The European Commission has announced Torino and Braga as the winners of the prestigious 2024-25 European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital).
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the iCapital competition highlights European cities that lead the way in implementing transformative solutions for their residents.
This year’s award, part of the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, underscores the importance of creating vibrant, inclusive innovation ecosystems that tackle urban challenges and improve quality of life.
A decade of Fostering Urban Innovation
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.
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.
Previous iCapital winners have included Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Paris, while cities like Vantaa, Haarlem, and Linköping have taken honours in the Rising Innovative City category.
This year’s winners were celebrated on November 13 at the Web Summit in Lisbon, an event attended by city mayors and innovation leaders from across Europe.
Torino and Braga take top honours
In the highly competitive European Capital of Innovation category, Torino claimed the top prize of €1m, recognising its commitment to fostering a comprehensive and experimental approach to urban innovation.
Known for its industrial heritage, Torino has embraced a diverse array of projects aimed at tackling contemporary challenges while planning for the future.
Espoo and the West Midlands Combined Authority were awarded second and third places, receiving €100,000 each for their own innovative achievements.
Meanwhile, in the European Rising Innovative City category, Braga was awarded €500,000. The Portuguese city has developed an impressive innovation ecosystem centered on collaboration, inclusivity, and tech-driven solutions.
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 €50,000.
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, commented: “I warmly congratulate Torino and Braga on winning the 2024-25 European Capital of Innovation Awards.
“They show that innovation is not just about technology but about creating opportunities, fostering inclusion and improving the quality of life for citizens.
“The winners and finalists are transforming ambition into action, setting inspiring examples of innovation on the ground in Europe and beyond.”
Celebrating innovation for a sustainable future
The iCapital Awards underscore the EU’s commitment to fostering innovation across member states and associated Horizon Europe countries.
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.
