Braga is among the three finalists for the 10th edition of the European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital Awards) 2024, which recognizes municipalities with populations between 50,000 and 150,000. The city has been highlighted for its innovative solutions and the establishment of a robust innovation ecosystem focused on collaboration and inclusion.

Braga is competing against Linz (Austria) and Oulu (Finland) in the “Rising Innovative European City” category. The winner will be announced on November 13, during the awards ceremony in Lisbon, the European Capital of Innovation 2023. The victorious city will receive €500,000, while the two runners-up will each receive €50,000.

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 winning city in the “European Capital of Innovation” category, in addition to the prestigious accolade, 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.