Researcher from Universidade Católica wins 2025 European Prize for Women Innovators in the EIT Women Leadership category
Débora Campos, a researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry of the Faculty of Biotechnology and founder and CEO of AgroGrIN Tech, is the winner of the 2025 European Prize for Women Innovators in the EIT Women Leadership category. This recognition highlights her innovative contribution to developing an eco-friendly process that transforms industrial fruit waste into functional food ingredients
“Receiving this distinction is a deeply touching recognition that reflects not only my work, but also the immense support I’ve received throughout my career. My connection to the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), and especially to the Faculty of Biotechnology and CBQF, has been – and continues to be – essential to the development of the initial idea and now to the ongoing growth of the company. At UCP, I found the space, the resources and the freedom to experiment, to question, and to grow. This award, therefore, is not mine alone, but belongs to everyone who believed – and still believes – that it is possible to make a difference with courage, dedication and, above all, an inclusive vision for the future, by supporting projects and companies like AgroGrIN Tech and entrepreneurs like myself”, shares Débora Campos.
AgroGrIN Tech has developed a pioneering technology that repurposes waste from the fruit industry, converting it into high-value nutritional and functional ingredients. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of the agri-food sector but also promotes a more sustainable economic model, aligned with European green transition goals.
The European Prize for Women Innovators is an initiative by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the European Innovation Council (EIC), aiming to celebrate and encourage the role of women in leading scientific and technological innovation. Débora Campos’ nomination underlines the impact of her work on sustainability and the circular economy, contributing to more sustainable solutions in the food industry.
The competition awarded prizes in the categories of EIT Women Leadership, Rising Innovators, and Women Innovators, and the winners were announced at the EIC Summit held on 3 April 2025.
