Cork City has secured third place in the European Rising Innovative City category at the European Capital of Innovation Awards. The city’s robust innovation ecosystem and collaborative efforts were applauded during a European Commission ceremony held on 27th November in Marseille, France.
The ‘iCapital’ awards honour European cities that promote innovation at the local level, fostering partnerships to enhance quality of life.
After initially being shortlisted from among thirty applicants and successfully navigating a European Innovation Council (EIC) ‘semi-final’ expert jury hearing in September, Cork’s bid progressed to the final round, placing behind Linköping (Sweden) and Padova (Italy) in the category for cities with fewer than 250,000 residents.
Apart from the recognition for excelling in collaborative and sustainable innovation, Cork City has been awarded a prize of €50,000, which will fuel ongoing efforts to promote systemic innovation within the region.
This notable achievement underscores Cork City’s commitment to fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem that drives economic growth, enhances citizens’ lives, and positions the city as a beacon of progress and advancement.