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REGIOSTARS Awards

Regiostars Awards

Since its inception in 2008, REGIOSTARS has become Europe’s label of excellence for EU-funded projects that demonstrate the impact and inclusiveness of regional development. By putting forward solutions to common challenges and tapping into the biggest opportunities, REGIOSTARS has inspired regions to deliver ever more impactful EU regional policy.

The categories are:

Past Editions

Finalists are announced!

The REGIOSTARS jury has carefully evaluated – yet again – a record number of applications – 262 in total – and selected 25 finalists. You can find the finalists of each category below.

The winners were chosen by REGIOSTARS jury, who carefully evaluated the record number of applications – 228 in total – and selected 30 finalists. The winners were selected among the finalists in the second evaluation phase consisting of project pitches in front of a live audience and jury interviews.

Next steps

  • Public vote
    As in previous years, the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite finalist for the Public Choice Award. The vote will begin on 2 September on this website.
  • Final Round
    The finalists will meet for the "final round" of jury evaluation during the #EURegionsWeek in Brussels. There they will pitch their projects in front of a live audience as well as the jury.
  • Ceremony
    The winners will be announced during the REGIOSTARS ceremony on 9 October. The ceremony is organised as part of the #EURegionsWeek

A COMPETITIVE AND SMART EUROPE

Bythos

Bythos

  • Interreg Italia-Malta
  • Italy
  • Malta
Bythos utilised side streams from the fish processing industry to create ingredients for human and animal wellbeing. Bioactive molecules with health-promoting properties were extracted for use in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and cosmetics. Remaining organic matter was converted into sustainable fish feed. The main goal was to transfer knowledge to the private sector to foster new value chains and reduce organic waste through the establishment of high-tech startups.
Matlust Food Hub

Matlust Food Hub

  • Sweden
The overarching objective of MatLust was to create a sustainable, innovative and growing food industry in the Stockholm region – and one that promotes environmental and health aspects! The project aimed to:
  • develop a regional hub and incubator for sustainable food,
  • enhance innovation,
  • develop new products,
  • foster growing companies with more job opportunities,
  • expand the recruitment base for food enterprises in the region.
SustES

SustES - Adaptation strategies for sustainable ecosystem services and food security

  • Czechia
The SustES team researched possible ways of navigating agriculture through the dire straits of climate change, when production needs to be maintained with lower water and emission costs and being more environmentally friendly. This was achieved through a carefully designed experiments performed in fields and labs, and with complex computer simulations. The adaptation strategies for sustainable ecosystem services and food security accounted for impacts expected locally and globally.
Care and Mobility Innovation

Care and Mobility Innovation

  • Germany
The Care and Mobility Innovation project developed an innovation strategy in digital health and intelligent mobility sectors, realised digital projects and promoted cross-sectoral innovations. The partners in the project transferred digital and technical innovations into the healthcare and mobility of the future. The projects has turned the Aachen region into a leading location for digital medicine and connected mobility.
Device for Early Diagnosis of Skin Cancer

Device for Early Diagnosis of Skin Cancer

  • Latvia
Researchers from two Latvian universities have developed a device that provides an opportunity for general practitioners to diagnose skin melanoma at an early stage, as well as classify other types of skin cancers and benign formations. The device is intended for large-scale population screening, thereby detecting skin melanoma at an early stage. Early detection of skin melanoma, means the patient has almost 100% chance of recovery.

A GREEN EUROPE

BIOGREENFINERY

BIOGREENFINERY

  • Spain
BIOGREENFINERY is an innovative platform that seeks to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of producing alternative fuels such as green hydrogen and other synthetic fuels. These fuels will be used in sectors where there are currently no renewable solutions, thereby contributing to the energy transition in the Canary Islands. BIOGREENFINERY reduces dependence on oil and promotes significant environmental, social and economic benefits for the region.
Jomopans

Jomopans

  • Interreg North Sea Region
  • Belgium
  • The Netherlands
  • Germany
  • Denmark
  • Norway
  • United Kingdom
Underwater sound is vital for animals to survive. Noise from economic activities such as offshore wind parks and shipping has a major impact on dolphins, whales and smaller marine life. Jomopans combined measurements at sea with numerical modelling to make the first soundscape of the busiest sea in the world, the North Sea. The outcomes help to shape regional policies on seas across the EU, provide input for EU policies, and incentivise industry to take measures against noise pollution.
ECOGRES 4.0

ECOGRES 4.0

  • Portugal
A Green Revolution in Ceramics! Born from the successful R&D project, Ecogrés + NG, they have developed sustainable ceramic pastes using a circular economy philosophy. Incorporating waste from ceramic and non-ceramic industries, producing new, more sustainable product lines. The success of the project and the products developed led to the creation of a spinoff, ECOGRES–Ecological Ceramics, Ltd. This new venture will produce new lines of sustainable products, marking a significant step forward in green innovation.
Swipe for a Greener Future

Swipe for a Greener Future

  • Bulgaria
Swipe revitalises second-hand smartphones and electronics, reducing e-waste and promoting sustainable consumption. By refurbishing and reselling used devices, Swipe supports a circular economy, reduces environmental impact, and aligns with the EU's Green Deal objectives. Our initiative not only extends product lifecycles but also fosters a cleaner, more sustainable Europe by embracing green technology and resource efficiency.
TOPSOIL

TOPSOIL

  • Interreg North Sea Region
  • Denmark
  • The Netherlands
  • Belgium
  • Germany
  • United Kingdom
Damaging storms, floods and droughts are visible effects of climate change. TOPSOIL is about what happens unseen underground with a long-term impact on our drinking water and agricultural land. 24 partners used new geophysical methods to assess underground structures and find solutions for the future of soil and groundwater management. Governments, the agricultural sector and water managers have adapted 44 proposed solutions, successfully improving water management in the North Sea region for our society.

A CONNECTED EUROPE

BITS: Bicycles and Intelligent Transport Systems

BITS: Bicycles and Intelligent Transport Systems

  • Interreg North Sea Region
  • Belgium
  • The Netherlands
  • Germany
  • Denmark
  • United Kingdom
BITS embodies the twin – green and digital – transition by linking cycling with Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). It was the first project in Europe to demonstrate the variety of possibilities created by smart cycling applications. BITS made use of ITS through 30+ innovative pilot schemes increasing cycling safety, speed, comfort and ease of use for citizens in the North Sea Region. The project leaves a solid legacy behind, including the MegaBITS project and the BITS Directory showcasing smart cycling services.
SMART E67

SMART E67

  • Interreg Central Baltic
  • Estonia
  • Latvia
The SMART E67 project aimed at increasing efficiency and safety of passenger and cargo mobility in the Central Baltic region by introducing Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) on a key transport corridor – E67 – in Estonia and Latvia. By introducing ITS elements such as roadside variable message signs, modernised traffic lights, and road weather information systems, the project contributed to improved traffic efficiency, safety, and reduction of CO2 emissions.
NEW BIOCLIMATIC AIRPORT TERMINAL

NEW BIOCLIMATIC AIRPORT TERMINAL

  • France
La Réunion's bioclimatic, naturally ventilated terminal embodies an innovative and unprecedented approach to energy transition, and the desire to combine growth in passenger flows with quality of welcome. Through this emblematic achievement, La Réunion Roland Garros airport is strengthening its environmental commitments, consolidating its position as a European hub in the Indian Ocean and contributing to the region's influence and economic development.
TRANSBORDER

TRANSBORDER

  • Interreg Romania-Hungary
  • Romania
  • Hungary
TRANSBORDER revolutionises public transport in Oradea and Debrecen, enhancing sustainable mobility and cutting CO2 emissions. The project introduces a direct cross-border public transport line, new low-emission buses, advanced tech systems, and real-time information panels. It also develops a cross-border route planner transport app, conducts comprehensive studies and organises community events, all fostering sustainable development and enhancing regional connectivity.
WiNet@Uni

WiNet@Uni

  • Interreg Romania-Republic of Moldova
  • Romania
  • Republic of Moldova
WiNet@Uni upgraded the communication infrastructures of Iasi and Moldova Technical Universities. The state-of-the-art corporate communication networks feature free WiFi access in the university campuses in both indoor and outdoor spaces and modern teleconferencing solutions. More than 23, 000 students and professors benefit directly from improved communication infrastructure. By providing WiFi access, the universities empower students, professors, and researchers to navigate the digital landscape effectively.

A SOCIAL AND INCLUSIVE EUROPE

Chess for Change: One Move at a Time

Chess for Change: One Move at a Time

  • Interreg Romania-Hungary
  • Romania
  • Hungary
In the heart of Roma communities in Romania and Hungary, a unique project unfolds, transforming lives with every strategic move. Chess became a lifeline for 100 disadvantaged children, teaching them skills, resilience, and self-esteem. With dedicated chess rooms, trained mentors, and competitions, the project sparks hope, fosters social inclusion, and shatters barriers. As these young minds master the game, they also master their destinies, proving that with support, every child can be a champion.
Health development program

Health development program

  • Hungary
An important pillar of reducing social inequalities is healthcare. The new technological and software solutions enabled the implementation of telemedicine in emerging settlements. The service utiliszes mobile clinics to provide modern medical care and preventive care in the vicinity of patients’ homes. The examinations are performed locally by healthcare professionals, while the live video feed allow doctors to have a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s health status.
MOAI LABS

MOAI LABS

  • Interreg Sudoe
  • Spain
  • France
How many older adults reach the end of their lives alone in the EU? 31 %. MOAI LABS, a European R&D&I laboratory for the fight against unwanted loneliness and social isolation, has focused on the theoretical and empirical study of loneliness, the co-design, co-development and adaptation of technological solutions to the needs of the elderly, who can somehow change their situation of unwanted loneliness, and the evaluation of their impact on local and national policies.
O KROK

O KROK

  • Czechia
O KROK helps people with disabilities find employment in the open labour market. In the project people with disabilities are the experts in identifying both physical barriers in the workplace and in the minds of able-bodied employees. The project not only facilitates job opportunities, but also promotes diversity in teams and helps companies meet ESG criteria. This way, companies can save on compensation while gaining valuable employees who contribute their unique skills and perspectives.
Realiza.te: a Collaborative Journey

Realiza.te: a Collaborative Journey

  • Portugal
Realiza.te's journey showcases collaborative efforts to combat Early School Leaving and enhance educational success. It emphasizes tailored interventions, multidisciplinary teams, and equity-focused initiatives. Positive outcomes include reduced Early School Leaving rates (2.3% or 5.9% depending on the level of schooling) and increased equity indices surpassing regional and national averages. This methodology offers a blueprint for promoting educational equality through partnership and collective action.

A EUROPE CLOSER TO CITIZENS

Babylingua

Babylingua

  • Interreg Grande Région
  • Germany
  • France
The Babylingua – Cross-border childcare facility -project provided for the construction and equipping of a cross-border childcare facility in Saarbrücken. After 7 years of the project, the cross-border crèche became operational in September 2023. It accommodates 33 children in the crèche and 100 children in the kindergarten.
Gdynia OdNowa: Revitalisation

Gdynia OdNowa: Revitalisation

  • Poland
Gdynia OdNowa is a revitalisation project that brings degraded areas of the city out of the multidimensional crisis. Project activities cover three districts, involving residents in decision-making processes and using local resources. The project, financed from European funds and the city budget, focuses on the development of infrastructure and civic participation. Gdynia OdNowa has gained recognition at the local, national and international level, winning numerous nominations and awards.
Human Power Hub

Human Power Hub

  • Portugal
The Human Power Hub is the social innovation centre of Braga, part of the Municipal Company BragaHabit. It focuses on accelerating and incubating entrepreneurial projects with social impact, promoting collaboration between the public, corporate, social, and academic sectors through the "quadruple helix" methodology. Its goal is to create innovative solutions for social challenges and improve the quality of life in local communities.
LINK GALIMYBIŲ

LINK GALIMYBIŲ

  • Lithuania
The project aims to develop alternative community-based services for care institutions that help people of working age with mental or intellectual disabilities to live independently and participate in society. Project activities focus on the individual needs of people, improving their quality of life and inclusion in the community. A person becomes more independent, socialises faster, has every opportunity to participate in the life of the community. The services of the project are still ongoing.
SPHERE PARDUBICE EDUCATIONAL CENTRE

SPHERE PARDUBICE EDUCATIONAL CENTRE

  • Czechia
At the confluence of the Chrudimka and Elbe rivers in Pardubice, at the beginning of the 20th century, brothers Egon and Karel Winternitz built automatic mills, designed by architect Josef Gočár. In the autumn of 2024, the area became the new cultural, educational and creative centre of the city. The Sphere Educational Centre offers classrooms and laboratories with state-of-the-art facilities to educate children and the public in science and technology in an engaging way.