Aalborg wins title as Europe’s Most Innovative City

Aalborg wins the European Rising Innovative City Award 2025

Aalborg has just won the title as Europe’s most innovative city. The European Commission has awarded the city the title ‘European Rising Innovative City 2026’ at this year’s European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital) in Turin.

Recognised for sustainable, digital and citizen-driven innovation
The prize is awarded to European cities that lead the way in developing sustainable, digital and citizen-driven solutions to future challenges. Aalborg is the first Danish city ever to win an iCapital award.

The city is recognised for its ability to turn vision into real-world impact through strong partnerships between businesses, research institutions, public authorities and citizens. The jury highlights Aalborg’s transformation from a former industrial hub into a European frontrunner in green transition, digital development and co-creating innovation.

The award comes with a €500,000 prize, which Aalborg can use to accelerate its green and digital innovation initiatives.

Aalborg shapes Europe’s future

Image
Aalborg wins the title as Europe's most innovative city 
“Aalborg is not just part of Europe – we are shaping it,” says Mayor Lasse Frimand Jensen.
 
“Once known for its smoking chimneys, Aalborg is today a city where advanced manufacturing stands alongside world-class research, a vibrant cultural scene and green innovation – all grounded in strong values of social inclusion, democracy and children’s rights. We bring together craftsmanship and high technology, heavy industry and creativity. Not as opposites, but as a shared strength. Aalborg shows that cities can transform without losing sight of where they come from.”
 
The international jury highlights Aalborg’s ability to turn ideas into action through robust collaboration between industry, academia, citizens and the public sector. Projects such as the Norbis Park transformation, Stigsborg, the emerging space cluster and the Nursing Home of the Future demonstrate how Aalborg unites green transition, digital innovation and civic participation – using its industrial heritage as a springboard for sustainable growth.
 
“This is a significant recognition of Aalborg’s position as a European leader in green and digital innovation. For investors and companies, the message is clear: Aalborg is where ideas are tested, partnerships are built, and innovation becomes reality.” says Catharina Vinther Engqvist, Head of Foreign Direct Investment at Invest in Aalborg.
 
A strong recognition of Aalborg 
 
CEO and Founder of the software company AskCody and Invest in Aalborg Ambassador, Allan Mørch, is pleased about the award. This award is a testament to Aalborg’s resilience, its transformative power and the never-give-up
attitude of the people who live and work here. The story of Aalborg is one that deserves to be shared across Europe.

As the CEO of a software company deeply rooted in Aalborg, I have witnessed firsthand the city’s transformation into a vibrant hub for innovation and business growth. Aalborg’s commitment to sustainability and digitalisation, combined with its strong university, infrastructure and supportive ecosystem, has positioned the city well for future growth.
 
The award gives Aalborg strong recognition at a European level and a quality stamp we can actively use in the years ahead."
Image
Invest in Aalborg was behind the application and attending together with Mayor Lasse Frimand Jensen at the award show.
"...Aalborg is where ideas are tested, partnerships are built, and innovation becomes reality."

A stronger European voice

With the award, Aalborg joins the exclusive iCapital Alumni Network – a European community of cities that collaborate to advance innovation, knowledge sharing and sustainable development across borders.
“From the Aalborg Charter in 1994 to our role as a mentor city in the EU – and now as Europe’s most innovative city – Aalborg has shown the courage to rethink and the will to act,” The Mayor Lasse Frimand Jensen concludes.

Facts

  • Aalborg won ahead of San Sebastian (Spain) and Nicosia (Cyprus).
  • The award ceremony took place at the Cities Innovate Summit in Turin, Italy.
  • The winner of the Capital of Innovation category is Grenoble
  • Invest in Aalborg has appointed a group of ambassadors to help strengthen Aalborg's international profile.
Image

Can Aalborg become a "Satellite Valley"?

In the next 10 years, it is expected that humans will visit Mars – and it could very well be with Aalborg technology onboard.
Learn More

Ambassadors put Aalborg on the Map

The competition for investments, talents, and jobs is intense, but Aalborg is experiencing significant interest. We attribute part of the credit to the excellent "free" publicity from Aalborg's dedicated ambassador network.
Learn More

Aalborg Named unicef child-friendly city

When customers come knocking on our doors, we are not just talking about economics, square feet and supply chain. We are talking workforce, work-life balance and family
Learn More

Meet Catharina Vinter Engqvist

Head of Foreign Direct Investments, Invest in Aalborg
Image

Catharina and the team at Invest in Aalborg are your one-point-of contact to the City of Aalborg. We can help you with information, facts and network that make all the difference when you consider Aalborg as your business destination.

Let's help you build your business case.