Grenoble Alpes Métropole and Aalborg win 2026 European Capital of Innovation Awards

The European Commission has selected the cities of Grenoble Alpes Métropole in France and Aalborg in Denmark as winners of the 2026 European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital).

Grenoble Alpes Métropole received the title of European Capital of Innovation and Aalborg the European Rising Innovative City prize on 04/12/2025. The cities will receive €1 million and €500,000 respectively.

Grenoble Alpes Métropole secured the top spot through its "forward-thinking approach to sustainable urban development, emphasising renewable energy solutions, smart infrastructure and community-driven innovation to tackle environmental and social challenges", the Commission said. Aalborg distinguished itself by "effectively integrating technology into urban planning, fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem that values collaboration across diverse sectors, including education, healthcare and clean energy."

The awards also acknowledged runner-up cities for their contributions to European innovation. In the main category, for cities with a population of at least 250,000 inhabitants, each runner-up is…