The new European Capital of Innovation announced

Today, the European 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. The top prizes this year have been awarded to the cities of Torino and Braga.

European Capital of Innovation category

• Torino, Winner
• Espoo, 2^nd place
• West Midlands Combined Authority, 3^rd place

European Rising Innovative City category

• Braga, Winner
• Linz, 2^nd place
• Oulu, 3^rd place

The awards ceremony took place on 13 November 2024 in Lisbon, during the Web Summit, one of the world’s largest technology events. Commissioner Iliana Ivanova handed over the event, recognising cities that have embedded innovation into the daily fabric of urban life, advancing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities. The ceremony brought together the mayors from winning cities and past iCapital winners.

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.

Torino, showcases a comprehensive approach to experimentation and innovation, leveraging its rich history and industrial heritage to tackle both present and future urban challenges while 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.

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