Meet the finalists
Cities of all sizes from across the globe submitted inspiring visions and bold pledges. Fifteen cities have emerged as finalists – each setting out its own vision and ideas for bringing people together to unlock the innovative and creative potential of its community.
From harnessing emerging technologies and reimagining public services to empowering creators, preserving cultural heritage and opening new spaces for citizen-led innovation, these pledges demonstrate the many different paths that can be taken to foster innovation and creativity. Here is a glimpse of the visions they have pledged to bring to life.
The winners will be announced at the award ceremony to be held at WIPO headquarters in Geneva, on October 12, 2026.
Charleroi, Belgium
Charleroi’s vision centers on strengthening its technological and digital ecosystem through the continued development of the A6K-E6K innovation and training hub. Its pledges include attracting technology start-ups and innovation jobs, strengthening support for the protection and commercialization of ideas, developing digital and creative talent, and connecting technological innovation with environmental transition and new green economic opportunities.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai’s vision is to strengthen its position as an international hub for science, technology and intellectual property, while fostering a broader culture of innovation and creativity. Its pledges include expanding IP education and services, opening innovation infrastructure and data, supporting cultural and creative industries, and strengthening connections between research, industry, entrepreneurs and investors.
Jaipur, India
Jaipur’s vision is to connect its rich heritage identity with innovation in sustainability, urban management and the creative economy. Its pledges include advancing circular-economy and smart waste-management initiatives, applying digital and technological solutions to the conservation and management of its historic urban environment, and sharing its experience and technical expertise with other cities in Rajasthan.
Thiruvananthapuram, India
Thiruvananthapuram envisions an integrated innovation ecosystem connecting intellectual property, entrepreneurship, research, digital governance, sustainability and citizen participation. Its pledges include establishing an Innovation and IP Accelerator and urban living labs, developing AI-enabled public services, advancing climate and circular-economy initiatives, and fostering collaboration in areas including maritime innovation, biosciences and deep technology.
Amman, Jordan
Amman’s vision is to build an integrated urban ecosystem for innovation and creativity centered on community empowerment, the creative economy, digital solutions and intellectual property. Its pledges include developing digital and creative skills, strengthening IP awareness, establishing an Innovation Lab to turn ideas from citizens and municipal employees into practical initiatives, and supporting entrepreneurship and open innovation.
Bergish Municipality/Irbid, Jordan
Bergish envisions combining ecological preservation with digital and cultural innovation through its “Bergish Green Innovation Horizon.” Its pledges include developing an augmented-reality platform for natural and heritage sites, supporting local artisans and agricultural producers through IP and geographical indications, and applying smart technologies to forest conservation.
Astana, Kazakhstan
Astana envisions a self-sustaining innovation ecosystem in which digital technologies respond directly to citizens’ needs and urban challenges. Its pledges include developing an AI- and data-enabled Smart City platform, creating a single digital gateway for personalized public services, strengthening Astana’s innovation ecosystem, and applying technology to sustainability and accessibility.
Tetouan, Morocco
Tetouan envisions becoming a “Mediterranean Hub of Culture and Innovation,” connecting its cultural heritage with technology, entrepreneurship and citizen participation. Its pledges include developing a Smart Medina application and digital marketplace for handicrafts, creating a Fab Lab connecting artisans with designers and students, supporting women in creative industries, and establishing an Urban Living Lab for citizen-led solutions.
Rabat, Morocco
Rabat’s vision brings together digital transformation, ecological transition, culture and international urban cooperation as drivers of innovation and creativity. Its pledges include developing a city digital twin and digital municipal services, strengthening citizen participation in evaluating those services, advancing green mobility and urban sustainability, and using its designation as UNESCO World Book Capital 2026 to expand access to culture and creativity.
Echague, Philippines
Echague’s vision places its indigenous Yogad community at the heart of an approach combining innovation, cultural preservation and agricultural modernization. Its pledges include using digital tools to document and protect the Yogad language and traditional knowledge, strengthening IP awareness among artisans and farmers, and developing technology-enabled agricultural infrastructure to support local producers.
Municipality of Caldas da Rainha, Portugal
Caldas da Rainha’s vision places people, creativity and local identity at the center of innovation. Its pledges include strengthening innovation literacy among young people, helping creators and businesses understand and use intellectual property, developing a human-centered digital commercial district, and connecting the city’s creative ecosystem with international networks.
Moscow, Russian Federation
Moscow envisions further strengthening its technology ecosystem by connecting research and invention more closely with commercialization and urban application. Its pledges include developing an AI-assisted platform linking companies with research and production capabilities, providing new services to support IP protection and commercialization, strengthening technology infrastructure, and applying emerging technologies to urban mobility and services.
Mueang Lamphun, Thailand
Lamphun’s vision is to use its cultural heritage as a foundation for creativity, innovation and sustainable development. Its pledges include connecting traditional knowledge with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and project-based education, developing the Lanna Lantern as a creative industry and expression of city identity, strengthening IP awareness among local creators, and regenerating urban spaces as an inclusive innovation district.
Roi Et, Thailand
Roi Et envisions its “Wot Innovation Ecosystem” as a way to connect cultural heritage with creativity, intellectual property, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development. Its pledges include establishing a Creative IP Academy, engaging young people in developing innovations inspired by local culture, and creating pathways for creative ideas and cultural assets to be protected, developed and translated into opportunities for local communities.
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Liverpool’s vision is to deepen collaboration across its innovation ecosystem, bringing academia, industry, government and citizens closer together to support inclusive innovation. Its pledges include strengthening innovation governance, developing a new innovation strategy, expanding IP and commercialization support for businesses, and engaging communities and young people through innovation, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) activities.