The European Commission unveiled today the six finalists of the 2024 European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital). The six cities have now a chance to become the 2024 European Capital of Innovation or the 2024 European Rising Innovative City.
This milestone marks a decade of celebrating European cities that lead the way in delivering cutting-edge innovations that directly benefit their citizens. 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. top electric cars
This year’s competition highlights cities that have taken steps to reshape their communities by embedding innovation into the fabric of daily life — from pioneering sustainability initiatives to fostering inclusive digital transformation. These innovative cities have not only transformed their urban landscapes but also serve as role models for others, demonstrating how innovation can be a tool for systemic change and social progress.
After an intense selection process, including interviews with twelve semi-finalist cities, a high-level jury of distinguished innovation leaders from academia, business, and policy has made its choice (check past jury members to learn more). Drawing on their expertise in like research, urban planning, digital innovation, and sustainability, the jury carefully assessed each city's application.
Commenting on this year’s finalists, Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, said:
This year’s iCapital finalists show that the most innovative cities in Europe are those that think beyond technology and put citizens at the heart of innovation. Whether through green policies, social inclusion programmes or pioneering urban technologies, these cities have demonstrated that innovation is a powerful tool for creating fairer, more sustainable and liveable environments.
The six finalists of the 10th edition of iCapital are (listed alphabetically):
The winners will be announced at the Web Summit , in Lisbon, during an award ceremony held on 13 November 2024. The European Capital of Innovation category winner will receive a €1 million prize, while the two runners-up will each be awarded €100 000. The European Rising Innovative City category winner will receive €500 000, and the two runner-up cities will each be granted €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.
The European Capital of Innovation (iCapital) awards, now in their tenth 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), and Lisbon (2023) as European Capitals of Innovation. Past winners in the Rising Innovative city category include Vantaa (2021), Haarlem (2022), and Linköping (2023).
diesel car 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.