THEthe GammaDonna Award has just opened applications for the 2026 editionconfirming itself as one of the main Italian awards dedicated to innovative female entrepreneurship. Born in 2004 with the aim of reducing the socio-economic gender gapthe Award has evolved over the years into a permanent platform of empowerment, networking and business acceleration aimed at women who innovate in business.
The challenges of female entrepreneurship
According to data disclosed by GammaDonna, in Italy female businesses have exceeded 1.3 millionrepresenting an increasingly dynamic component of the national economic fabric, especially in innovative and technological sectors. However, according to GammaDonna, the real challenge is no longer to demonstrate the value of female entrepreneurship, but support the growth of companies capable of becoming structured, scalable and competitive. President Valentina Parenti underlines that women not only generate new businesses, but introduce innovative models of leadership, growth and social impact.
In over twenty years of activity, GammaDonna has accompanied more than 2,000 female entrepreneurs, organized over 80 training courses and more than 170 forum eventsroad shows and local meetings, creating an ecosystem that brings together startups, investors, corporates, media and innovation protagonists.
GammaDonna Award 2025. Photo: Alessandro Rocca
GammaDonna Award 2026: the appointments
The 2026 edition will be divided into a National road show consisting of seven stagesfive in person and two digital, dedicated to training, strategic networking and the development of entrepreneurial skills. Appointments will take place between Milan, Bologna, Porto Venere, Naples and Turin, involving important partners from the Italian innovation ecosystem. The main events include a masterclass on pitching and communication in Milan, a financial education workshop in Bologna, the FAB50 Gathering in Porto Venere dedicated to the 50 most innovative female entrepreneurs, a stop in Naples focused on exports and internationalization and the final of the Award scheduled for 5 November in Turin. They are also expected digital events on sustainability and international trade.
How to apply for the 2026 GammaDonna Award
The Award is aimed at founder entrepreneurs, co-founders or active partners with managerial roles who have introduced innovation into their company through products, services, processes, organizational models or sustainable approaches, provided that the company has at least a closed balance sheet. To apply, simply register here.
Next to the main recognition the Women Startup Award will also be awardeddedicated to the most innovative female startup that has completed at least one seed round, and the Giuliana Bertin Communication Award, intended for distinguished female entrepreneurs in the field of communication.
The entrepreneurs selected in the FAB50 short-list will obtain dedicated spaces on GammaDonna’s digital channels. The six finalists will also access training courses on artificial intelligence, venture capital, business management and entrepreneurship, as well as mentoring opportunities and potential access to investments between 100,000 and 500,000 euros via Angels4Women.
One of the main innovations of 2026 is theThe Road Show is also open to those who do not wish to apply for the Award. Through the “BEE-Skilled” path, in fact, it will be possible to participate in training and networking activities without entering the selection process, thus expanding access to professional growth tools. Applications will remain open until June 9, 2026.
