14 Oct 2025
Commission announces finalists of 2026 European Capital of Innovation Awards
A high-level jury of innovation leaders from academia, business, and policy has selected the finalists of the 2026 European Capital of Innovation Awards, funded by the European Innovation Council.
In the Rising Innovative City category, the finalists competing for recognition are 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 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.
The winners will be announced at the iCapital Awards ceremony in Turin, Italy, on 4 December 2025, during the Cities Innovate Summit.
For more information: