Rotterdam is a finalist in the 2026 European Capital of Innovation Awards. This award is presented by the European Commission to cities that have been at the forefront of urban innovation for over a decade.
Our mayor Carola Schouten and chair of the Executive Board Annelien Bredenoord represtented the city of Rotterdam during the semi-finals on Monday October 13th. The jury council tested the team on the real impact the innovation initiatives had delivered.
Their comment on Rotterdam: "Rotterdam (Netherlands) has positioned itself as a transformative city driven by innovative urban design and resilient public policies. By focusing on sustainability, smart mobility, and circular economy initiatives, Rotterdam is leading by example in implementing tested solutions that enhance the local innovation ecosystem. The city's emphasis on mutual learning and cooperation with other European cities further strengthens its status as a leader in developing sustainable urban environments."
Collective effort
'It is a recognition of the collaborative approach the city has demonstrated in accelerating innovation; and we are proud that the "making positive societal impact" connects so well with the Make it Happen vision', Bredenoord states. 'We are proud to be part of this collective effort, and how our EUR vision got embedded in the Bid. Sharing our knowledge to advance European Innovation, economic prosperity and talent development is what got rewarded, and foundational to our society.'
Ernst Hoestra CEO Erasmus Enterprise: 'For the past 5 years we have co-created an Eco-System that enabled every student, scientist, or citizen, to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship. Rotterdam is a city where you can explore and accelerate your business idea faster than anywhere else. Erasmus Enterprise, UP!Rotterdam and Rotterdam Square are living examples of this perpetual engine of innovation.'
The winner of The European Capital of Innovation will be announced during the Cities Innovate Summit in December. Rotterdam is competing against the European cities of Grenoble (France) and Liverpool (United Kingdom).
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