Beyond Celebration: Read These Stories of European Women — It’s Time We Start Recognizing Impact, Not Just the Buzzwords

Most conferences are about what’s next. This one was different. It was about who’s making it happen. They weren’t just refining technologies, but reshaping mindsets—proving that real progress begins with those willing to act. That day I looked around and realized—the EIT RIS Leaders conference, wasn’t just another event, but was a gathering of women who weren’t waiting for permission to innovate. 

On November 29th, we gathered at the EIT Manufacturing RIS Hubs Conference in Budapest, finally meeting in person after being part of the 2024 Training Program by the call for Women Innovators at EIT Regional Innovation Scheme, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.

Now, looking at this year’s International Women’s Day 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action,” it feels even more relevant. It’s a demand to stop hesitating. What we learned at the conference still holds true: progress belongs to those who step forward, who take action, who innovate and lead—without waiting for the perfect moment. Today, we celebrate that same spirit, recognizing the women who are shaping the future through bold action and relentless drive.

Now, I step aside and make room for their incredible stories, because they deserve more space and recognition. These women are redefining industries, and the least we can do is explore their stories and understand the challenges they’ve overcome.

Julia Wilk

NEENCARE, POLAND

Julia Wilk is an engineer, researcher, innovator, and the CEO and co-founder of the startup neenCare, which develops neendu, a wearable system for home monitoring of infant health. She is also a PhD student at the Doctoral School of the Warsaw University of Technology. Julia has gained professional experience at a scientific institute and an international company in the aviation industry.

As the CEO and co-founder of neenCare, what was the most difficult decision you had to make in the early stages of your startup, and how did it shape the direction of your product development?

One of the most difficult decisions I faced in the early stages of neenCare was accepting that my initial assumptions about our clients’ needs were not entirely accurate. In the beginning, I believed I understood our users’ pain points better than they did. But when I took the time to ask questions, listen deeply, and gather feedback, I realized that my original product design wasn’t as user-friendly as I had thought.

It was hard to admit that my idea wasn’t perfect, especially when I had poured so much passion into it. But this realization was a turning point—it taught me that the success of a product lies in its ability to truly meet the needs of its users. Adjusting the design wasn’t just a business decision; it was a commitment to putting the customer first. It taught me the value of humility and the importance of staying flexible and open to change.

This decision reinforced the idea that no matter how great your vision is, your business exists to serve your clients. Their feedback is not a critique of your ability—it’s a guide to making something truly impactful.

As a woman leading an innovative tech startup, what advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the fields of engineering and technology—especially those juggling multiple roles, such as PhD studies and entrepreneurship?

My advice to young women entering the fields of engineering and technology is simple: don’t let fear stop you, and keep moving forward despite challenges. It’s normal for things to feel overwhelming sometimes, especially if you’re balancing multiple roles, but that doesn’t mean you’re failing. Allow yourself to rest when you need it, and prioritize doing things that bring you satisfaction. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. And, perhaps most importantly, be kind to yourself.

Another piece of advice is to embrace the process of growth, even when it feels uncomfortable. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and seek out communities or mentors who can uplift and guide you. The challenges you face don’t define your worth, and they are not a reflection of your abilities. Remember that it’s okay to not have all the answers right away. The key is to trust yourself and keep going—you’re building something amazing, and the world needs your perspective and contributions.

Mariia Alipatova

SOLAR OPTIC, UKRAINE

Mariia Alipatova is an engineer, entrepreneur, and founder of a startup developing energy-saving technologies for factories and warehouses. With a background in mechanical engineering, management, and material science, she also holds qualifications in pneumatics, hydraulics, and electrics. She is currently contributing to the Startup Ecosystem program at the Graduate Business School of the Kyiv School of Economics.

Solar Optic’s journey from a university project to a business with market demand is impressive. What were the key turning points in transforming your idea into a tangible product, and what challenges are you currently facing in scaling it to make an impact in the renewable energy sector?

The transformation of Solar Optic from a university project into a market-driven business has been defined by key turning points, including securing early-stage funding, validating our technology through lab testing, and forming strategic partnerships. Winning the Innovator Award and securing patents in Ukraine and Germany were crucial milestones that reinforced our competitive edge. Additionally, participating in international startup competitions and collaborating with Berlin Hochschule für Technik helped validate our technology’s efficiency, paving the way for its first real-world implementation.

However, scaling a deep-tech startup in renewable energy comes with significant challenges. Manufacturing at scale, optimizing production costs, and navigating certification procedures for different markets remain key hurdles. Moreover, integrating an innovative lighting system into existing industrial infrastructure requires overcoming resistance to change within traditional industries.

To address these challenges, we are focused on strategic partnerships, securing funding for mass production, and continuously improving our technology to ensure seamless adoption. Our vision extends beyond commercial success—we aim to set a new standard for sustainable industrial lighting, making renewable energy solutions more accessible and impactful globally.

As a woman leading a tech startup in the renewable energy sector, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey? How do you encourage and inspire other women to pursue entrepreneurship in this field?

Leading a tech startup in the renewable energy sector as a woman has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. The most fulfilling aspect has been seeing our innovation—Solar Optic—move from an academic concept to a real-world solution that significantly reduces energy consumption in industrial buildings. Building a company that merges sustainability with cutting-edge technology has reinforced my belief that deep-tech startups can drive meaningful change. Beyond that, inspiring and mentoring other women in this field has been equally gratifying. By sharing my experiences, challenges, and successes, I aim to show that leadership in renewable energy is not limited by gender but rather driven by vision, resilience, and expertise.

To encourage more women to enter this space, I advocate for greater visibility, mentorship, and access to technical education. Representation matters—when women see role models in deep tech and entrepreneurship, they are more likely to take the leap themselves. Through mentorship programs, speaking engagements, and industry collaborations, I strive to create pathways for more women to lead in renewable energy. The transition from research to commercialization is complex, but having more diverse voices at the table strengthens innovation and fosters a more inclusive, impact-driven ecosystem.

Andrea Miškufová, PhD.

TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF KOŠICE, SLOVAKIA

Andrea Miškufová is a lecturer and researcher in environmental engineering, extractive metallurgy, and recycling at the Institute of Recycling and Environmental Technologies (IRET) at the Technical University of Košice, Slovakia. She is also involved in environmental impact assessments for industrial activities, striving to integrate technology with nature to promote sustainability and prosperity.

Your expertise in environmental engineering has shaped a unique entrepreneurial journey. What excites you most about the potential of your startup, and how do you see it contributing to the future of sustainable industries?

I see the main contribution of our technology as providing industry with a solution for the recovery and conservation of rare raw material resources in the EU, which are currently largely lost or hidden in major waste streams due to their low content. The potential of our solution also lies in reducing the EU’s dependence on imports of critical metals and supporting the green transition.

I am excited about exploring ways to understand matter (metals, compounds) and give it a new look and meaning. At the same time, it is uplifting to offer new material perspectives and options for the further growth of society in harmony with circularity and resource management efficiency. I believe that we have a responsibility to return metals to the life cycle.

I would like to be an active member of a society where technologies are created and used in ways that not only provide a better, healthier, and more comfortable life but are also in greater harmony with nature and resources, effectively closing the material and production cycle. My dream is to create a recycling technology that is simple, easy to reuse in practice, and accessible to people.

As someone with extensive experience in engineering, what advice would you give to women transitioning from academia to the startup world? How can they leverage their academic expertise to create impactful solutions?

Women in academia! Please do not wait for something more amazing, more valuable, or more admirable. Do not look for better conditions, more time, or more knowledge. If you have an interesting idea for improving lives, go for it—test it, move forward, and discuss it with people around you and in practice. Pursue your solution; do not let it dissolve in the sea of doubt, never-ending testing, and constant improvements while being buried under other duties. Your soul knows how to solve it right now!

Šarlota Kaňuková, PhD

SPICY CELLS, SLOVAKIA

Šarlota Kaňuková, PhD, is a researcher in plant biotechnology and co-founder of Spicy Cells, an early-stage biotech startup. Her work focuses on plant cell culture technologies in vitro, with applications in research, innovation, and industry. She and her co-founders have received awards such as the CEE Startup Network 2024, alongside individual recognition for her scientific contributions. Passionate about advancing biotechnology, she strives to develop impactful solutions across diverse fields.

With Spicy Cells aiming to redefine saffron, what has been your team’s most innovative breakthrough in production or research? How do you plan to scale its impact globally?

At Spicy Cells, we are pioneering an innovative approach to saffron production using plant cell culture technology and bioreactors. This method addresses key challenges of traditional saffron farming, such as the need for extensive farmland, high labor intensity, and vulnerability to climate change. By cultivating saffron stigma cells in a controlled environment, we aim to develop a sustainable and efficient production method that preserves the unique sensory and biochemical qualities of traditional saffron.

To maximize the impact of this next-generation saffron, we are fostering collaborations and gathering insights to refine our approach. Our goal is to create a scalable and innovative solution that meets diverse market needs, promotes sustainability, and redefines saffron’s role in everyday life. By emphasizing innovation and adaptability, we aspire to contribute to a more sustainable future.

As a researcher and assistant professor, what role do you believe mentorship plays in empowering the next generation of women in science, and how do you incorporate that into your own work?

I believe that mentoring is essential for building the confidence and skills of young women in science. It not only provides technical knowledge but also offers emotional support and real-life examples of navigating the challenges in this field. Personally, I strive to be a role model for students and young researchers, showing them that science is a space where they can fully realize their potential. When I share my experiences and help them see that every trial and error moves them forward, I witness their confidence and passion grow.

In my work, I emphasize involving students in real-world projects, allowing them to gain valuable experience and a sense of shared responsibility for the outcomes. Teamwork and open discussions are integral to my methodology. I regularly engage with students about their goals, interests, and visions, guiding them in discovering their own paths and motivation to persist. I believe that investing in their development is both a professional and personal responsibility—one that can have a lasting impact on fostering balance and diversity in the scientific community.

Daniela Niculae

DIVANUL VERDE, ROMANIA

Daniela Niculae, an electronics and telecommunications engineer with over 18 years of experience in the telecommunications sector, transitioned three years ago to focus on projects with a strong environmental and social impact. Embracing sustainability, she co-founded a startup in business sustainability management and is currently working on launching a new circular economy solution.

As a founder, guiding companies toward sustainability, what do you believe are the key challenges and opportunities for startups in the sustainability sector, and how do you see your impact growing in the future?

Limited resources, lack of sustainable supply chains, and complex regulations can present significant obstacles. Additionally, shifting the mindset from short-term gains to long-term impact often requires strong leadership and a clear value proposition.

However, these challenges also bring immense opportunities. Startups have the agility to innovate, adapt quickly, and embed sustainability at the core of their business models from the start. There is a growing demand from consumers, investors, and governments for sustainable solutions, creating fertile ground for impactful businesses.

I am excited to see my impact grow by fostering ecosystems that support sustainable entrepreneurship, mentoring emerging leaders, and promoting cross-sector collaborations. Expanding solutions and amplifying purpose-driven business voices can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.

With your extensive background in sustainability, how do you believe women can uniquely drive the adoption of more sustainable business practices, and how do you incorporate these values in your work?

Women play a crucial role in promoting the adoption of sustainable business practices. I appreciate their collaborative leadership styles, long-term vision, and strong focus on social and environmental impact. Women bring new perspectives, support inclusive decision-making, and prioritize community engagement—directions I consider essential for holistic sustainability.

I embody these values in my work by advocating for inclusive leadership, encouraging cross-sector collaboration, and embedding sustainability into core business strategies. Empowering women in decision-making roles accelerates sustainable practices and helps organizations become more resilient and purpose-driven.