Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML has been named the most innovative company in Europe, according to Fortune‘s 2026 Europe’s Most Innovative Companies rankings.
The annual list, now in its second year, ranked 300 businesses from 18 countries and 21 sectors based on product innovation, process innovation and innovation culture. Eligible companies must have more than 250 employees and were assessed across a range of business and organisational criteria.
‘Solving problems that matter’
“Europe’s most exciting companies are solving problems that matter,” commented Grethe Schepers, lists director, Europe at Fortune. “These companies are turning fresh ideas into real growth across industry and services, from manufacturing and energy to healthcare, technology, and consumer markets.”
ASML came out on top in the rankings for its work on advanced lithography technologies that support the development of next-generation semiconductor chips, it noted.
“This recognition reflects the creativity, perseverance, and engineering excellence of our people and our partners, who work every day to solve some of the world’s toughest technological challenges,” commented Christophe Fouquet, CEO, ASML.
Top performers
The remainder of the top five is made up of Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson, Swiss industrial technology firm Endress+Hauser, British engineering group Rolls-Royce and German semiconductor manufacturer Infineon Technologies.
France was particularly prominent at the top of the ranking, with four companies placing in the top ten. These included L’Oréal, Michelin, Sanofi and EssilorLuxottica. Royal Philips of the Netherlands completed the top ten.
Germany contributed the largest number of companies overall, with 56 organisations included in this year’s rankings. Switzerland followed with 47 companies, while France contributed 41, the United Kingdom 35 and Italy 34. Together, these five countries account for more than 70% of the businesses featured on the list.
By sector, financial services and technology were the most represented industries, accounting for 48 and 32 companies respectively. Large organisations continue to dominate the ranking, accounting for more than three-quarters of listed companies
The list was unveiled at the VivaTech conference in Paris during a Fortune session presented in partnership with Schneider Electric and EY. Read more here.
Top 10 Europe’s Most Innovative Companies
| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASML Holding | Netherlands |
| 2 | Ericsson | Sweden |
| 3 | Endress+Hauser | Switzerland |
| 4 | Rolls-Royce Holdings | United Kingdom |
| 5 | Infineon Technologies | Germany |
| 6 | L’Oréal | France |
| 7 | Michelin | France |
| 8 | Sanofi | France |
| 9 | EssilorLuxottica | France |
| 10 | Royal Philips | Netherlands |
