their venture, from exploring a promising idea to scaling an existing business.
THE PURPOSE
These awards were created to encourage, support, and celebrate the innovators and visionaries within the Women Who Empower network, with a particular focus on creating inclusive opportunities and environments where all people can thrive.
THE DUE DATE
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2025 Innovator Awards cohort through Friday, February 28, 2025, at midnight.
NEXT STEPS
Semi-finalists will be notified in late April 2025. Finalists are required to present during a live Zoom call with the judges on May 20 or 22. Details will be communicated closer to the final round.
Questions? Contact:
All Innovator Awards candidates will be required to submit a high-resolution headshot photo as part of the application process. We recommend that applicants identify a portrait-style photo with a minimum file size of 500 kb when preparing their application materials.
Sample Application Questions:
- Describe your innovation or venture in one sentence (limit 30 words).
- Why are you applying for the Women Who Empower Innovator Awards? (Limit 150 words)
- Describe what this award and funding would mean to you and your innovative and/or entrepreneurial ambitions. (Limit 250 words)
- Tell us about a particular role model who has provided inspiration to you. (Limit 150 words)
- Why are you uniquely qualified to support your innovation? (Limit 100 words)
- Tell us about a time when you overcame a significant challenge in your life. (Limit 200 words)
- Please share ways you plan to support and advance our community of innovators in the future. (Limit 150 words)
- List and discuss leadership roles (at school, work, or in your community) you have held, or awards you have received, in the past three years.
- List two individuals who can provide a character reference, along with their contact details, LinkedIn profile URLs, and an explanation of their relationship to you. A reference can be a faculty member, employer, mentor, or someone else in your network.
- Is there anything else you would like the selection committee to know? (Limit 200 words)