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REGIOSTARS Awards

Regiostars Awards

REGIOSTARS has been organized annually by DG REGIO since 2008. Over the years, it has become Europe’s label of excellence for EU-funded projects that demonstrate the impact and inclusivity of regional development.

In 2024, projects competed in five categories:

Winners are announced!

Elisa Ferreira, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, and Vasco Alves Cordeiro, President of the European Committee of the Regions, announced the winners of the REGIOSTARS 2024. Congratulations to Bythos, Biogreenfinery, BITS - Bicycles and Intelligent Transport Systems, Health Development Programme – Telemedicine for the Most Deprived Settlements, and Gdynia OdNowa: Revitalisation!

The winners were chosen by the REGIOSTARS jury, who carefully evaluated a record number of applications – 262 in total – and selected 25 finalists. The winners were chosen from among the finalists during the second evaluation phase, which involved project pitches in front of a live audience and jury interviews.

Get to know the winners and finalists of each category below.

As in previous years, the public had the opportunity to vote for their favourite finalist for the Public Choice Award. Altogether, a whopping 20,382 votes were given. The public’s favourite in the REGIOSTARS 2024 was Bythos, which therefore won two awards this year – congratulations!

All winners were announced during the REGIOSTARS ceremony in Brussels on 9 October 2024 at 19:00 CET.

Thank you for everyone who participated in this year’s competition. We look forward to the next edition. Stay tuned!

Finalists

Past Editions

A COMPETITIVE AND SMART EUROPE

Bythos
  • Closed
  • Interreg Italia-Malta
  • Italy
  • Malta

Bythos

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.
Project website
Matlust Food Hub
  • Closed
  • Sweden

Matlust Food Hub

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.
Project website
SustES - Adaptation strategies for sustainable ecosystem services and food security
  • Closed
  • Czechia

SustES - Adaptation strategies for sustainable ecosystem services and food security

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.
Project website
Care and Mobility Innovation
  • Closed
  • Germany

Care and Mobility Innovation

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.
Project website
Device for Early Diagnosis of Skin Cancer
  • Closed
  • Latvia

Device for Early Diagnosis of Skin Cancer

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.
Project website

A GREEN EUROPE

Biogreenfinery
  • Closed
  • Spain

Biogreenfinery

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.
Project website
Jomopans
  • Closed
  • Interreg North Sea Region
  • Belgium
  • The Netherlands
  • Germany
  • Denmark
  • Norway
  • United Kingdom

Jomopans

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.
Project website
Ecogrés 4.0
  • Closed
  • Portugal

Ecogrés 4.0

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.
Project website
Swipe for a Greener Future
  • Closed
  • Bulgaria

Swipe for a Greener Future

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.
Project website
"Topsoil"
  • Closed
  • Interreg North Sea Region
  • Denmark
  • The Netherlands
  • Belgium
  • Germany
  • United Kingdom

"Topsoil"

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.
Project website

A CONNECTED EUROPE

BITS: Bicycles and Intelligent Transport Systems
  • Closed
  • Interreg North Sea Region
  • Belgium
  • The Netherlands
  • Germany
  • Denmark
  • United Kingdom

BITS: Bicycles and Intelligent Transport Systems

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.
Project website
Smart E67
  • Closed
  • Interreg Central Baltic
  • Estonia
  • Latvia

Smart E67

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.
Project website
New bioclimatic airport terminal
  • Closed
  • France

New bioclimatic airport terminal

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.
Project website
Transborder
  • Closed
  • Interreg Romania-Hungary
  • Romania
  • Hungary

Transborder

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.
Project website
WiNet@Uni
  • Closed
  • Interreg Romania-Republic of Moldova
  • Romania
  • Republic of Moldova

WiNet@Uni

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.
Project website

A SOCIAL AND INCLUSIVE EUROPE

Chess for Change: One Move at a Time
  • Closed
  • Interreg Romania-Hungary
  • Romania
  • Hungary

Chess for Change: One Move at a Time

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.
Project website
Health development program
  • Closed
  • Hungary

Health development program

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.
Project website
Moai labs
  • Closed
  • Interreg Sudoe
  • Spain
  • France

Moai labs

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.
Project website
O Krok
  • Closed
  • Czechia

O Krok

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.
Project website
Realiza.te: a Collaborative Journey
  • Closed
  • Portugal

Realiza.te: a Collaborative Journey

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.
Project website

A EUROPE CLOSER TO CITIZENS

Babylingua
  • Closed
  • Interreg Grande Région
  • Germany
  • France

Babylingua

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.
Project website
Gdynia OdNowa: Revitalisation
  • Closed
  • Poland

Gdynia OdNowa: Revitalisation

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.
Project website
Human Power Hub
  • Closed
  • Portugal

Human Power Hub

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.
Project website
"Towards POSSIBILITIES"
  • Closed
  • Lithuania

"Towards POSSIBILITIES"

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.
Project website
Sphere Pardubice educational centre
  • Closed
  • Czechia

Sphere Pardubice educational centre

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.
Project website