EU\u2019s Horizon Europe programme<\/a>, underscores the importance of creating vibrant, inclusive innovation ecosystems that tackle urban challenges and improve quality of life.<\/p>\nA decade of Fostering Urban Innovation<\/h3>\n Launched in 2014, the European Capital of Innovation Awards is funded by Horizon Europe and managed by the European Innovation Council (EIC) in collaboration with the SMEs Executive Agency.<\/p>\n
Over the past decade, this award has spotlighted cities that connect citizens, businesses, academic institutions, and government bodies in pursuit of transformative, sustainable urban solutions.<\/p>\n
Previous iCapital winners have included Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Paris, while cities like Vantaa, Haarlem, and Link\u00f6ping have taken honours in the Rising Innovative City category.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s winners were celebrated on November 13 at the Web Summit in Lisbon, an event attended by city mayors and innovation leaders from across Europe.<\/p>\n
Torino and Braga take top honours<\/h3>\n In the highly competitive European Capital of Innovation category, Torino claimed the top prize of \u20ac1m, recognising its commitment to fostering a comprehensive and experimental approach to urban innovation.<\/p>\n
Known for its industrial heritage, Torino has embraced a diverse array of projects aimed at tackling contemporary challenges while planning for the future.<\/p>\n
Espoo and the West Midlands Combined Authority were awarded second and third places, receiving \u20ac100,000 each for their own innovative achievements.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, in the European Rising Innovative City category, Braga was awarded \u20ac500,000. The Portuguese city has developed an impressive innovation ecosystem centered on collaboration, inclusivity, and tech-driven solutions.<\/p>\n
Its strategic focus on cultural and creative industries, along with thriving tech clusters, positioned it as a leader in fostering innovation. Linz and Oulu followed as second and third-place winners, each awarded \u20ac50,000.<\/p>\n
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, commented: \u201cI warmly congratulate Torino and Braga on winning the 2024-25 European Capital of Innovation Awards.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey show that innovation is not just about technology but about creating opportunities, fostering inclusion and improving the quality of life for citizens.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe winners and finalists are transforming ambition into action, setting inspiring examples of innovation on the ground in Europe and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n
Celebrating innovation for a sustainable future<\/h3>\n The iCapital Awards underscore the EU\u2019s commitment to fostering innovation across member states and associated Horizon Europe countries.<\/p>\n
As Torino and Braga continue to set new benchmarks for urban innovation, the European Capital of Innovation Awards celebrate the dynamic ways European cities are leveraging innovation to create sustainable, people-centred cities of the future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The EU Commission has announced Torino and Braga as the winners of the prestigious 2024-25 European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":52813,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24429],"tags":[24208,24564,24229],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Torino and Braga scoop 2024 European capital of innovation prizes<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n