Liverpool Liverpool has secured third place in the 2026 European Capital of Innovation Awards, reinforcing its growing reputation as a city that places inclusive innovation at the heart of urban development.
Announced during a ceremony in Turin, Italy, the recognition brings with it €100,000 in prize funding and entry into the iCapital Alumni network, a platform of Europe’s leading innovation cities, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Lisbon.
Liverpool’s bid, titled LIFE – Liverpool Innovates For Everyone, was developed by a coalition of public and private sector partners from across the city region. It focused on ensuring that the benefits of the city’s innovation ecosystem, spanning life sciences, AI, pharmaceuticals, and materials chemistry, are shared equitably across communities.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Reaching the final three underlines our status as a contemporary global leader across a range of innovation disciplines. Our city region is moving forward with a renewed sense of ambition and confidence.”
The iCapital Awards, supported by the European Innovation Council under Horizon Europe, reward cities that open up governance to experimentation and make innovation a driver of positive change.
This recognition comes 18 years after Liverpool’s success as European Capital of Culture, and city leaders hope it will once again boost global visibility, attract investment, and create new opportunities for local residents and businesses.
Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, added: “This is a further endorsement of our efforts to build our international reputation as a centre of innovation. LIFE reflects our mission to deliver solutions that improve people’s lives – from here in Liverpool to beyond.”