The Xunta announces the VIII Award for innovative talent in the Galician Administration

The Galician Innovation Agency has approved the regulatory bases and announced the VIII Award for innovative talent in the Galician public administration for the year 2026, with a maximum amount of 9,000 euros. The resolution, signed by the director of the organization, Carmen Cotelo Queijo, is published in the Official Gazette of Galicia (DOG) no. 194, dated October 13, 2026, with the procedure code IN822D. The deadline for submitting applications is one month starting from the day following its publication.

The award, promoted by the organization dependent on the Department of Education, Science, Universities and Vocational Training, is part of the Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3) of Galicia 2021-2027 and the Galician research and innovation plan 2025-2027, approved by the Council of the Xunta on February 3, 2025. The call continues the seven previous editions, held under the name “Innovative Public Employees Award,” and introduces a renewed structure and a new name as a result of a continuous improvement process.

The resolution is processed under a competitive bidding regime in accordance with Law 9/2007, of June 13, on subsidies in Galicia, and under Decree 50/2012, of January 12, which creates the Galician Innovation Agency. The summary of the call is also published in the DOG, with identification number 934079 in the National Subsidies Database.

Three categories for an innovation itinerary

All civil service and contractual staff included in article 4.a) and 4.c) of Law 2/2015, of April 29, on public employment in Galicia, may participate, either individually or in teams of up to three people, with the express designation of one spokesperson. Each candidacy is registered in only one of the three categories:

• Identification of opportunities: detection and analysis of innovation challenges within the Administration, with lines of work for the future implementation of a solution.
• Development of innovative initiatives: projects ready to be implemented or in the initial phases of implementation.
• Administrative simplification: proposals for the reduction of bureaucracy, procedures, times, or administrative burdens, both internal and external.

Staff from the Galician public health system may compete provided that the project is applied outside the Galician health sector. Projects that have already been winners in any previous edition may not be submitted.

Prizes of up to 3,000 euros and career recognition

In each of the three categories, one winning proposal and two finalists are established:

• Winning proposals: 2,000 euros for individual applications and 3,000 euros for teams, in addition to an accrediting diploma and a commemorative trophy.
• Finalist proposals: commemorative trophy.

The total maximum financial allocation amounts to 9,000 euros, charged to budget application 07.A2.561A.480.2 of the budgets of the Autonomous Community of Galicia for 2026. The prizes are compatible with other subsidies, grants, income, or resources for the same purpose. Furthermore, being a beneficiary of the award constitutes an evaluation criterion for grades I and II of the administrative career, under the Order of November 25, 2022.

Electronic applications and evaluation process

Applications must be submitted electronically through the headquarters of the Xunta de Galicia, using the standardized form of procedure IN822D, together with annexes I, II, and III. The instructing body is the Area of Strategies and Programs of the Galician Innovation Agency, which requires the correction of defects within a maximum and non-extendable period of ten days.

The Evaluation Committee, composed of five people, will formulate the award proposal within a period not exceeding two months from the end of the application period. The director’s resolution must be issued within a maximum of three months and, in any case, within the 2026 budget year. Proposals are evaluated on a scale of 100 points per category, and the prize may be declared void if no candidacy reaches 35% of the maximum score.

Artificial intelligence as a support tool

The call expressly permits the use of artificial intelligence as a support tool, never as a substitute for the initiative, analysis, or creativity of the candidates. Proposals that employ it must pass a “rigor filter” that evaluates the necessity and availability of data, technical rigor, minimization of errors, the existence of simpler alternatives, and maintenance and training costs. Proportionality, transparency, equity, and the absence of biases or discriminatory results will be valued.

The call is of direct interest to all personnel in the service of the Xunta de Galicia and its public sector, who have one month to submit R&D&i proposals. The prize combines financial allocation, public recognition in an official act, and a merit evaluable in the administrative career, in addition to reinforcing the culture of innovation and the modernization of public management.

Source: Official Gazette of Galicia (DOG), no. 194, October 13, 2026, section III. Other provisions, p. 52267 (official reference: isklwh63-vh73-unv2-qls3-9nwreyka6k33).