Engineering is the foundation of innovation. It’s the discipline that quietly powers progress - designing the structures we live in, building the systems that sustain our lives, and solving the complex problems of the future. But behind these achievements are individuals whose talent, leadership, and determination drive this progress forward. Many of them are women - exceptional professionals who, for too long, have been underrepresented and underrecognized.
The Perspektywy Women in Tech Foundation is proud to launch the Top 100 Women in Engineering in Poland - a national initiative that seeks to identify, honor, and celebrate outstanding women who are making a difference in all areas of engineering. Whether they are academic researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, or changemakers – we want to share their stories, amplify their voices, and place them where they belong: at the forefront of innovation.
In previous editions of the Top100 ranking, we focused on women leading the way in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity. This year, our focus shifts to the broad and essential field of engineering – including robotics, automation, mechanics, energetics, electronics, bioengineering, and beyond. The aim is to recognize women whose work is not only technically brilliant but also impactful, inclusive, and ethically grounded. We invited nominations across the following categories
Engineering for a Better World
This category recognizes women who use their engineering expertise to tackle pressing societal and environmental challenges. Their work improves the quality of life, promotes sustainability, and directly contributes to building a more equitable and resilient world. They may be working on clean energy solutions, climate resilience technologies, infrastructure for underserved communities, or any form of engineering with a positive social impact.
Engineering Entrepreneurs
This category honors female founders, co-founders, or leaders of engineering-driven ventures. These are women who have not only developed breakthrough technologies or products, but also successfully brought them to market, created jobs, and driven technological progress in their sectors. Their entrepreneurial spirit bridges the gap between engineering innovation and economic value.
Research Excellence Award
This award goes to women who are leading groundbreaking engineering research. They may work in fields such as robotics, automation, control systems, materials science, or energy technologies. Their discoveries expand the boundaries of knowledge, open new fields of inquiry, and lay the foundation for future technological advances.
Rising Stars in Engineering
This category is for emerging professionals - young engineers, PhD candidates, early-career researchers or innovators - who, despite being early in their journey, are already making remarkable contributions to their fields. They show outstanding promise, creativity, and the potential to become future leaders of engineering in Poland and beyond.
Leaders in Engineering Education
These nominees have made exceptional contributions to engineering education -through teaching, curriculum design, student mentoring, or leadership roles in academic institutions. Their efforts shape the next generation of engineers, ensuring not only technical proficiency but also critical thinking, creativity, and ethical awareness.
Ethical Engineering and Responsible Innovation
This category recognizes women who actively advocate for ethics, transparency, and accountability in engineering. They may be working on projects involving data privacy, AI ethics, safety standards, or sustainable design. Their work ensures that technological advancement is aligned with human values and long-term well-being.
Distinguished Engineering Leadership
A prestigious recognition for women with long, impactful careers in engineering. These are leaders whose vision, mentorship, and sustained excellence have significantly shaped the engineering landscape in Poland. They are role models and trailblazers whose influence reaches across generations.
Diversity in Engineering
This award honors individuals who have made significant efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the engineering sector. Whether through policy, advocacy, organizational leadership, or community engagement, they help create environments where all voices are heard and valued.
Policy and Advocacy in Engineering
Recognizes women who influence public policy, institutional standards, or professional practices in engineering. They may work in governmental or regulatory bodies, industry associations, or advocacy groups—and are dedicated to shaping the structural context in which engineering operates.
Outstanding Engineering Achievement
This category celebrates breakthrough accomplishments in engineering. It may recognize a project, product, system, or research outcome that has had a transformative impact on industry, science, or society. The achievement may be individual or team-based, but it must set a new benchmark for innovation and excellence.
You can meet all the nominated engineers here!
The awards will be granted by the jury chaired by Mary Ellen Randall - 2025 IEEE President-Elect, including experts: Dominika Bettman – Leader in Digital Technologies, Paulina Święcicka - Head of Data Engineering at Roche, Prof. Arkadiusz Wójs – Rector of Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Anna Nowak-Jaworska – CEO at Schneider Electric and Maciej Zieliński – CEO at Siemens.
This is more than a ranking. It is a statement: that engineering needs women, and women belong at the center of the most vital conversations shaping our world!
