The European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital) are now open for applications, recognising European cities that drive innovation, sustainability, digitalisation, and citizen engagement.
Who can apply?
🏙️ European Capital of Innovation – cities with more than 250,000 inhabitants.
🏘️ European Rising Innovative City – cities with 50,000 to 249,999 inhabitants.
Apply here:
• European Capital of Innovation call: European Capital of Innovation Call
• European Rising Innovative City call: European Rising Innovative City Call
Deadline: 4 August 2026, 17:00 CEST.
For more info about the call: The European Capital of Innovation Awards - European Innovation Council
- Publication date
- 12 June 2026
- Author
- Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy
- Policy Area
- Connected and accessible cities
- Fair and healthy cities
- Prosperous and creative cities
- Resilient and decarbonised cities
- Safe and engaged cities
- Step
- Plan
- Apply
- Deliver