6 cities are competing for 2027 European Capital of Innovation Awards

On 22 October, the European Commission announced the six finalists for the 2027 European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital), recognising cities that use innovation to build more sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities.

Following a selection process that included hearings with semi-finalist cities, an expert jury chose three finalists in each category:

• European Capital of Innovation: Madrid, Montpellier and Valencia.
• European Rising Innovative City: Oulu, Regensburg and Taranto.

Supported by the European Innovation Council under Horizon Europe, the awards celebrate cities that harness innovation to tackle urban challenges, improve citizens’ quality of life and support sustainable growth.

The winners will be announced on 3 December 2026 in Grenoble, during “From local to Europe, Innovation for Good”, an event organised by Grenoble-Alpes-Métropole, the current European Capital of Innovation.

The European Capital of Innovation winner will receive €1 million, with €100,000 awarded to each runner-up. In the European Rising Innovative City category, the winner will receive €500,000, while each runner-up will receive €50,000.

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