Brussels is at a decisive moment for AI.

Artificial intelligence, data and robotics are becoming increasingly important in the way cities are governed, public services are delivered, and communities engage with technology. The challenge is not only to innovate, but to ensure that innovation is responsible, inclusive, trustworthy and rooted in local needs.

This award was created to highlight projects that already contribute to this ambition and to showcase how technology can serve the common good in and for Brussels.

The award is open to individuals, teams and organisations whose work demonstrates a clear relevance for Brussels.

This may include:

• researchers and research teams;

• PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers;

• universities and research centres;

• educational initiatives;

• citizen science projects;

• public-sector initiatives;

• civil society and non-profit organisations;

• startups, companies or industry-led initiatives;

• interdisciplinary consortia;

• independent project teams.

The project does not need to be exclusively based in Brussels, but it must show a clear benefit, relevance or implementation potential for the Brussels-Capital Region and its communities.

Eligible projects must use, relate to, or be supported by AI, data, robotics, digital technologies or associated methods.

Projects may include, for example:

• applied research projects;

• prototypes, pilots or demonstrators;

• public-interest digital tools;

• educational initiatives;

• citizen science projects;

• urban innovation projects;

• interdisciplinary collaborations.

The award is open to both projects with proven impact and projects with strong implementation potential.

Applicants are invited to select the main thematic area that best matches their project.

The five thematic areas are:

• Health — projects related to health, wellbeing, care, prevention or accessibility to health services;

• Cities — projects linked to mobility, public space, urban planning, infrastructure, digital twins or urban resilience;

• Public — projects supporting public services, governance, democratic participation, civic engagement or policy-making;

• Sustainability — projects addressing climate, environment, energy, circular economy, inclusion, equity or long-term resilience;

• Trust — projects promoting transparent, ethical and responsible uses of AI, data, robotics or digital technologies.

Applications will be assessed by a jury composed of representatives from academia, FARI, public institutions, civil society and the innovation ecosystem.

The jury will evaluate applications based on the following criteria:

• Local relevance — Does the project address a challenge, need or opportunity relevant to Brussels?

• Societal impact — Does it create, or could it create, concrete value for citizens, communities, public services or local stakeholders?

• Innovation and quality — Is the project original, credible, rigorous or distinctive?

• Feasibility and transferability — Can it be implemented, continued, adapted, replicated or scaled?

• Ethics and responsibility — Does it take into account transparency, inclusion, data protection, accountability, fairness and risk prevention?

• Collaboration and interdisciplinarity — Does it involve meaningful collaboration across disciplines, sectors, institutions, citizens or communities?

The winner of the FARI Brussels Local Impact Award will receive:

• official recognition during the FARI Brussels Conference 2026;

• a symbolic trophy;

• visibility through FARI’s communication channels;

• the opportunity to present the project to a diverse audience of researchers, public decision-makers, innovators, companies, civil society organisations and citizens.

Unless otherwise stated, the award does not include financial support.

The award will be presented during the FARI Brussels Conference 2026.

Shortlisted applicants and/or the selected winner may be contacted in advance and invited to attend and present their project during the conference.

Applications must be submitted through the official online application form.

Applicants will be asked to provide information about:

• the applicant and team;

• the project and its objectives;

• the technologies or methods used;

• the project’s relevance for Brussels;

• its actual or potential impact;

• its maturity;

• its ethical and responsible approach;

• its next steps and implementation potential;

• any useful links or supporting material.

Before applying, applicants are encouraged to read the award rules.

Applications must be submitted before September 15, 23:59 CEST

Any application received after the deadline may not be considered.

The full rules of the FARI Brussels Local Impact Award are available here: