HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Apply for the Prize A Star in the Dark
Everything you need to know to submit your application for the International Award for Women’s Talent in STEAM
Application window
May 1, 2026 — November 30, 2026
The process
In four steps
From registration to submission: here’s how the application process works.
Join the Association
A prerequisite for all candidates. Adhering to the Association's values is the first step.
Choose your category
Early, Driven, or Innovative Manager: identify the section that matches your profile.
Prepare your dossier
European CV, 3-minute video pitch, references, and documentation for your category.
Submit your application
Complete the online form and upload all materials by November 30, 2026.
Who can apply
Three categories, three profiles
Recent graduates under 30
Early Manager
Recent graduates, master’s degree with thesis on technological innovation obtained from an Italian university.
- Self-nomination
Established managers
Driven Manager
Female managers (middle manager, senior manager, or executive), employed by a public or private company based in Italy operating in STEAM sectors, or in an equivalent managerial role abroad for graduates of Italian universities.
- Form: self-nomination or proposed by 2 colleagues of equal or higher rank
Innovative entrepreneurs
Innovative Manager
Female entrepreneurs, owners or shareholders of innovative start-ups or innovative SMEs or SMEs that use innovative technologies and operate in Italy.
- Form: self-nomination or proposed by trade association
What to prepare
Application materials
Early Manager
- Required documents
- CV in European format
- Master's degree certification 110/110 or equivalent
- STEAM thesis on technological innovation
- 3 references from university professors
- Presentation video (3 minutes, in Italian)
- Self-declaration of knowledge of 2 foreign languages (download the form)
- Preferred documents
- Degree with honours
- PhD
- Language certifications
- Soft skills courses
- Social commitment
Driven Manager
- Required documents
- CV in European format
- Documentation on female leadership and gender policies
- Motivation letter or presentation video (3 minutes)
- 2 references from collaborators
- If nominated by third parties: application signed by 2 colleagues of equal or higher rank
- Preferred documents
- None required
Innovative Manager
- Required documents
- CV in European format
- Documentation of ownership or shareholder status
- 3- or 5-year business plan
- Video pitch (3 minutes)
- Preferred documents
- Patent or patent application
- References from clients, suppliers or external bodies
How to create an effective video pitch
The video is required for all three categories. Here are some tips to make it memorable.
Respect the 3-minute limit: be concise and get straight to the point. Prepare an outline before recording.
Pay attention to framing and audio: a neutral background, good natural light, and clean audio make a difference.
Tell a story, don’t list: the Committee wants to understand who you are, not just what you’ve done. Show passion and vision.
Upload the video to YouTube (choose the unlisted option), Vimeo, or Google Drive and insert the link in the form.
Awards
Awards by category
Recent graduates under 30
Early Manager
For recent graduates (max 30 years) with a STEAM master’s degree from an Italian university, with a thesis on technological innovation.
- Financial award of €5,000 (gross of all tax charges) to support the personal organizational phase preceding entry into the workforce
- Presentation of CV to Confindustria and Federmanager for inclusion in their databases
- CV availability for companies supporting the Prize that request the list of winners from the Association
- Master's degree 110/110
- Thesis on Technological Innovation
Established managers
Driven Manager
For female managers (middle manager, senior manager, or executive) in public or private companies based in Italy.
- Interview on national media
- Local and national visibility in the press
- Visibility within the company of origin
- Appointment as Prize "Ambassador" with the right to participate in the next edition and all events promoted by the Association
- Employee of a company engaged in technological innovation of goods, services, or processes
- Managerial experience
- Commitment to gender policies
Innovative entrepreneurs
Innovative Manager
For female entrepreneurs of any age who have chosen to pursue innovative business in Italy.
- Interview on national media
- Local and national visibility in the press
- Interface with Business Angels, investors, and those interested in the winner's entrepreneurial idea
- Dissemination, subject to authorization, of the entrepreneurial idea among interested stakeholders
- Appointment as Prize "Ambassador" with the right to participate in the next edition and all events promoted by the Association
- Innovative start-up
- Innovative SME
- Owner or shareholder
- Operating headquarters in Italy
Frequently asked questions
Have questions?
Do I need to be a member of the Association to apply?
Yes, membership in the Association is a mandatory prerequisite for all candidates in every category.
Can I apply if I don't have EU citizenship but am in Italy?
No, citizenship of a European Union member country is required for all categories.
In what format should I upload the video?
You do not need to upload the video file directly. Upload it to YouTube (as an unlisted video), Vimeo, or Google Drive and insert the link in the application form.
Can I apply to more than one category?
No, each candidate may submit an application for only one category. Choose the one that best matches your current profile.
How is the winner selected?
The Scientific Technical Committee will evaluate the submitted credentials and conduct a final interview with selected candidates. The prize will be awarded to the candidate with the highest overall score.
Can I nominate someone else?
For the Driven Manager section, a nomination signed by at least 3 colleagues is possible. For Innovative Manager, the nomination can be submitted by a trade association. For Early Manager, only self-nomination is allowed.