This year, Brno throws its hat in the ring by bidding to earn the title of this year’s European Capital of Innovation (iCapital) Award, which recognises and advances innovation in European cities. Photo credit: Zenon Moreau.
Brno, Jul 4 (BD) – “It is great that Brno is so self-confident that it has entered the prestigious competition of the European Commission. In my opinion, it has a great chance to succeed,” says Brno’s Deputy Mayor, Tomáš Koláčný.
The recipient of the iCapital award is announced yearly by the European Commission. The award winner will receive an annual cash prize, which is given to the European city that is the best in terms of demonstrating its ability to use innovation to improve the lives of its citizens.
“We are well aware of the societal challenges we face. Therefore we focus primarily on the environment, the quality of life of citizens and the development of business and science in Brno. I dare say that the key element that makes this work successfully, is enthusiasm and affection for the city of Brno,” explains Deputy Mayor Koláčný.
In the previous years, different cities such as Paris, Barcelona and Athens have won the award. This year, the city of Brno has also entered the prestigious competition.
All participating cities will be evaluated by independent experts from across Europe on a number of criteria. These include, for example, how the city can engage its people, how it can innovate and develop innovation, or how the city uses innovation with its economic development.
At the end of July, 12 finalists will be announced for the title. In September, the winning city will be known announced, and will receive EUR 1 million along with the title of the European Capital of Innovation. Five other candidate cities will be titled as “runner-up towns”, and will be receiving EUR 100,000.
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