Today, the Commission has revealed the winners of the 2024-25 European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital), celebrating a decade of recognising cities that lead the way in delivering innovative solutions for their citizens. This year’s top prizes, funded under the EU research and innovation programme Horizon Europe, were awarded to the cities of Torino and Braga.
Torino showcases a comprehensive approach to experimentation and innovation, leveraging its rich history and industrial heritage to tackle both present and future urban challenges. Braga has developed a range of innovative solutions, from tech-based clusters to cultural and creative industries, and established a strong innovation ecosystem with a focus on collaboration and inclusivity.
The award ceremony took place on 13 November 2024 in Lisbon at the Web Summit, one of the world’s largest technology events. Commissioner Iliana Ivanova handed the awards to cities that have embedded innovation into daily urban life, advancing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities. The ceremony brought together the mayors from winning cities and past iCapital winners.
In addition to the main category winners, the Commission has announced the 1st and 2nd runners-up for each category:
European Capital of Innovation category
- Torino, winner
- Espoo, 2nd place
- West Midlands Combined Authority, 3rd place
European Rising Innovative City category
- Braga, winner
- Linz, 2nd place
- Oulu, 3rd place
The European Capital of Innovation category winner, Torino, has received a €1 million prize, while the two runners-up have been awarded €100 000 each. The European Rising Innovative City category winner, Braga, has received €500,000, and the two runner-up cities have each been granted €50,000.
Background
Supported by the European Innovation Council (EIC) under Horizon Europe, the European Capital of Innovation Awards – also known as iCapital – celebrate cities with dynamic, inclusive innovation ecosystems. The competition acknowledges those urban centres that successfully connect citizens, academic institutions, businesses, and public authorities to drive transformative change.
This year celebrates the tenth anniversary of the iCapital Awards. 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) and Lisbon (2023) as European Capitals of Innovation. Past winners in the Rising Innovative city category include Vantaa (2021), Haarlem (2022) and Linköping (2023).
iCapital is one of the five EIC Prizes granted under Horizon Europe. The prize is open to cities from all EU member states and countries associated to Horizon Europe and it is managed by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency. The winners are chosen following an assessment performed by two high-level juries of independent experts.
