Barcelona is Europe’s ‘iCapital’

The European Commission has awarded its European Capital of Innovation prize to Barcelona, giving the city €500,000 to spend on innovation projects.

Barcelona won the prize for “introducing the use of new technologies to bring the city closer to citizens”, according to the Commission. The announcement was made at the Innovation Convention held in Brussels on 11 March. 

According to a Commission statement, Barcelona has made huge progress in providing data for citizens on transport and services, while also revamping its energy systems through responsive grids. The city has also promoted alliances between research centres, universities and private companies, the Commission said.