The European Commission has announced that the Municipality of Nicosia has been selected as one of the three finalists for the prestigious European Rising Innovative City 2025 award.
This recognition highlights the Cypriot capital’s long-term efforts toward sustainable development, technological progress, and creating a high-quality urban environment for its residents.
The municipality emphasized that the nomination is the result of years of work to transform Nicosia into a modern, smart, and eco-friendly city, where innovation is applied in all areas of life — from digital services and urban planning to civic engagement and cultural initiatives.
What Is the iCapital Award and Why It Matters
The European Innovation Awards (iCapital) are presented annually to cities that demonstrate leadership in innovation, scientific research, startup development, and improving citizens’ quality of life.
The main goal of the initiative is to reward cities where innovation is not just a tool for growth, but an integral part of strategic vision and urban culture.
This year, Nicosia is competing with Aalborg (Denmark) and San Sebastián (Spain).
All three cities were selected from 12 semi-finalists after a rigorous evaluation and interviews with an international jury of leading experts in technology, business, and governance.
Why Nicosia Was Recognized
The European Innovation Council noted that Nicosia has shown remarkable progress in using innovation to transform the urban landscape.
The city actively develops digital infrastructure, implements sustainable energy solutions, and supports a growing startup ecosystem, creating new opportunities for both economic growth and civic participation.
The jury paid particular attention to the city’s mission to transform a divided capital into a smart, inclusive, and climate-resilient hub, where technology helps connect people and improve quality of life.
This approach makes Nicosia a model for other European capitals striving for sustainable and digital transformation.
Final Stage and Prize Fund
The winner of the European Rising Innovative City 2025 award will be announced on December 4, 2025, during a ceremony in Turin, Italy.
The winning city will receive a €500,000 prize, while the two other finalists will each receive €50,000.
The funds, provided under the Horizon Europe program — the EU’s main financial instrument for research and innovation — will support further urban initiatives related to sustainability, digital transformation, and infrastructure improvement.
Why Nicosia Deserves to Win
Today, Nicosia is confidently emerging as one of the most dynamic innovation hubs in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The city is investing heavily in digital technology, startups, and renewable energy, fostering an environment where business, creative industries, and research can thrive.
At the same time, Nicosia is implementing major smart city, green transport, and energy efficiency projects.
The municipality also focuses on social inclusion and the cultural revival of the historic center, maintaining a balance between tradition and modernity.
This comprehensive approach allows Nicosia not only to compete with Europe’s major metropolitan areas but also to set new standards for 21st-century urban development.
Reaching the finals of the European Rising Innovative City 2025 is more than just international recognition — it’s a testament to how Cyprus is becoming a model of digital transformation and sustainable growth.
Regardless of the final results, Nicosia has already proven that its future lies in innovation, sustainability, and citizen engagement, shaping a truly smart and modern European capital.