Braga has been named one of the 12 semifinalist cities in the 10th edition of the European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital Awards) for 2024. Competing in the “Rising Innovative European City” category, the Portuguese city is up against Bruges (Belgium), Leiden (Netherlands), Linz (Austria), Oulu (Finland), and Tartu (Estonia). The selection of the three finalist cities for this category will take place in September, with the winner announced on November 13 during the award ceremony in Lisbon (the European Capital of Innovation 2023).

Supported by the European Innovation Council under the Horizon Europe program, the iCapital Awards acknowledge the critical role cities play in shaping local innovation ecosystems and driving groundbreaking innovations aligned with the goals of the New European Innovation Agenda.

The winner of the “Rising Innovative European City” category will receive 500,000 euros and the two runners-up will receive 50,000 euros each. The winner of the “European Capital of Innovation” category, in addition to the prestigious recognition, will receive a prize of 1 million euros, while the two runners-up in this category will receive 100,000 euros each.

All finalists will be invited to join the European Innovation Council Forum’s Working Group (EIC Prizes Alumni Network), composed of past iCapital Awards finalists.

iPromoted in Portugal by the ANI under the PERIN Network, the iCapital initiative supports national participation in European Commission initiatives that finance and promote research and innovation. This program celebrates cities with inclusive innovation ecosystems, connecting citizens, academia, businesses, and the public sector to enhance societal well-being.