Dublin is one of eight semi-finalists for the 2021 European Capital of Innovation (iCapital) awards, recognising cities across Europe that best promote and foster innovation. The top prize for the competition is €1million with €100,000 for two runner-ups.
The European Capital of Innovation (iCapital) awards is an annual recognition prize awarded to the European cities that best promote innovation in their communities. Past winners include Leuven, Nantes, Athens and Amsterdam.
The 2021 edition recognises cities that contribute to developing local ‘innovation ecosystems’ for the benefit of innovators and the wellbeing of their citizens.
Dublin City Council’s application for the awards focused on a number of innovative initiatives happening across the city including Smart Dublin’s Smart District programmes, Universities and Research Centres, start-up hubs and innovative procurement approaches including Enterprise Ireland’s Small Business Innovation Research.
In particular, Dublin’s application highlighted the wealth of innovation stakeholders working in partnership with the City Council’s smart city programme including; University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, Insight Research Centre, Connect Research Centre, Enable Research Centre, the Digital Hub, Dogpatch Labs, Dublin Port and Smart Dublin.
Owen Keegan, Dublin City Council Chief Executive, said, “we are delighted that Dublin has been shortlisted for the iCapital 2021 Awards. This a testament to the wealth of highly innovative initiatives, companies, research and people working towards the betterment of our City.”
Jamie Cudden, Dublin City Council, Smart City Programme Manager, said, “our application really focused on showcasing the breath of innovation happening in Dublin. From our Smart District programmes, where the City Council and partners fast-track innovation projects, to Dogpatch Labs, home to some of Ireland’s most innovative, high-potential start-ups, there is so much exciting work to be proud of across Dublin. At the core of the application was how the city’s innovation ecosystem, a network of many different stakeholders – community groups, companies, NGOs, researchers, public bodies – are exploring new technology, new processes, new services and new ways of working, to build a better, greener, more inclusive and resilient city.”
Source: Dublin City Council
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