Oulu finished proudly on the podium at the European Innovation Council’s annual iCapital Awards in Lisbon on 13 November.
The European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital) have two categories: the European Capital of Innovation category for cities with more than 250,000 inhabitants and the European Rising Innovative City category for cities with less than 250,000 inhabitants.
The top prize in the European Rising Innovative City category was awarded to Braga (Portugal) with a prize money of €500,000. Linz (Austria) claimed second place and Oulu came third. Both runner-ups were awarded recognition prizes of €50,000. The results of the competition, organised for the 10th time by the European Innovation Council, were announced on 13 November at the Web Summit in Lisbon, the European Capital of Innovation 2023.
There were no less than two Finnish finalists in the iCapital competition this year, with Espoo competing for the title of European Capital of Innovation. This year’s title in this category was awarded to Turin (Italy) along with a monetary prize of €1 million, and Espoo took second place before West Midlands in the UK.
– Even reaching the final is a significant achievement for Oulu. It highlights our city’s strengths in education, technology, circular economy, and inclusion. I am proud of the efforts of the people of Oulu and our unique spirit of innovation. I also warmly congratulate Braga for winning and Linz for reaching the final, and of course Espoo for a fantastic run in the big city category, said Ari Alatossava, Mayor of Oulu in Lisbon.
The iCapital awards are given to cities that lead the way in using innovation to shape sustainable, inclusive and resilient urban environments. This year’s competition highlighted cities that have taken steps to transform their communities by integrating innovation into everyday life.
The cities entered in the competition were judged by top European urban development professionals. The jury praised Oulu as a city where innovation and nature co-exist, creating a culture of innovation driven by curiosity and a commitment to improving the lives of residents. Oulu’s application also drew attention because of catering for different age groups, from kindergarteners to the elderly.
– Oulu will be the European Capital of Culture in 2026. Our goal is cultural climate change, which means creating a new feeling of togetherness. iCapital participation was one step towards this goal, Mayor Alatossava continued.
All finalists will be invited to join the prestigious European Innovation Council Forum (EIC Prizes Alumni Network). This is a community of innovation influencers dedicated to sharing knowledge and promoting urban innovation in Europe.
For more information:
Maria Vuorensola
Programme Manager, Oulu Innovation Alliance
BusinessOulu, City of Oulu
tel. +358 40 760 1288
maria.vuorensola@businessoulu.com