The European Capital of Innovation Awards
The European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital) is a recognition prize under Horizon Europe designed to spotlight and reward cities that are at the forefront of fostering innovation within their urban ecosystems. This prestigious award celebrates cities acting as catalysts for local innovation, driving game-changing solutions, and inspiring broader urban development across Europe. It aims to promote successful practices in citizen-driven innovation and strengthen synergies among innovation ecosystems.
Who is Funded by the European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital)
The European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital) targets cities demonstrating excellence in fostering innovation. The program recognizes cities' pivotal role in driving local innovation ecosystems, with specific eligibility criteria related to population size and geographic location within EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. The overarching objective is to stimulate new activities that boost groundbreaking innovation and integrate innovative practices into urban development.
What is Recognized and Supported by the iCapital Awards
The European Capital of Innovation Awards recognizes cities for their innovative initiatives and strategic approaches to urban development. It focuses on the broad areas of fostering innovation ecosystems, accelerating the growth of local businesses, and acting as role models for other cities. This is a prize, not a traditional funding instrument for specific project costs.
Type and Scope of Funding for iCapital Awards
The European Capital of Innovation Awards operates as a recognition prize, distinct from traditional project grants. While no specific individual prize amounts are detailed in this document, the total budget allocated for the 2021 edition was 1,800,000 €.
Conditions and Requirements for European Capital of Innovation Awards
Applicants for the European Capital of Innovation Awards must adhere to specific admissibility and eligibility conditions, including proposal page limits and population criteria for cities. The assessment of applications is based on a set of five key award criteria, evaluating the city's innovative practices, growth acceleration efforts, ecosystem building, dissemination strategies, and long-term vision.
Application Procedure for the iCapital Awards
The application process for the European Capital of Innovation Awards is a single-stage submission. Following the application period, a jury evaluates the proposals, with decisions communicated thereafter.
Legal Basis of the European Capital of Innovation Awards
The European Capital of Innovation Awards is governed by a robust legal framework, drawing its authority from specific European Commission documents and broader EU financial regulations. These foundational texts ensure the transparency, legality, and proper management of the awards.
Similar Programs
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Closed
Allocated Budget:
1,800,000 €
Award Channel:
Prizes And Competitions
Region:
EU Member States, Associated Countries to Horizon Europe
Sectors:
Other
Beneficiaries:
Cities, citizens, start-ups, SMEs, public and private sectors within urban innovation ecosystems
Application Type:
Single Applicant
Funding Stages:
Implementation, Scaling, Policy Development, Service Delivery
Funding Provider
Program Level:
European Union
Funding Body:
European Commission
Managed By:
European Innovation Council (EIC)
Website: