As part of the fifth edition of the FARI Brussels Conference, taking place on 23–24 November 2026 in Brussels, FARI is launching the FARI Brussels Local Impact Award. This new award aims to recognise projects using artificial intelligence, data, robotics or digital technologies to create meaningful public value for Brussels and its communities.

Recognising initiatives shaping the future of Brussels

Brussels is at a decisive moment in the development of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. These technologies are playing an increasingly important role in the way cities are governed, public services are delivered, and citizens interact with their environment. The challenge is not only to innovate, but also to ensure that innovation is responsible, inclusive, trustworthy and rooted in local needs.

It is within this perspective that FARI — AI for the Common Good Institute — is creating the FARI Brussels Local Impact Award as part of the FARI Brussels Conference 2026.

The award aims to highlight a project, initiative or collaboration demonstrating how AI, data, robotics or digital technologies can generate meaningful public value for Brussels and its communities. It fully reflects FARI’s mission to connect research, innovation and implementation in the public interest.

Who can apply?

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

— 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 and industry-led initiatives;

— interdisciplinary consortia;

— independent project teams.

Projects do not need to be exclusively based in Brussels, but they must demonstrate a clear benefit, relevance or implementation potential for the Brussels-Capital Region and its communities.

What types of projects are eligible?

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

Applications may include:

— 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 both to projects with demonstrated impact and to projects with strong implementation potential.

Five thematic areas aligned with FARI’s action pillars

Applicants will be invited to select the main thematic area that best matches their project. These five categories reflect FARI’s five action pillars:

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.

An award presented by a multidisciplinary jury

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

Projects will be evaluated according to several criteria:

— local relevance for Brussels;

— societal impact;

— innovation and project quality;

— feasibility and transferability;

— ethics and responsibility;

— collaboration and interdisciplinarity.

Visibility at the heart of the FARI Brussels Conference 2026

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

The award will be presented during the FARI Brussels Conference 2026. Shortlisted applicants and/or the selected winner may be invited to attend the conference and present their project to the audience.

How to apply?

Do you have a project, initiative or collaboration that uses AI, data, robotics or digital technologies to create meaningful public value for Brussels?

Apply now for the FARI Brussels Local Impact Award and help showcase how innovation can serve the common good.

Before submitting your application, please make sure to read the award rules. For any question about the application process or the award, you can contact us at conference@fari.brussels.

Click here to apply