European Capital of Innovation Awards 2027

The European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital), supported by the European Innovation Council (EIC) under Horizon Europe, recognise European cities that foster dynamic innovation ecosystems, using innovation as a driver of sustainable growth, social inclusion and improved quality of life.

Objective:

These awards distinguish cities that promote innovation at all levels, from collaboration between public and private actors to the support of entrepreneurship and the implementation of innovative policies that serve as a reference across Europe. The call is open to cities from EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe.

Why apply?

Being a winner or finalist of the iCapital Awards brings multiple benefits, including:

• EU-level recognition as a leading city in urban innovation
• International visibility and positioning as an innovation benchmark
• Access to the iCapital Alumni Network, connecting pioneering cities to share experiences and best practices
• Opportunities for mutual learning, cooperation and knowledge transfer between cities

Categories:

The 2027 European Capital of Innovation Awards include two categories:

• The European Capital of Innovation category is aimed at cities with a minimum population of 250,000 inhabitants and rewards the winner with EUR 1,000,000 and the two runners-up with EUR 100,000 each.
• The European Rising Innovative City category is aimed at cities with a population between 50,000 and 249,999 inhabitants and rewards the winner with EUR 500,000 and the two runners-up with EUR 50,000 each.

Deadline:

The call for the 2027 edition will open on 5 May 2026.
The deadline for submission is 4 August 2026 at 17:00 CEST.

More information at EUROPEAN INNOVATION COUNCIL