Mainz named one of three European Rising Innovative Cities 2022

Mainz has finished runner-up in the category European Rising Innovative City 2022 at the European Capital of Innovation Award 2022. The award, presented by the European Commission, is a testament to the plethora of initiatives in Mainz centered on driving innovative ideas and solutions forward. The ceremony took place on December 7, 2022, at the European Innovation Council Summit in Brussels. The award was presented by Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.

Many different examples of innovation were submitted to the award panel, all of which clearly demonstrate how various city stakeholders are collaborating to design purposeful and inspiring innovation ecosystems. The European Commission award also acknowledges the role played by Mainz’s broad innovation network and diverse ecosystem landscape. Besides the ongoing dynamic development of the state capital as a biotechnology hub, the ecosystem also includes other stand-out initiatives focusing on subjects such as digitalization and decarbonization.

Role of biotechnology and life sciences in the bid
The extensive scientific and academic platform offered by the university, the university hospital and all of the city’s research facilities were presented as a source of innovation in the bid in the area of biotechnology and life sciences. The amount of research funding acquired for Mainz-based projects and the innovative concepts emerging from the city were both addressed. 

TRON gGmbH and its innovative approach to translating fundamental scientific research into clinical applications served as a prime example of how Mainz can accelerate innovation. Arguably the most famous example cited in the bid was the contribution to the development of Comirnaty®, the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine developed by BioNTech SE. 
The bid also demonstrated how networks such as the Ci3 and curATime cluster, the information and education platform CIMT, FORTHEM and the Mainz Research Alliance facilitate collaboration and the sharing of knowledge among stakeholders both in the local area and on the international stage.

Great delight in award and impressive innovations
Mayor Günter Beck, who accepted the award in Brussels, was overjoyed to receive the accolade. He stressed that it was a special prize that everyone can take great pride in, and was a just reward for the dedication and teamwork of many different stakeholders in Mainz who continue to come up with impressive innovations.
 

More information is available here:

City of Mainz website