Rotterdam is one of the three finalists for the iCapitalAwards

On December 4, 2025, Robert Simons Alderman of Port, Economy, Catering and Governance (districts and small centres) of the Municipality of Rotterdam will represent the city of Rotterdam and join Grenoble and Liverpool on stage in Turin, where the winner of the Innovation Capital of Europe 2026 will be announced.

The European Innovation Council (EIC) presents the annual iCapital Awards to cities leading in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The awards recognize concrete achievements in creating experimental space for start-ups, helping them grow into mature businesses, and connecting knowledge institutions, startups, scale-ups, financiers, and supporting organizations.

This recognition celebrates the strength of Rotterdam’s innovation ecosystem. A community where entrepreneurs, researchers, knowledge institutions, investors, policymakers and partners join forces to drive meaningful change.

At Rotterdam Square, we’re proud to be part of a city that dares to innovate, grow and collaborate across sectors!

Read more about the Innovation Capital Awards on their website.