The 8th edition of the European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital) is open for submissions until 30 June. The Awards recognise the role cities play in shaping the local innovation ecosytems and promote innovation. Cities from 50.000 to 249.999 can apply to be the new EU Rising innovative city and win 500 000€, while cities from 250 000 can be awarded as the EU Capital of Innovation and win €1M. Want to know more? Register to the info day taking place on 28 April.
The European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital) is an annual recognition prize awarded to the European cities that best promote innovation in their communities.
Cities are faced with some of the most severe societal and sustainability challenges but do also have the means to overcome them by developing and applying effective innovative solutions.
They are the place where ideas, people, public and private actors meet and engage among themselves to improve the life quality of the society. They are the natural playground where breakthrough innovation flourishes as cities provide ground to experiment with new technologies and products in a real environment.
In particular, the eighth edition recognises the cities’ contribution to developing local innovation ecosystems for the benefit of game-changing innovation and the wellbeing of the public.
Categories
In 2022, the European Capital of Innovation Awards features two categories:
- The European Capital of Innovation category that addresses cities with a population of minimum 250 000 inhabitants and rewards the winner with EUR 1 000 000 and two runners-up with EUR 100 000 each.
- The European Rising Innovative City category that targets towns and cities with a population of 50 000 and up to 249 999 inhabitants and rewards the winner with EUR 500 000 and two runners-up with EUR 50 000 each.