European Data Spaces Awards 2025 launched! Apply now!

The inaugural European Data Spaces Awards 2025, aiming to celebrate outstanding achievements in data sharing and promote best practices across the continent, have been launched on 23 September 2025, during a Data Spaces Support Centre (DSSC) webinar.

Data is one of Europe’s most valuable economic assets, central to the ambitions of the European Data Union strategy. The European Data Union strategy is designed to strengthen data sovereignty, foster trust and ensure a fair distribution of the value created by data, which are key ingredients to scaling up AI effectively across the EU.

In this context, the European Data Spaces Awards have been launched with the objective of promoting the best-in-class European data sharing initiatives. The awards will put the spotlight on the achievements of leading initiatives that exemplify excellence in data sharing, providing visibility and guidance for others while encouraging a stronger and improved data community. Organised by the Data Spaces Support Centre (DSSC) in collaboration with the European Commission, the awards are closely tied to the Maturity Model for Common European Data Spaces, reinforcing shared principles and long-term goals.

The 2025 edition will feature two categories, offering applicants from across the ecosystem the chance to showcase their impact:

Category 1: Excellence in end-user engagement and financial sustainability

This category recognises data spaces that demonstrate strong user focus and a viable long-term financial model. Download the application form here.

Category 2: Most innovative emerging data space

This category celebrates promising new initiatives that bring fresh ideas and impactful innovation to the data space ecosystem.

Key dates for applicants include:

• Application period: 23 September – 7 November 2025
• Nominee announcement: 17 December 2025
• Awards ceremony: 10 February 2026, during the Data Spaces Symposium 2026 (DSS 2026)