Celebrate the finalists of the 2026 European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital)

Supported by the European Innovation Council under Horizon Europe, the iCapital prize is awarded to cities that act as front-runners in leveraging innovation to shape more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments.

After an intense selection process, including interviews with twelve semi-finalist cities, a high-level jury of innovation leaders from academia, business, and policy has made its choice (check past jury members to learn more).

In the Rising Innovative City category, the finalists competing for recognition are (in alphabetical order) Aalborg, Nicosia, and San Sebastian. These cities have made remarkable progress in using innovation to transform their local environments, identifying new pathways for growth and societal improvement.

Heading into the European Capital of Innovation category, the finalists include (in alphabetical order) Grenoble Alpes Métropole, Liverpool, and Rotterdam. These cities have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to fostering innovation-based ecosystems, setting an example for sustainable and inclusive urban development across Europe.

iCapital winners to be awarded at the Cities Innovate Summit

The winners will be celebrated at the iCapital Awards ceremony in Turin (Italy) on 4 December 2025, during the Cities Innovate Summit. Registrations to the event are now open. 

The European Capital of Innovation winner will earn a €1 million prize, with two runners-up receiving €100 000 each. Meanwhile, the European Rising Innovative City awardee will secure €500 000, and the two runners-up will each receive €50 000.

All six finalists are invited to join the prestigious European Innovation Council Forum working group (EIC Prizes Alumni Network), a community of innovation leaders dedicated to sharing knowledge and driving further urban innovation across Europe.

Get to know the finalist cities

The European Capital of Innovation category, in alphabetical order

• Grenoble Alpes Métropole (France) is recognised for its comprehensive and strategic approach to innovation, focused on environmental sustainability and enhancing the local innovation ecosystem. The city has developed initiatives that push the boundaries of public policy through projects in waste reduction, climate resilience, and soil health integration. Grenoble's efforts in prioritizing eco-friendly practices and leveraging regional cooperation highlight its role as a pioneer in urban sustainability and innovation.
• Liverpool (United Kingdom) has driven significant urban transformation through its commitment to cultural regeneration and technological advancement. It has prioritized inclusive growth and community engagement, enhancing its reputation as a leader in creativity and innovation. By fostering collaborations between arts, technology, and social sectors, Liverpool has effectively harnessed its historical and cultural assets to create dynamic economic opportunities and a vibrant innovation landscape.
• Rotterdam (Netherlands) has positioned itself as a transformative city driven by innovative urban design and resilient public policies. By focusing on sustainability, smart mobility, and circular economy initiatives, Rotterdam is leading by example in implementing tested solutions that enhance the local innovation ecosystem. The city's emphasis on mutual learning and cooperation with other European cities further strengthens its status as a leader in developing sustainable urban environments.

The European Rising Innovative city category, in alphabetical order

• Aalborg (Denmark) stands out as a model for urban innovation by focusing on sustainable solutions and fostering community-centric initiatives. The city has actively engaged in mutual respect, international collaboration, and community diplomacy, driving forward projects that prioritize cultural integration and democratic innovation. By aligning itself with the Smart Specialisation Strategy and the European Green Deal, Aalborg exemplifies a future-forming city leveraging green and digital advancements to build a greener and fairer Europe.
• Nicosia (Cyprus)'s innovative vision is anchored in transforming itself from a divided capital into a connected, inclusive, and climate-smart city. By integrating spatial planning, digital governance, and cultural regeneration, Nicosia has crafted a mission-driven approach to urban transformation. Emphasizing resilience, sustainability, and social cohesion, the city leverages strategic frameworks to achieve long-term innovation goals, making significant strides in effectively embedding innovation into the community's fabric.
• San Sebastian (Spain)has successfully transformed into a beacon of innovation and opportunity, creating a dynamic and cohesive ecosystem that integrates institutions, businesses, and communities. Known for its proactive green construction and digital strategies, San Sebastian prioritizes sustainability and inclusivity. With a leadership role in producing and retaining talent, showcased by its ranking as a strong Innovator region, the city championed the shift to a knowledge-intensive economy, setting a benchmark for scalable urban innovation across Europe.

Background

The European Capital of Innovation (iCapital) awards, now in their 11th edition, have become a hallmark of recognition for cities that cultivate inclusive and dynamic innovation ecosystems. By connecting citizens, academia, businesses, and the public sector, these cities translate cutting-edge research and ideas into real-world solutions that improve quality of life and strengthen urban resilience.

The prize first took place in 2014. Past winners include Barcelona (2014), Amsterdam (2016), Paris (2017), Athens (2018), Nantes (2019), Leuven (2020), Dortmund (2021), Aix-Marseille Provence Metropole (2022), Lisbon (2023) and Turin (2024-2025) as European Capitals of Innovation. Past winners in the Rising Innovative city category include Vantaa (2021), Haarlem (2022), Linköping (2023), and Braga (2024-2025).

iCapital is one of the five European Innovation Council Prizes granted under Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation framework programme. The prize is open to cities from all EU member states and countries associated to Horizon Europe and is managed by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency. The winners in each category are chosen following an assessment performed by a high-level jury of independent experts.

More information

• The European Capital of Innovation Awards
• Meet the semi-finalists of the 2026 European Capital of Innovation Awards!

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