Hannover. Sophie Borgne was named Engineer Powerwoman at the WomenPower congress during the HANNOVER MESSE Digital Days . Borgne accepted the prize, which is endowed with 5,000 euros, in a virtual session following laudations by Elke Büdenbender, patron of the initiative Klischeefrei (Cliché-Free), and Professor Barbara Schwarze, CEO of the Competence Center for Technology-Diversity-Equal Opportunity. The prize, which is usually awarded during the opening of the WomenPower career conference, became part of the digital event after the corona pandemic caused the cancellation of HANNOVER MESSE. Engineer Powerwoman 2020 marks the eighth time that Deutsche Messe is honoring a pioneer in the STEM field who through her commitment, her ideas and her work promotes technical innovation within her company.

Sophie Borgne is Senior Vice President Digital Plant Business at Schneider Electric. Her work focuses on the Internet of Things and the associated optimization of traditional industrial automation. Since joining Schneider Electric in 2001, Borgne has been involved internationally in Africa, China, France, and Italy and led teams in various functions. She regularly gives lectures and shares her expertise in Industrie 4.0. In addition, Borgne is an ambassador in the Schneider Women in Tech network, which aims to break through gender stereotypes and inspire young girls to pursue a career in technology, true to their motto: "Don't set limits and do what you want to do”.

An independent jury consisting of the members of the WomenPower congress advisory board nominated three experts as finalists for the Engineer Powerwoman Award.