Twelve cities are racing to be named the European Capital of Innovation 2026 as part of the iCapital Awards. These cities are now one step closer to securing recognition and significant financial support for their efforts in driving inclusive, citizen-focused innovation
Celebrating innovation in Urban Governance
Organised by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and supported under Horizon Europe, the iCapital Awards spotlight cities that are transforming their urban landscapes through innovation. The awards hope to honour municipalities that not only foster groundbreaking ideas but also engage citizens, businesses, academia, and public institutions in shaping more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities.
This year marks the 11th edition of the iCapital Awards, and competition remains fierce as cities strive to become role models in modern governance and innovation policy.
European capital of innovation category
Six cities have made it to the semi-finals in the flagship European Capital of Innovation category. These include:
- Alicante (Spain)
- Grenoble (France)
- Liverpool (United Kingdom)
- Riga (Latvia)
- Rotterdam (The Netherlands)
- The Hague (The Netherlands)
These larger cities are being recognised for their advanced innovation ecosystems and commitment to improving citizens’ lives through creative, scalable, and inclusive strategies.
European rising innovative city category
Six smaller and mid-sized cities have also been shortlisted in the European Rising Innovative City category:
- Aalborg (Denmark)
- Kranj (Slovenia)
- Nicosia (Cyprus)
- San Sebastian (Spain)
- Stavanger (Norway)
- Ulm (Germany)
The finalist selection
In the coming weeks, all twelve cities will participate in private remote hearings with independent expert juries. These sessions provide an opportunity for the cities to present their innovation strategies in detail and respond to questions related to the award’s criteria.
Based on these hearings, the juries will select three finalist cities in each category. The final results will be revealed during an official awards ceremony on December 3–4, 2025, in Turin, Italy, the current European Capital of Innovation.
Financial awards and future recognition
The competition offers substantial financial incentives:
- The European Capital of Innovation 2026 winner will receive €1 million, with €100,000 awarded to each of the two runners-up.
- The European Rising Innovative City 2026 winner will be granted €500,000, and the runners-up will each receive €50,000.
Beyond financial support, all finalists will join the iCapital Alumni network, a distinguished group of cities that have previously shown outstanding innovation leadership.
Previous winners of the European Capital of Innovation include well-known cities such as Barcelona, Paris, and Amsterdam, while more recent honorees include Dortmund, Lisbon, and Turin. In the Rising City category, cities like Vantaa, Haarlem, and Braga have earned recognition for their emerging innovation ecosystems.
