The annual prize for the European city best demonstrating its ability to harness innovation to improve its citizens' lives is now accepting applications for 2020. In particular, the cash prize is awarded to cities that:

• Contribute to open and dynamic innovation ecosystems
• Involve citizens in governance and decision-making
• Using innovation to improve the resiliency and sustainability of their cities. 

The prize enables European cities to showcase their developing local innovation ecosystems in ways that benefit businesses and citizens. €1 million will be awarded to the city named European Innovation Capital of the year and €100,000 will be awarded the five runner-up cities. 

Any city that has at least 100,000 inhabits and is an EU country or is associated to Horizon 2020 can apply. The cities will be judged on their ability to foster innovation by: 

• Experimenting innovative concepts, processes and tools
• Engaging citizens in the innovation process
• Expanding the city's attractiveness as a role model
• Empowering citizens through the implementation of innovative practices.

To learn more about this year's awards or to apply, click here.