SCEWC25

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Broaden your experience and get to the heart of key smart city issues with a wide range of panels and activities.

Smart & Green Cities for All: The MICAD Vision

Launched in March 2025, MICAD is an EU-funded project supporting inclusive metropolitan planning for climate and digital transitions. This session will present its goals, approach, and main outputs—including toolkits and Roadmaps—and invite participants to share feedback to help refine and adapt the project.

04 NOV | 13:05 | Impact Tech Stage

Democratic Innovation in European Cities

Alliance of European Mayors and Better Politics Foundation co-produced a documentary on innovation in European cities, spotlighted mayors and cities that are pioneering new approaches to democratic resilience, digital transformation, and citizen engagement. Outstanding mayors from cities such as Stockholm, Bologna and Lisbon participates in this powerful story of how local leadership is reshaping democracy from the ground up.

04 NOV | 14:05 | Impact Tech Stage

An urgent call for resilient and sustainable tourism in cities

This session explores how cities can manage tourism sustainably, using a resilience-based approach and data-driven tools to balance the influx of visitors and its economic benefits with the affordability and livability of their residents. UN-Habitat, UN-Tourism and partner experts will present a new global effort to help cities and territories assess tourism-related risks and their positive and undesirable impacts on the urban system.

04 NOV | 16:55 | People-First Stage

GCoM Climate Projects Implementation and Impact Report

GCoM, the largest global alliance of cities fighting climate change, will showcase success stories of climate action worldwide, including smart mobility in Shimla (India), floating infrastructure for sea-level rise in Belize City, and waste-to-biogas projects in Basse and Sekondi-Takoradi (Ghana). It will also launch its 2025 Impact Report highlighting implementation progress.

04 NOV | 14:05 | Clean Cities Stage

Redefining “Smart” in an Age of AI, Connected Systems & Data

Private Smart Cities - privately owned, tech-driven urban developments - offer unique potential to accelerate innovation and create inclusive digital infrastructure while bypassing bureaucratic constraints. This panel explores the legal, technical, and civic dynamics at play in shaping these new models for urban development. Co-developed by the Intelligent Community Forum and Dentons LLP.

05 NOV | 09:30 | Impact Tech Stage

Inclusive by Design: Co-Creating Smart City Solutions through Living Labs

This session explores how Living Labs enable cities to test and scale inclusive, citizen-centric, co-created digital solutions in real-life environments. Through a moderated panel discussion, participants gain insight into practical examples from city-led and city-based initiatives, highlighting the steps taken to ensure digital innovation supports, and doesn’t overlook, the needs of communities, including those considered vulnerable.

05 NOV | 10:30 | Impact Tech Stage

State-of-the-Art AI for Smarter Cities: A Global Research Showcase

Organized by Smart City Expo World Congress in collaboration with Street Art & Urban Creativity Journal

Join us for a dynamic session where researchers from different countries unveil their latest scientific contributions on state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence for cities. Discover how cutting-edge academic insights are driving urban transformation –from generative AI to digital twin simulators– and shaping more efficient, resilient, and inclusive cities.

06 NOV | 10:00h | CC1 – Room 1.5

Urban Digital Twins: what is at stake for European cities?

This stage session, co-organised by Eurocities and the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre, will facilitate an open discussion between city representatives on the potential of digital twins to enhance local policies in European cities.

05 NOV | 12:30 | Impact Tech Stage

How to create a greener urban economy? Stories from URBACT cities

What are green urban economies and how can cities harvest the opportunities they offer? Why is involving stakeholders crucial in this process? During this session you will discover five stories from URBACT's networks of cities (EcoCore, In4Green, Let’s Go Circular!, COPE, and GreenPlace) and learn about their entry points to a successful green urban economy. Come and get inspired to start your journey towards greening your city's economy!

05 NOV | 14:20 | People-First Stage

Mission in Motion: How Cities Are Governing the NetZero Transition

This session explores how pioneering cities are turning ambition into action anchored by the Climate City Contract (CCC), the Mission’s flagship instrument for aligning governance, finance, delivery, and public legitimacy.

05 NOV | 12:20 | Clean Cities Stage

Building an AI-enabled Smart City Toolkit

This session will focus use cases of AI specifically tailored to operational needs of Cities. It begins with a session on "Building an AI-enabled Smart City Toolkit." The session will demonstrate the practical use of AI for prioritizing investments as part of the Smart City Toolkit. The remaining time will delve deeper into how AI can be leveraged to enhance service delivery in Cities.

05 NOV | 16:10 | Tech X Cities Stage

The Digital Foundations Enabling Smart Cities in LMICs

Rapid urban growth in LMICs is outpacing the capacity of cities to deliver essential services. Digital technologies offer a critical pathway to make urban systems more accessible, affordable, inclusive, and resilient. This session explores the enabling technologies underpinning smart city development in LMICs, highlighting the evolving role of mobile operators in driving scale, innovation, and impact across core services.

06 NOV | 09:30 | People-First Stage

Bridging Implementation Gaps: Upscaling Pilots to Systemic Action

Achieving urban climate goals needs faster action and systemic change. Despite local commitments, cities struggle to deliver results. This session shares insights from 10 EU cities using 20+ tools and the 5UP approach—UPDATE, UPSKILL, UPGRADE, UPSCALE, UPTAKE—to bridge planning and action. Public-private cooperation, cross-sector coordination, and flexible funding are key to real impact.

06 NOV | 13:20 | People-First Stage

Plus many more...

Enabling Technologies

Using data to address climate & social change needs: Grenoble, Jena & Japan

04 NOV | 17:05 | Impact Tech Stage
Urban Technology Alliance

The event will highlight specific challenges in two regions - cities in France, Grenoble and Germany, Jena and in Japan. Projects established to address key issues related to Climate and social change will be presented from the points of view of several stakeholders with a focus on the challenges, results and their potential for tackling similar issues in other urban regions.

The Smart Deal Pitch Session I

04 NOV | 12:00 | Innovation Playground Stage
Kurrant

In this session, a startup pitch competition will take place.

LDT Citiverse EDIC takes, officially, its first steps

04 NOV | 12:05 | Tech X Cities Stage
Barcelona City Council

Legal foundation in place, LDT CitiVERSE EDIC takes its first steps. Its mission to create a harmonized ecosystem around Digital Twins has already officially started with the establishment of the legal entity and with the recently launched BUILD project as a driving force for the setting up With 14 members states on board the LDT CitiVERSE EDIC becomes a reality as the foundation for intelligent, sustainable and human-centric urban environments.

The Smart Deal Pitch Session II

04 NOV | 14:45 | Innovation Playground Stage
Kurrant

In this session, a startup pitch competition will take place.

Building Resilient Places with Data Sharing Infrastructure

04 NOV | 17:50 | Infraestructure & Building Stage
Connected Places Catapult

UK Cities today are grappling with a perfect storm of infrastructure challenges: aging buildings, increased flooding, and rising temperatures are straining systems that were never designed for today’s climate extremes. Failing infrastructure leads to cascading impacts on people and transport systems. But how can digital infrastructure, such as data sharing infrastructure, help to tackle the environmental and social problems cities face?

The AI Footprint: Code, Carbon, and the City

04 NOV | 10:00 | CC1 – Room 1.4
CIDOB

This session examines the sustainability paradox of artificial intelligence in urban settings. While AI offers powerful tools to reduce emissions and enhance city services, it also raises concerns about its environmental footprint and social equity. Experts from diverse fields will discuss how to responsibly integrate AI into urban systems, balancing innovation with transparency, inclusivity, and long-term ecological impact.

Smart Cities How To Build Local Capacities To Deploy Meaningful Technologies?

04 NOV | 13:00 | CC1 – Room 1.3
CIDEU

A space for exchange between Ibero-American local government officials who will share practical cases and experiences on how they are governing the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and digital infrastructure, from a public, ethical, and strategic perspective.The activity is part of the CIDEU Smart City and Digital Transition Micronetwork, comprised of cities from various Ibero-American countries.

AI International Club

04 NOV | 10:00 | CC4 – Room 4.5
Greater Paris Metropolis

A meeting between international elected representatives, exchanging about AI projects for public policies, and how AI can contribute to the mission of public entities.

Urban Shark Tank: Scaling Innovation for Climate-Neutral Cities

04 NOV | 11:30 | Impact Tech Stage
BABLE Smart Cities

Dive into the dynamic world of Urban Shark Tank, where visionary companies pitch real-world solutions to a panel of city leaders determined to accelerate climate neutrality. This interactive session blends entrepreneurial spirit, creative storytelling, and urban innovation—offering a fast-paced stage for ideas ready to scale across smart, sustainable cities.

Mobility Made in Europe: Market-Ready CIVITAS Solutions

05 NOV | 13:30 | Shapping Mobility Stage
CIVITAS Initiative

Curious about the results of Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects?Come to the CIVITAS AGORA and discover five innovative urban mobility solutions created through these EU-funded initiatives. Each will be presented in an engaging pitch format, followed by opportunities to connect with cities and technology providers.

From Silos to Synergy: Local Innovation Through Interoperability

05 NOV | 17:10 | People-First Stage
OASC (Open & Agile Smart Cities & Communities)

How can cities and regions of all sizes use data and collaboration for a greener, more inclusive future? This Agora session, hosted by OASC, brings insights from Riga, Aarhus and Fundão on how interoperability—technical, legal, semantic and organisational—drives digital transformation. Learn how EU frameworks, shared data, and citizen engagement shape impactful, scalable solutions.

Four CitiVerse projects, one shared European vision

05 NOV | 17:45 | People-First Stage
OASC (Open & Agile Smart Cities & Communities)

How to make Europe’s digital transformation inclusive, ethical, human-centred and citizen-driven? And how to ensure that emerging technologies – such as AI, XR and cloud services – serve public values and social needs? This session will show how 4 EU co-funded projects are shaping the future of cities with the CitiVerse - a digital version of the city – where citizens can explore, interact with, and shape urban life in an intuitive way.

European cities and GenAI: examples, challenges and opportunities

05 NOV | 09:30 | Tech X Cities Stage
Eurocities

AI is reshaping all spheres of our live, including our cities, inside and out. The spotlight is on generative AI, which can generate original output – text, images, videos. What is its impact in the public sector? As the level closest to citizens, and as providers of many services, cities and regions can champion the responsible use of GenAI in Europe. In this session, Living-in.EU invites cities to share their experience in using GenAI.

From Space to City: Smart Tools and Success Stories for Tomorrow’s Cities

05 NOV | 13:20 | Tech X Cities Stage
European Association of Remote Sensing Companies (EARSC)

How can cities better manage heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and rapid urban growth? This session showcases how Earth Observation brings actionable insights for crisis management, public health, climate adaptation and sustainable urban planning. Discover and hear from our users and data providers about ready-to-use market solutions where data from space helps cities protect citizens, plan smarter and boost resilience.

The Smart Deal Award Ceremony

05 NOV | 14:30 | Innovation Playground Stage
Kurrant

This is the Ceremony that follows "The Smart Deal Pitch.

Startup Pitches

05 NOV | 15:45 | Innovation Playground Stage
Kurrant

LightweightM2M - The next era of Industrial IoT device management

05 NOV | 17:10 | Tech X Cities Stage
Open Mobile Alliance

As millions of devices are deployed across smart cities, the Internet of Things has reached a stage where scalability and interoperability have become key concerns for utilities and mobile data operators. Hear speakers from industry and government discuss the challenges of modernizing municipal infrastructure and the role that open standards play in ensuring interoperability and vendor choice in their modernization decisions.

Special session on United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) Initiative

05 NOV | 09:30 | CC1 – Room 1.1
International Telecommunication Union

U4SSC is the UN premier platform for shaping the cities of the future—people-centred, digitally inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable. With support from 20 UN entities, U4SSC empowers local leaders to share, learn, and lead transformative change. This global event brings together mayors, city representatives, policymakers, urban innovators, and UN partners to turn bold ideas into actionable solutions.

Smart Solutions for Ukrainian Cities – Resilience, Innovation, Best Practices

05 NOV | 09:30 | CC4 – Room 4.4
Deloitte

"Future of Cities in Ukraine" session will explore into how smart technologies enable Ukrainian cities to build back stronger and better. The primary goal of this event is to establish a comprehensive platform for the exchange of expertise, facilitation of collaboration on forward-thinking projects, and amplification of international awareness concerning the critical needs of Ukrainian cities in the implementation of smart technology initiatives.

AI International Club

05 NOV | 10:00 | CC4 – Room 4.5
Greater Paris Metropolis

A meeting between international elected representatives, exchanging about AI projects for public policies, and how AI can contribute to the mission of public entities

AI-Powered Cities: Shaping the Future of Urban Living

05 NOV | 13:00 | CC4 – Room 4.4
Deloitte

Discover how Artificial Intelligence is transforming cities. Based on a Deloitte study of 250 global cities, this session examines real-world applications - from traffic optimisation and public safety to resource management and citizen engagement. We'll explore opportunities, challenges, and trends including Generative AI, showcase best practices, and address ethics, governance, and public trust for sustainable, resilient urban futures.

Eye in the sky for resilient and healthy cities - apply big data from space

06 NOV | 09:30 | Impact Tech Stage
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

Space isn’t just about the Moon or Mars — it’s part of our daily lives. From navigation to payments, we all use space infrastructure. This session explores how satellite data help build smart, resilient cities: from predicting heavy rain to managing urban infrastructure or air quality. A panel of international experts shares real-world examples, innovations, and how collaboration drives rapid progress. Get ready to be inspired!

2nd Annual Smart Cities Global Startup Challenge: The Final Pitch!

06 NOV | 14:20 | People-First Stage
North Texas Innovation Alliance

The Smart Cities Global Startup Challenge is an international pitch competition held by the North Texas Innovation Alliance (NTXIA) & partners to foster international economic development and innovation. Back for a 2nd year, in this final pitch 5 international startups will pitch to a panel of cross-sector judges for a chance to win pilots and funding opportunities in Texas and Georgia, with the goal of market growth and new solutions for cities.

Increasing the uptake of AI for Smarter Cities: From Pilots to Impact at Scale

06 NOV | 15:35 | Impact Tech Stage
Imec

AI has transformative potential for cities, but scaling from pilots to impactful, city-wide deployments remains a challenge. This TEF Citcom.ai workshop brings together cities and tech providers to explore collaboration strategies. Through case studies and insights from the European TEF for Smart Cities, participants will learn to overcome adoption barriers and scale AI for societal impact.

From Crisis to Action:How AI & Data Help Close the Response Gap at “Moment Zero”

06 NOV | 09:30 | Tech X Cities Stage
Barcelona Supercomputing Center

Cities face fast-moving crises like wildfires and floods, yet citizens often remain confused in the critical “moment zero” before response begins. This session gathers tech creators, first responders, and officials to explore how AI, digital twins, and predictive tools from projects like EXTRACT and CREXDATA are transforming emergency response in cities like Venice, Dortmund, and Barcelona.

Selected Innovation Booster

06 NOV | 09:45 | Innovation Playground Stage
Smart City Expo World Congress

AI Spatial Avatars for Metacities

06 NOV | 15:10 | Tech X Cities Stage
MetaCities Excellence Hub in South-Eastern Europe

The fields of geospatial technologies, AI, and metaverse technologies are converging to create new services for consumers. Every day, we see announcements of new devices and smart glasses that offer increasingly capable features and promise a groundbreaking future. During the dynamic session, we will explore how Spatial AI, extended reality (XR), and future avatars will shape our cities and societies.

Data-Driven Blue Cities: Coastal Resilience, Innovation & Ocean Insights

06 NOV | 13:00 | CC1 – Room 1.4
European Association of Remote Sensing Companies (EARSC)

Discover how cutting-edge Earth observation and data-driven tools from European projects are transforming coastal resilience and the blue economy. This session will showcase real-world applications in monitoring coastal change, modelling flood and erosion risks, and protecting marine ecosystems—sharing concrete results and lessons to inspire sustainable solutions, with local and regional authorities and ports sharing their stories.

Energy & Environment

Accelerating Urban Sustainability through Integrated Approaches

04 NOV | 12:05 | Clean Cities Stage
European Comission

Showcasing integrated European initiatives that harmonize diverse urban sustainability efforts to deliver cohesive and impactful urban transformations.

Startup Pitches

04 NOV | 13:45 | Innovation Playground Stage
Smart City Expo World Congress

What’s next for urban resilience?

04 NOV | 09:30 | CC1 – Room 1.3
UN-Habitat City Resilience Global Programme

Urban and territorial resilience has moved from concepts to actionable practices in multiple territories, but big gaps remain as crises grow and financing capacity poses a real challenge. This session reviews a decade of progress and pending needs, highlighting UN-Habitat’s Resolution 9/2 to create a human settlements resilience framework to better integrate resilience into planning, connecting humanitarian response with sustainable development.

Pioneering Urban Energy Efficiency and Innovative Solutions

05 NOV | 16:10 | Clean Cities Stage
European Commission

Demonstrating successful and innovative approaches to urban energy management, efficiency optimization, and sustainable energy services.

Empowering Local Governments through Green Public Procurement

06 NOV | 09:30 | Clean Cities Stage
Associació Catalana de Municipis

ACM will explain how public procurement can be a key tool to drive the local energy transition. Through its Central Purchasing Body, it enables local governments to access sustainable services such as 100% renewable electricity, solar panels, LED street lighting, and clean mobility. ACM acts as a facilitator to help municipalities move towards a greener, more efficient, and fairer energy model.

Building Coastal Futures: Circular Urban Regeneration through CDW Valorization

06 NOV | 12:20 | Infraestructure & Building Stage
ASOCIACIÓN DE ESTUDIOS ECOLÓGICOS E INVESTIGACIÓN CIVIL SOSTENIBLE-ADEICS

ADEICS regenerated 60 ha and created 40 ha of urban land at Costa Verde in San Miguel using construction and demolition waste (CDW). It transformed degraded coastal areas and informal dumps into safe, functional, and sustainable public spaces. The project reduced environmental impact, promoted resource efficiency, and reinforced climate resilience through a circulaar economy model focused on innovation and inclusive urban development.

Urban Cooling Strategies: Scaling Solutions for Extreme Heat Resilience

06 NOV | 14:20 | Clean Cities Stage
CityMakers

As extreme heat threatens urban life, cities are pioneering innovative strategies that are already lowering street temperatures by up to 7°C. This session showcases real-world solutions — from nature-based systems to reflective infrastructure — demonstrating how urban design can turn the tide against climate-driven overheating.

Digital Twins for Climate-Neutral Cities: PEDs in Action Across Europe

06 NOV | 15:20 | Clean Cities Stage
Rina Consulting spa

This session gathers five EU projects showcasing how cities across Europe use digitalization to create Positive Energy Districts (PEDs). Through digital twins, AI simulations, and interoperable platforms, our projects’ Lighthouse Cities optimize energy efficiency, smart buildings, and sustainable mobility to meet climate goals. Experts share tools, strategies, and lessons to inspire replication for climate-neutral urban futures.

Accelerating SDG Action with User-Driven Earth Observation: The SDGsEYES Way

06 NOV | 09:30 | CC1 – Room 1.2
European Association of Remote Sensing Companies (EARSC)

From wildfires to heatwaves, cities are on the frontline of climate change. This session showcases how space data supports SDG implementation through tracking emissions, mapping wildfire risks, and monitor heat-health impacts. Explore solutions from the SDGsEYES project that by bringing together users, policymakers and data providers, it shares best practices and defines actionable steps for cities to move from mitigation to proactive resilience.

Helping European cities become greener: tools and services for tree planting

06 NOV | 09:30 | CC4 – Room 4.5
Smart City Expo World Congress

The workshop aims at demonstrating the applicability of 100KTREEs services. 100KTREEs project has developed advanced mapping and modelling tools capable of assessing the impact of nature-based solutions such as urban greening through tree planting. The tools estimate the impacts of trees in terms of key ecosystem services they provide, such as air quality, water retention, cooling, CO₂ sequestration, and generate an indicator for biodiversity.

Governance & Economy

Investing in the Green Transition in Smart Cities — New Market Opportunities

04 NOV | 09:45 | Innovation Playground Stage
Moodin

As climate risk grows, housing investors are backing retrofits, renewables, and net-zero solutions. This session dives into how blended finance and policy tools are turning climate resilience in housing into investable opportunities for cities and private capital.

Scaling Impact Investing: Public-Private Financing Models for Urban Innovation

05 NOV | 09:30 | Innovation Playground Stage
Moodin

From public guarantees to social enterprise vehicles, new models are mobilizing private capital for housing and urban infrastructure while advancing public goals. This session convenes investors, governments, and corporations to co-create finance structures that scale innovation and meet social needs. Panelists will explore catalytic capital, loan funds, and enterprises that align incentives, cut risk, preserve affordability, and embed equity.

Booster Island Sponsor 01

05 NOV | 17:30 | Innovation Playground Stage
Smart City Expo World Congress

Cybersecurity in cities

04 NOV | 09:30 | CC1 – Room 1.5
EIT Urban Mobility

This roundtable discussion will explore strategies for boosting cybersecurity within urban environments. We will focus on identifying key takeaways for Central and Eastern European (CEE) cities, drawing upon the experiences and lessons learned from their Western and Northern European counterparts.

Joint ITF-EIT Urban Mobility workshop on fragmentation in the mobility sector

04 NOV | 10:30 | CC1 – Room 1.1
EIT Urban Mobility

EIT Urban Mobility and the International Transport Forum will organise a foresight workshop to anticipate future trends of relevance in the mobility sector, based on input from the public and private sectors

Smart Cities in LATAM: Shaping the Future with Technology & Green Infrastructure

04 NOV | 16:00 | CC1 – Room 1.3
Trend Smart Cities

This event offers the opportunity to connect with the Latin America Smart Cities community, including industry experts, companies and local leaders, to exchange insights on how innovative technology and green infrastructure can accelerate economic and social development.

IURC Global Thematic Networking Workshop - Opening plenary

04 NOV | 09:30 | CC4 – Room 4.1
IURC – International Urban and Regional Cooperation Programme

The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme promotes decentralized international urban and regional cooperation focused on sustainable development and innovation. During SCEWC 2025, its Global Thematic Networking Workshop will bring together 248 delegates from 124 cities and regions to co-create pilot projects around three pillars: Smart & Connected, Green & Clean, and Just & Inclusive.

IURC Productive, smart and connected - Thematic Breakout Sessions

04 NOV | 11:30 | CC4 – Room 4.2
IURC – International Urban and Regional Cooperation Programme

Productive, Smart and Connected is a closed IURC thematic session with mandatory attendance for assigned participants. Cities and regions will join one of 11 clusters (90 mins in 3 rooms) based on thematic networks: PORTICO (cities) and S3 Platforms (regions). Topics include Mobility & Transport, Strategic Sectors, Urban Innovation, and Agri-food.

IURC Green and Clean - Thematic Breakout Sessions

04 NOV | 11:30 | CC4 – Room 4.3
IURC – International Urban and Regional Cooperation Programme

Productive, Smart and Connected is a closed IURC thematic session with mandatory attendance for assigned participants. Cities and regions will join one of 11 clusters (90 mins in 3 rooms) based on thematic networks: PORTICO (cities) and S3 Platforms (regions). Topics include Mobility & Transport, Strategic Sectors, Urban Innovation, and Agri-food.

IURC Just and Inclusive - Thematic Breakout Sessions

04 NOV | 11:30 | CC4 – Room 4.4
IURC – International Urban and Regional Cooperation Programme

Just and Inclusive is a closed IURC thematic session with mandatory attendance for assigned participants. Cities and regions will join one of 11 clusters (90 mins in 3 rooms) based on thematic networks: PORTICO (cities) and S3 Platforms (regions). Topics include Urban Regeneration, Affordable Housing, Industrial Modernisation, and Civic Participation.

ProcuraMED project: Boosting green innovation through local public procurement

05 NOV | 13:20 | People-First Stage
MedCities

Did you know that public procurement represents 14% of the EU’s GDP (around €2 trillion annually)? Discover how the ProcuraMED project is empowering local authorities to inspire sustainable change. This session will showcase digital tools, capacity-building actions, real-life cases and cooperation strategies driving innovative and green procurement.

Data spaces in Intelligent Territories: Premise or Reality

05 NOV | 16:20 | Impact Tech Stage
FEMP

This space will address the current state of progress of the data spaces that will help drive a data economy thanks to the advancement of digitization of local authorities.

Public and privat colaboration to create living labs in an innovation district

05 NOV | 17:05 | Impact Tech Stage
22@Network Barcelona

This roundtable brings together cities from five continents that are at different stages in building metropolitan cooperation—some with decades of experience, others taking their first steps. Their diversity offers a unique opportunity for mutual learning. How can we create flexible, inclusive, and effective governance frameworks that foster coordinated responses in fragmented urban territories?

Investors' Talks: 2030 Investment Trends in Smart Cities

05 NOV | 09:30 | Innovation Playground Stage
Moodin

Smart cities are becoming a major frontier for investment, from climate tech and mobility to housing and digital infrastructure. This panel will explore how venture capital, corporate VC, and private equity are navigating shifting markets, regulation, and technology—and where capital is heading by 2030 across AI, green construction, and other scalable urban solutions.

Collaborative Futures: Global Partnerships Driving Smart City

05 NOV | 12:20 | Tech X Cities Stage
Curiosity Lab

This interactive panel unites living-lab leaders from the United States, Finland, Japan and Canada to reveal how cross-border partnerships turbo-charge smart-city innovation. Through rapidfire case studies and audience Q&A, speakers share proventactics for launching, funding and scaling technology pilots,navigating regulation and turning data-driven trials into full-city deployments.

Cities' Challenges

05 NOV | 12:30 | Innovation Playground Stage
ACCIÓ - Agency for Business Competitiveness - Catalan Government

Discover real opportunities to collaborate with cities shaping the future. Learn about urban challenges and how municipalities are seeking innovative partners through open innovation labs, pilot programs, and advanced public procurement. A unique chance for companies to co-create solutions and take part in building the smart cities of tomorrow.

Startup Pitches

05 NOV | 16:45 | Innovation Playground Stage
Smart City Expo World Congress

Fostering more inclusive, resilient and sustainable urban development

05 NOV | 17:10 | Clean Cities Stage
G100 Smart and Sustainable Cities Wing

The panel session will focus on identifying gaps in addressing global sustainability & resilience challenges particularly related to climate crisis and natural disasters faced by our cities. The panelists will also be asked to share their ideas and experiences regarding the use of innovative governance practices and technologies to address these challenges.

Urban Digital Twins: what is at stake for European cities?

05 NOV | 12:30 | Impact Tech Stage
Eurocities

Eurocities and the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre are jointly organising a training for European cities on digital twins as tools for evidence-based decision-making. The event as part of the SCEWC would allow for making the link between the Expo and the training, and to facilitate a discussion on the potential of digital twins for urban policy-making, at technological and political level, between city officials, experts, and other stakeholders.

Smart Cities Solutions Workshop

05 NOV | 09:30 | CC1 – Room 1.5
World Bank Group

The workshop aims to support cities delegations in finding concrete solutions for the most pressing issues in their cities and moving their smart city agenda forward, by facilitating a dynamic exchange and interaction between the two cities and with relevant experts.  Format: three-hour workshop (by invitation only) for two delegations and other interested participants who will actively engage in peer-to-peer discussion facilitated by experts.

Accelerating Place-Based Change Through Innovation to Revitalize Cities

05 NOV | 14:00 | CC1 – Room 1.4
Deloitte

Together, Deloitte and Yes/Cities are creating sustainable positive change by empowering local innovation ecosystems to help cities thrive as a place where people want to live and work.

Insights from the Innpulso Working Groups: sharing learnings and future horizons

05 NOV | 16:00 | CC1 – Room 1.3
Red Innpulso

Final session of the year for the Innpulso Network’s Working Groups, gathering cities to reflect on progress made, lessons learned and future challenges. The event will feature key voices from the network and cities sharing outcomes from their 2025 collaborative work on innovation, experimentation and public knowledge transfer.

Connecting with India: Talent, Science and Strategy for a Shared Future

05 NOV | 09:30 | CC5 – Room 5.1
Fundación Consejo España-India

The celebration of the 5th Spain-India Forum, a high-level institutional and diplomatic dialogue bringing together governmental, business, academic, and technological representatives from the sectors of both countries, is being organised by the Spain-India Council Foundation in collaboration with Barcelona City Council and Fira de Barcelona, on the occasion of the Smart City World Congress.

CEE Cities roundtable

05 NOV | 11:00 | CC4 – Room 4.3
EIT Urban Mobility

This roundtable will focus on fostering dialogue between the representatives of Central and Eastern European (CEE) cities. By encouraging mutual learning and strengthening regional networks, the roundtable seeks to enhance the strategic capacity of CEE cities and amplify their voices in broader European and international stages.

IURC Global Thematic Networking Workshop - Closing Plenary

05 NOV | 15:00 | CC4 – Room 4.1
IURC – International Urban and Regional Cooperation Programme

The Closing Plenary (Mandatory Participation) will showcase the key outcomes of the Thematic Breakout Sessions, highlighting key insights and results from the 11 thematic clusters. It will bring together all participants to reflect on shared learnings and reinforce future cooperation across regions and cities.

The Collaborative Rise of Africa Cities in the Global Neutral Trade Corridor

06 NOV | 15:20 | People-First Stage
African Smart Cities Innovation Foundation (ASCIF)

Co-hosted by African Smart Cities Innovation Foundation (ASCIF) and the TBP World Vision Project, this session explores how Africa’s cities are rising as maritime hubs in a neutral global trade network. Anchored by the East-West Transcontinental Maritime Rail bridge Corridor—linking six major shipping lanes—it advances smart city innovation, cross-border collaboration, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Madrid2050 - Permanent platform for the sustainable urban development of Madrid

06 NOV | 15:10 | Infraestructure & Building Stage
Forética

We are a cross-sectoral initiative integrating sustainability into Madrid’s urban strategy through systemic collaboration. Our ecosystem—comprising public administrations, firms, academia, experts and NGOs—co-develops actionable solutions in four strategic areas: habitability and housing, mobility and infrastructure, public space, and urban regeneration.

Data Space for Intelligent Urban Infrastructures (EDINT)

06 NOV | 09:30 | CC4 – Room 4.4
FEMP

EDINT will have 12 local entities and 36 companies in its initial stage. This event is aimed at users involved in eDINT in order to discuss the current status and next steps.

Strengthening SME Resilience Through City, Finance & Tech Collaboration

06 NOV | 09:30 | CC4 – Room 4.2
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

This event will bring together city authorities, business associations, SMEs, academia and other experts to explore policies and innovative solutions that help SMEs better prepare for and adapt to disaster risks. Interactive discussions will focus on SMEs' role as users and producers of essential services, access to finance and insurance, risk-informed business models, and leveraging technologies and PPPs for improving their disaster resilience.

Pitch & Deal: where Startups go to Europe’s streets

06 NOV | 12:30 | CC4 – Room 4.2
Mobile World Capital Barcelona

This is a pitching session where the 10 mobility scale-ups coming from SUP25 programme will show their enabling technologies/mobility solutions to an audience of investors, corporates, and urban/mobility stakeholders. The session will end with networking designed to spark investment and partnership opportunities for sustainable urban mobility innovation.

ReWeaving Circular Governance in the Mediterranean

06 NOV | 13:30 | CC4 – Room 4.4
Smart City Expo World Congress

The event explores how circular economy (CE) principles and innovative governance across the public and private sectors can transform waste management practices in Mediterranean cities. Featuring two panels, it highlights practical tools, entrepreneurial ecosystems and transformative labs from key Interreg Euro-MED projects, showing how collaboration and inclusive policymaking can catalyse systemic change, from textiles to wider CE opportunities.

Living & Inclusion

Innovating for Inclusive, Resilient, and Circular Communities

04 NOV | 14:05 | People-First Stage
European Commission

Discussing innovations and initiatives that foster inclusive, resilient communities through circular economy approaches, technological integration, and holistic urban planning.

How European Cities Protect Digital Rights Through Daily Operations

04 NOV | 16:05 | Impact Tech Stage
Cities Coalition for Digital Rights

This stage session reveals how standard municipal operations across Europe—from cybersecurity protocols to smart city infrastructure management—actively safeguard digital rights, often without being framed in rights-based language.

Click, Connect, Change: Digital Citizenship to Bridge Youth and Gender Gaps

04 NOV | 17:55 | Impact Tech Stage
PLATFORMA

This session explores how Digital Citizenship Education (DCE) can be a powerful tool to address youth exclusion and gender inequalities in a connected society. With the involvement of local authorities, CSOs, and youth actors, it will showcase solutions for inclusive digital spaces and empower local action against online violence, discrimination, and democratic disengagement.

Startup Pitches

05 NOV | 17:45 | Innovation Playground Stage
Smart City Expo World Congress

Cities Coalition for Digital Rights Meet-up

05 NOV | 16:30 | CC1 – Room 1.2
Cities Coalition for Digital Rights

The Cities Coalition for Digital Rights yearly meet up will gather its members to update on the latest activities of the Coalition and leave a space for open discussion to foster cities’ engagement in the Coalition.

Urban Technologies for Inclusive Engagement

06 NOV | 13:20 | Impact Tech Stage
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - IMATI

The RAISE Spoke 1 event, part of the RAISE project funded by the Italian Ministry for University and Research, will discuss the results achieved promoting the discussion about accessibility and inclusion as key drivers for future evolution of Smart Cities, focusing on using robotics and AI to foster more inclusive Smart Cities.

Planning for Health in a Changing Climate: Identity, Resilience, and Urban

06 NOV | 13:20 | Impact Tech Stage
INTA

This high-level roundtable/panel/presentations, hosted by INTA, will bring together policymakers, planners, investors, tech innovators, and community leaders to explore how urban health can serve as a unifying strategy across sectors. the session will showcase international case studies, spark collaborative dialogue, and outline practical steps for embedding health into city systems.

Mobility

Hyperloop Conference

04 NOV | 09:30 | CC5 – Room 5.1
Mother Earth Ventures GmbH

The Hyperloop Conference is the 1st international conference on high-speed transportation. Here, you will meet all the Players in the hyperloop ecosystem, including hyperloop start-ups, corporates, suppliers and investors. After three editions in Europe and one edition in South Korea it will now take place at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona – Spain.

Inclusive and Equitable Connected and Automated Mobility: are cities ready?

04 NOV | 10:15 | Shapping Mobility Stage
PAVE EUROPE

A panel exploring how cultural, geographical, and policy diversity shapes Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM) in smart cities. Featuring transport planners, policymakers, and CCAM developers, the discussion shares practical examples from Europe.

Barcelona Innova Lab Mobility

04 NOV | 11:10 | Shapping Mobility Stage
Barcelona Innova Lab Mobility

In this session we will explain what the Barcelona Innova Lab Mobility consists of, which arises from the collaboration between the Barcelona City Council, Fira de Barcelona, and BITHabitat, with the recent addition of new partners. In this regard, the current portfolio of projects will be presented, as well as the theme of the new mobility challenge that will be launched to the public.

How innovation in public transport helps fighting climate change

04 NOV | 12:15 | Shapping Mobility Stage
EIT Urban Mobility

Climate change poses significant challenges to mobility and according to the EIT Urban Mobility report "Costs & Benefits of the Urban Mobility Transition," public transport is the most cost-effective method of decreasing urban emissions. The panel that includes public transport operators and other relevant actors will explore how innovation in public transport can contribute to achieving the EU's target of climate neutrality by 2050.

Governing Innovation - Innovating Governance

04 NOV | 13:15 | Shapping Mobility Stage
POLIS

Many transport innovations are coming our way. We don't know which ones will stay and which ones will be next, but we do know that the majority will be rolled out on city streets. How can cities smartly choose those innovations that will help them reach their policy goals, but also discourage those that don’t bring added value? What does it take for private-sector innovations to support rather than disrupt what local authorities want to achieve? How can we come to policy-responsive innovation that is a win for both the public and private sectors? Cities and regions from the POLIS network will share their experiences on how to govern innovation but also innovate their governance systems.

Scaling Demand-Responsive Transport: Are AVs key to a faster, simpler rollout?

04 NOV | 14:15 | Shapping Mobility Stage
EIT Urban Mobility

DRT proves to be an effective solution in contexts such as low-density areas or late-night services. But scaling remains complex - profitability, regulation, and public-private contracting all pose challenges. Could autonomous vehicles help unlock the full potential of DRT, or do they add new layers of complexity to this model?

Autonomous Bus & Mobility Innovations: Austria’s Road to the Future

04 NOV | 15:15 | Shapping Mobility Stage
ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA

Discover Austria’s pioneering autonomous bus project in the city of Klagenfurt, led by AIT and the President of the Chamber of Commerce of Carinthia. Experience cutting-edge mobility solutions and success stories from across Austria, showcasing sustainable and smart city solutions shaping Europe’s future.

From Energy to Mobility: Synergies toward citizen-centric climate-neutral cities

04 NOV | 16:15 | Shapping Mobility Stage
European Commission

Exploration how innovative European initiatives are advancing sustainable urban mobility as a cornerstone of climate-neutral cities. By showcasing solutions from CIVITAS, Positive Energy District projects, and systemic transition platforms, the discussion will highlight how mobility can be integrated with energy, infrastructure, and urban planning to deliver more liveable, connected, and climate-friendly cities.

Can organisations measure their safetyt footprint?

04 NOV | 17:15 | Shapping Mobility Stage
FIA

Road traffic deaths are the most common cause of accidental death at the workplace, with an alarming, estimated number of 400,000 per year: a third of the 1.19 million people that die each year as a result of road traffic crashes occurs in someone’s value chain. The FIA developed the Road Safety Index, a program that help organizations to assess the safety impact of their operations, identify gaps, and implement long-term improvements.

Predict-Prevent-Protect: Data-Driven Insights to Safeguard Vulnerable Road Users

04 NOV | 16:15 | Innovation Playground Stage
EIT Urban Mobility

This session will explore how diverse data-driven approaches can be used to enhance road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. By bringing together practical examples from EIT Urban Mobility's innovation program and broader European project collaborations, the session aims to demonstrate how mobility data can inform smarter infrastructure and enhance traffic safety for all road users.

Introduction to Road Safety Engineering

04 NOV | 13:00 | CC1 – Room 1.4
International Road Federation (IRF)

This session emphasises the crucial role of road safety engineering in tackling the global crash crisis, in line with the 2030 Agenda and the UN’s Second Decade of Action. It explores safe infrastructure, road audits, inspections and the Safe System approach, while advocating stronger institutions, professionalisation of auditors, and international standards, especially in LMIC's. Note that this session will be delivered in English.

Introduction to Road Safety Engineering Tools

04 NOV | 15:00 | CC1 – Room 1.4
International Road Federation

This session emphasises the crucial role of road safety engineering in tackling the global crash crisis, in line with the 2030 Agenda and the UN’s Second Decade of Action. It explores safe infrastructure, road audits, inspections and the Safe System approach, while advocating stronger institutions, professionalisation of auditors, and international standards, especially in LMIC's. Note that this session will be delivered in Spanish.

MaaS Alliance Partnership Forum & MaaS STAR Awards

04 NOV | 15:30 | CC1 – Room 1.1
MaaS Alliance

The MaaS Alliance Partnership Forum & MaaS STAR Awards is a high-level event to mark the 10 years anniversary of the Association and to introduce the new and re-activated decade of the Alliance to stimulate interaction and dialogue with all stakeholders in the field of Mobility to advance with seamless multimodal mobility offers with user needs at its heart.

City Exchange on Urban Mobility Innovation

04 NOV | 16:30 | CC1 – Room 1.5
EIT Urban Mobility

This closed-door session brings together public authorities within the EIT Urban Mobility network for an engaging exchange on innovation in urban mobility. Through focused thematic discussions and interactive networking, participants will explore solutions to critical challenges shaping urban mobility and identify areas where collaborative efforts can drive impactful, city-led innovation.

Multimodal Access for Intelligent Airports: UAM & CCAM support integration

04 NOV | 09:00 | CC5 – Room 5.3
POLIS MAIA

This side event will be the final event of the MAIA project. It will showcase the project results on assessing demand for air mobility services and shared autonomous shuttles to access airports in Madrid and Brussels, as well as on how to best locate vertiports and dispatch vehicle fleets to answer that demand. It will also engage the audience on these results, to ensure their use to serve European, national, regional and local policy goals.

Navigating Tomorrow's Mobility: Expert Analysis from the Academic Research Board

04 NOV | 14:00 | CC4 – Room 4.1
EIT Urban Mobility

A high-level roundtable bringing together leading academics, policymakers, and industry to explore future priorities in urban mobility research. Hosted by EIT Urban Mobility’s Academic Research Board, this session supports dialogue between research and policy to guide innovation and impact.

Measuring impacts to foster innovation: criteria & support on urban air mobility

04 NOV | 14:00 | CC5 – Room 5.3
POLIS MUSE

This side event will be the final event of the MUSE project. It will showcase the project results assessing impacts of Urban Air Mobility deployment on citizens’ quality of life and developing tools for cities and regions to better decide on priorities and service design. It will also engage the audience on these results, to ensure their use to serve European, national, regional and local policy goals.

Micromobility HUB - Parking strategy for bicycles

05 NOV | 09:30 | Shapping Mobility Stage
Barcelona City Council

Planning and implementation of solutions to guarantee safe, accessible and efficient parking for the daily use of bicycles in the city.

Journey to Inclusion: Connecting Transport and Culture

05 NOV | 10:30 | Shapping Mobility Stage
In Move by Railgrup

The results from the first phase of the "Transport Cultural" project will be presented during the session. Transport Cultural aims to promote the autonomy of people in vulnerable situations or at risk of social exclusion, facilitating their access to culture through on-demand transport. The project has been led by In Move and RETURN, with the support of other shareholders, including Cinesi, App & Town, Bable, Apropa Cultura, and Tandem Social.

How EU Norms Influence Spain’s Micromobility Vehicle Guidelines

05 NOV | 11:30 | Shapping Mobility Stage
FEVEMP - Spanish Federation of Micromobility

The session, led by FEVEMP, will feature key stakeholders directly involved in developing European micromobility regulations. It will explain how these rules influence Spain’s Manual de Características, promoting common safety and quality standards for urban vehicles. A space to understand and discuss the future regulatory framework of the sector.

The Cycling Industry's Role in Driving the Modal Shift

05 NOV | 12:30 | Shapping Mobility Stage
EIT Urban Mobility

Much of the discussion around promoting active mobility has centred on cities and their infrastructure networks. While creating safe and connected routes for cycling is crucial, barriers such as theft, repair, and planning continue to limit uptake and demand innovative solutions from the private sector. This session will highlight the different factors and stakeholders that help to drive the shift toward active travel modes in urban areas.

U-Space and Enabling Technologies for Integrating Drones in Urban Environments

05 NOV | 15:30 | Shapping Mobility Stage
Digital Catalonia Alliance

A high-level roundtable bringing together industry leaders, technology providers and users to explore the current state and future of U-space. The session will combine strategic insights with real-world success stories, showcasing how drones and enabling technologies are transforming urban airspace management, advanced air mobility, and smart city services.

Smarter Logistics: Micro-Hubs & Data-Driven Delivery

05 NOV | 16:30 | Shapping Mobility Stage
EIT Urban Mobility

Urban logistics is at a tipping point, with last-mile deliveries driving up emissions. Micro-depots and connected fleets offer smarter, cleaner solutions—enabling multimodal delivery and data-driven operations. This session explores how real-time vehicle data, micro-hubs, and the emerging Physical Internet can improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and reshape last-mile logistics in cities worldwide.

Perspectives of Cities in Urban Freight Distribution

05 NOV | 17:30 | Shapping Mobility Stage
AECOC

This session, led by AECOC, will feature public leaders in a roundtable discussion focused on strategies that municipalities are implementing to improve efficiency in urban freight distribution (UFD), including regulations, digitalization, Low Emission Zones, and more

Invisible Pollution: Tackling Non-Exhaust Emissions in Urban Mobility

05 NOV | 17:30 | Innovation Playground Stage
EIT Urban Mobility

Invisible Pollution: Tackling Non-Exhaust Emissions in Urban Mobility sheds light on the often-overlooked problem of particles from brakes, tyres, and road wear. It explores potential policy measures and technological solutions to reduce these emissions and improve urban air quality.

SUMP - URBAN MOBILITY PLAN AND NEW APPROACHES ACCORDING TO TRIP PURPOSE

05 NOV | 09:30 | CC1 – Room 1.2
Barcelona City Council

Innovative approach to urban mobility planning, considering the different modes and purposes of trip.

Mobility Institute Talks

05 NOV | 12:30 | CC1 – Room 1.3
RACC

AECOC Smart Distribution Committee

05 NOV | 15:00 | CC1 – Room 1.5
AECOC

The Smart Distribution Committee brings together leading private companies to promote efficient, sustainable, and innovative urban logistics. It serves as acollaborative platform to develop and share best practices, pilot projects, and private-sector initiatives that improve urban freight distribution.

Integrating New Cooperative, Co-created Shared Mobility Business Models into SUMPs

05 NOV | 15:00 | CC1 – Room 1.1
EIT Urban Mobility

The workshop is designed to support cities in integrating new cooperative, co-created shared mobility models into their SUMP planning process based on the learnings from the HORIZON SUM project. Participants will receive training on SUMP development, listen to SUMP best practices from POLIS members, and learn how to implement the different cooperative, co-created shared mobility business models researched by the project.

How to use multimodal data standards across Europe

05 NOV | 09:30 | CC4 – Room 4.2
MobilityData

A full-day workshop exploring the role of GTFS and NeTEX data specifications in the European context. Co-hosted by MobilityData and NAPCORE, the event will feature expert presentations, real-world use cases, and collaborative sessions to strengthen interoperability, support compliance, improve quality of service, and foster a shared vision for sustainable mobility data across Europe.

Integrating SAVs into public mobility networks

05 NOV | 10:00 | CC5 – Room 5.3
EIT Urban Mobility

This session explores the integration of Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs) into existing public mobility systems, aiming to advance seamless, sustainable, and inclusive urban transport. As cities grapple with congestion, emissions, and accessibility challenges, SAVs offer a transformative opportunity to complement traditional public transit and optimize urban mobility networks.

City Club Advisory Group Meeting

05 NOV | 14:00 | CC4 – Room 4.3
EIT Urban Mobility

Bi-annual regular meeting for members of EIT Urban Mobility's City Club Advisory Group.

Gender-sensitive data for urban planning

06 NOV | 09:30 | Shapping Mobility Stage
Eurocities

European cities strive to become more inclusive and equitable on one hand and smart and data-driven on the other. However, gaps in data collection and analysis can overlook the diverse needs of citizens groups. This session explores how using gender-disaggregated data can help design more inclusive urban spaces and mobility infrastructure.

Rethinking Impact: New Metrics for Smarter Urban Mobility

06 NOV | 10:30 | Shapping Mobility Stage
EIT Urban Mobility

Traditional metrics no longer capture the complexity of today's urban mobility ecosystems. This session challenges current success indicators and explores how both public authorities and private actors can adopt broader metrics. From intelligent traffic signals to employer-led mobility programmes, we’ll discuss how to redefine value and how new measurements can unlock better solutions for sustainable, inclusive cities.

Societal Readiness of C-ITS Services

06 NOV | 11:30 | Shapping Mobility Stage
RACC

The round table is comprised of speakers from the ITS industry, public administration, academia and a road user association, and will look from different angles on how perceived utility to road users and societal benefits can be aligned to accelerate adoption of C-ITS and unleash the full potential of its benefits. The discussion will be based on practical use cases from the SCALE project.

Co-Creating Inclusive Cities: Advancing Societal Readiness in Urban Mobility

06 NOV | 12:30 | Shapping Mobility Stage
International Road Federation (IRF)

How can cities ensure mobility innovation is trusted, inclusive, and ready for scale? Four CIVITAS projects - MOBILITIES FOR EU, SUM, GEMINI, and metaCCAZE - share concrete methods and experiences: from designing urban mobility labs and governance models, to co-creation activities with citizens at local and regional levels across Europe.

Connecting the Dots: Flexible & Active Mobility for Peri-urban and Rural areas

06 NOV | 13:30 | Shapping Mobility Stage
CIVINET Iberia

Explore how flexible, on-demand mobility and active travel can solve mobility gaps in rural and peri-urban areas. This session will discuss low-cost, tech-enabled solutions, user-friendly integration, and intermodal strategies to connect low-density territories with urban centers. A dynamic exchange on how to make rural mobility inclusive, affordable, and sustainable.

Presenting SolidScooter: The first solid-state battery powered Electric Scooter

06 NOV | 14:30 | Shapping Mobility Stage
CLIME - eMicromobility Innovation Cluster

Producing SolidScooter, the first solid-state battery-powered electric scooter. The project will be presented by CLIME, in collaboration with Basquevolt, a leader in solid-state battery technology, and Nodium and Bruntor, both specialists in sustainable urban mobility. A joint commitment to the future of clean and innovative micromobility.

From Challenges to Change: How E-MED is Powering Greener Public Transport

06 NOV | 15:30 | Shapping Mobility Stage
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya

This session gathers European public transport authorities, operators, and researchers to share insights from the E-MED project. It highlights local mobility challenges and presents innovative solutions such as AI-based planning, eco-driving, and new procurement strategies. The discussion will also address the shift to electric mobility, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of public transport and strengthen urban mobility resilience.

Startup Pitches: Smarter & greener mobility infrastructure solutions

06 NOV | 10:45 | Innovation Playground Stage
Smart City Expo World Congress

Explore solutions that optimize urban mobility infrastructure and transport networks. From smart parking and curbside management to multimodal integration, route optimization, and shared mobility, this session showcases innovations driving efficient, low-carbon, and intelligent urban transport systems.

M3 | Metropolitan Multimodal Mobility

06 NOV | 10:00 | CC1 – Room 1.4
EIT Urban Mobility

Evolve the current AMB Information data-sharing environment from a centralized model to a federated one.Promote the first effective deployment of a data space through the implementation of Data Space Connectors.Design a roadmap and methodology to serve as a reference for the integration of the remaining M3 Data Space modules.

Transport Operations: Real Freight & Smart Sense

06 NOV | 09:30 | CC4 – Room 4.3
Spanish Shippers' Council (SSC) Transprime

Logistics operations are rarely planned with a smart perspective. This event explores how digitalisation and new technologies are transforming freight, an often-overlooked yet essential sector. Through real cases and dialogue, we’ll show how “smart” starts in everyday logistics — driving efficiency, resilience, and impact, turning freight into something almost futuristic.

Infrastructures & Buildings

Rethinking Paris: Maximizing Use, Embracing Efficiency, and Building Resilience

04 NOV | 16:55 | Clean Cities Stage
Choose Paris Region

A truly intelligent city is a well-designed one—where every space, infrastructure, and function is optimized with a focus on resource efficiency and resilience. This conference aims to broaden the Smart City paradigm by embracing complementary approaches, combining high-tech and low-tech innovations, leveraging local stakeholders and existing strengths, promoting responsible resource use, and making the most of the existing urban fabric.

Startup Pitches

05 NOV | 11:30 | Innovation Playground Stage
Smart City Expo World Congress

Future-Proofing Cities: Innovations in Sustainable Infrastructure and Buildings

05 NOV | 14:25 | Infraestructure & Building Stage
European Commission

Exploring cutting-edge projects driving infrastructure resilience, building sustainability, and innovative urban solutions.

From Zoning to Shaping: the Next Generation of City-Building Rules

05 NOV | 17:15 | Infraestructure & Building Stage
ISOCARP - International Society of City and Regional Planners

As cities seek greater resilience, livability, vibrancy and unique identity, outdated planning rules often hold them back. The session reveals a new approach: form-based codes, or visual design standards that focus on the look, feel, and quality of streets and neighborhoods, rather than just land use. Discover how city leaders, planners, developers, and citizens collaborate to create vibrant places and more predictable, attractive investments.

Unlocking Construction Innovation in Europe: The Metabuilding Ecosystem

06 NOV | 09:30 | Infraestructure & Building Stage
ECTP (European Construction and sustainable built environment Technology Platform)

Discover Metabuilding, the pan-European initiative accelerating innovation in the construction sector. This session unveils a powerful ecosystem designed to connect SMEs, researchers, and industry leaders. We will explore our Metabuilding Labs Open Innovation Test Bed (OITB), the metabuilding.com digital platform, and the new business opportunities it creates, inviting you to join us in shaping the future of building.

Selected Innovation Booster

06 NOV | 14:45 | Innovation Playground Stage
Smart City Expo World Congress

Selected Innovation Booster

06 NOV | 15:45 | Innovation Playground Stage
Smart City Expo World Congress

Enabling Technologies for Sustainable and Inclusive Smart cities and Buildings

06 NOV | 09:30 | CC5 – Room 5.3
AccesS

AccesS seeks to create barrier-free environments and optimize energy use in smart buildings and cities, setting new standards for accessibility and sustainability. REN+HOMES aims to develop a universal method for positive energy homes and districts, based on 23 solutions. Tested across Europe, both projects aim to drive innovation for an inclusive, competitive green transition.

Blue Economy

From Sustainable to Regenerative: Rethinking Ocean Industries

04 NOV | 10:30 | Blue Economy Stage
World Ocean Council

The next frontier isn’t doing less harm — it’s rebuilding ocean health while creating value. This session spotlights industries moving beyond sustainability to regenerative models that restore ecosystems as part of business.

Fireside Chat: Are modern (L4) autonomous-vehicles ready for deployment in ports?

04 NOV | 11:10 | Blue Economy Stage
Port de Barcelona

The talk will focus on lessons learned within recent trials of autonomous trucking in ports. We will have a chance to assess together with top industry-experts the viability of the technology,going well beyond the hype.

Navigating Market Uncertainties in Global Port Operations

04 NOV | 11:25 | Blue Economy Stage
Port de Barcelona

Explore how geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, and changing trade patterns are affecting port operations worldwide. Panelists will discuss strategies for resilience, risk mitigation, and agility in uncertain markets.

Port 5G: Unlocking the Power of Next-Gen Connectivity

04 NOV | 12:10 | Blue Economy Stage
Port de Barcelona

This session will explore how 5G is transforming port ecosystems. Experts will discuss real-world use cases, including real-time monitoring, autonomous operations, and enhanced communication systems, and highlight the role of ultra-low latency in improving efficiency and safety.

Cybersecurity Without Boders: Securing Smart Ports in a Hyper-Connected Global Trade Ecosystem

04 NOV | 14:20 | Blue Economy Stage
Port de Barcelona

As the maritime sector becomes more digitised, ports in Europe, the United States and Asia are adopting smart technologies - AI, IoT, digital twins and autonomous systems - that create enormous efficiencies but also introduce new vulnerabilities. In this panel, experts will share regional and cross-continental strategies to protect critical port infrastructure from cyber threats that can cripple global supply chains.

The Road to Net Zero: Challenges, Milestones, and Lessons Learned

04 NOV | 15:05 | Blue Economy Stage
Port de Barcelona

Leading ports share their experiences and breakthroughs on the road to toward zero emissions. Learn about green energy integration, emission reduction technologies, and what it really takes to become a net-zero port in practice.

Shore Power Solutions: Powering the Future of Clean Port Operations

04 NOV | 15:50 | Blue Economy Stage
Port de Barcelona

Discover the latest innovations and implementations of shore power systems (cold ironing). Experts will discuss infrastructure readiness, policy incentives, and how electrifying ships at berth is helping to reduce air pollution and improve sustainability.

Smart Ports & Smart Cities: Building a Resilient Urban Waterfront

04 NOV | 16:35 | Blue Economy Stage
Port de Barcelona

His panel will explore the synergies between city and port development through integrated planning and shared digital infrastructure, resilient ecosystems and collaborative public-private strategies.

Debunking the Myths: Why Investors Hesitate (and Why They Shouldn’t)

04 NOV | 09:45 | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

Despite ocean industries generating $2.5 trillion annually, capital inflows remain limited. This panel tackles investor misconceptions — from “too risky” and “too fragmented” to “it’s all grants” — and shows how leaders are already proving them wrong.

What’s in a Blue Portfolio? Mapping the Scalable Sectors

04 NOV | 10:30 | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

From offshore renewables and aquaculture to ocean biotech, data, and nature-tech, this session explores which blue sectors are attracting real momentum — and what makes them bankable at scale.

Ocean Capital Markets: Why Oceans Still Struggle to Scale

04 NOV | 11:45 | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

Why isn’t the ocean part of mainstream portfolios? This session examines the disconnect between capital markets and ocean sectors, and highlights the products, metrics, and regulatory tools needed to unlock institutional flows.

De-Risking the Ocean: How Blended Finance Makes Projects Bankable

04 NOV | 12:30 | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

Blended finance is proving key to mobilising private capital. Explore how public-private structures, philanthropic cushions, and real-world examples are helping early-stage and large-scale ocean projects secure funding.

Private Wealth Goes Blue: Family Offices Investing in the Ocean

04 NOV | 14:15 | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

Family offices and private wealth managers are entering the blue economy as a new legacy play. This session showcases how next-gen capital is moving into ocean-positive strategies and what they look for in opportunities.

Natural Capital Gets Liquid: Blue Carbon, Biodiversity & New Asset Classes

04 NOV | 15:00 | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

Tradable blue carbon and biodiversity credits are on the rise. This session explores emerging asset classes, verification systems, and the digital tools making nature-based solutions investable at scale.

Regeneration Returns: Investing in Coastal and Marine Resilience

04 NOV | 16:15 | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

Coastal adaptation is one of the most urgent and investable climate markets. From flood defences to floating infrastructure, explore how investors are backing resilience to turn risk into opportunity.

Wrap-up Panel: Ready to Dive In: Your Blue Economy Action Plan

04 NOV | 17:00h | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

What did we learn, and what’s next? A rapid-fire summary and forward-looking discussion from key voices — including what to track, who to meet, and how to stay in the dealflow.

OCEANOVATION Opening Panel

05 NOV | 09:45h | Blue Economy Stage
OCEANOVATION

The world needs ocean solutions — now. Here’s why the innovation window is wide open.

Making Waves: 5-Minute Start-Up Pitches

05 NOV | 10:30h | Blue Economy Stage
OCEANOVATION

A rapid-fire showcase of start-ups and scale-ups driving innovation across the blue economy.

Blue Sparks Programme: Introducing the Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCRD) Industry Coalition

05 NOV | 11:20h | Blue Economy Stage
World Ocean Council

A rapid-fire showcase of start-ups and scale-ups driving innovation across the blue economy.

Introducing the UNESCO Ocean Decade Collaborative Centre in Barcelona

05 NOV | 11:45h | Blue Economy Stage
Barcelona Activa

Discover how Barcelona, the first city selected to host a UNESCO Ocean Decade Collaborative Centre (DCC), is at the forefront of advancing a sustainable blue economy worldwide. This roundtable will unveil the strategic pillars of the new DCC, showcase its key activities, and explore its potential impact within the framework of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Making Waves: 5-Minute Start-Up Pitches

05 NOV | 12:30h | Blue Economy Stage
OCEANOVATION

A rapid-fire showcase of start-ups and scale-ups driving innovation across the blue economy.

Blue Spark Programme: Global Public Launch of the Coastal Resilience Scorecard

05 NOV | 13:20h | Blue Economy Stage
World Ocean Council

Blue Sparks Programme: Showcasing the 2025 Start-up Cohort from Continuum (a NOAA funder accelerator collaborative)

05 NOV | 13:40h | Blue Economy Stage
World Ocean Council

Blue Sparks Programme: Announcement of Newday Impact Investing’s Causeway Platform and WOC partnership

05 NOV | 14:00h | Blue Economy Stage
World Ocean Council

Blue Sparks Programme: Launch of the new Centre of Excellence on Coastal Resilience

05 NOV | 14:20h | Blue Economy Stage
World Ocean Council

Blue Sparks Programme: Spotlight on the Green Marine Med Green Shipping Innovation Challenge

05 NOV | 14:40h | Blue Economy Stage
World Ocean Council

Making Waves: 5-Minute Start-Up Pitches

05 NOV | 15:00h | Blue Economy Stage
OCEANOVATION

A rapid-fire showcase of 9-10 start-ups and scale-ups driving innovation across the blue economy.

Catalysing Blue Economy Investment in Barcelona

05 NOV | 15:45h | Blue Economy Stage
Barcelona Activa

Barcelona is strengthening its role as a leading hub for the blue economy by attracting global investment and talent through strategic initiatives and a dynamic innovation ecosystem. This round table will explore how the city appeals to the global blue economy and the opportunities it offers for growth, collaboration, and impact.

Plastics session No More Trash Oceans: How to Design Out Waste for Good

05 NOV | 16:15h | Blue Economy Stage
World Ocean Council

It’s time to tackle pollution upstream, not just clean up the mess. From circular materials and producer responsibility to startups tackling ghost gear and microplastics, what scalable solutions can eliminate waste flows?

C-level Executives Power Moves: Building Net Positive Businesses for Ocean Survival

05 NOV | 09:45h | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

Hear directly from c-level executives redefining leadership for the ocean economy. What does it take to move beyond “doing less harm” toward actively regenerative business models — while delivering competitive financial returns?

The Race to Net Zero Ports and Ships: Winners, Losers, Lessons

05 NOV | 10:30h | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

From green corridors and electrified terminals to alternative fuels and regulatory shifts, this session explores the leaders driving maritime decarbonization — and the barriers holding others back. What strategies are working, what missteps to avoid, and what the future demands of port and shipping actors.

Blue Food Boom: Feeding the Planet Without Killing the Ocean

05 NOV | 11:45h | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

Seaweed, aquaculture, and alternative seafood are critical for global food security. How can we scale blue food systems while protecting biodiversity, ensuring traceability, and supporting equitable growth across the value chain?

Ocean Carbon Removal: Unlocking the Ocean’s Climate Superpower

05 NOV | 12:30h | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

From seaweed cultivation to alkalinity enhancement, marine carbon removal could be critical to climate goals. This session unpacks the promise, pitfalls, and funding needs of ocean-based carbon solutions.

Offshore Collision Course: Energy, Nature, Fishing – Can We Have It All?

05 NOV | 14:15h | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

Offshore wind is booming but so are demands for biodiversity and fisheries protection. This session explores real-world strategies for marine spatial planning to balance energy, nature, and livelihoods.

The Internet of Oceans: How Data Will Save (or Sink) Us

05 NOV | 15:00h | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

Sensors, satellites, AI, and blockchain are transforming our view of the ocean. Who will control this “Internet of the Sea” — and how can data be used to drive conservation, transparency, and better governance?

Regeneration Returns: Investing in Coastal and Marine Resilience

05 NOV | 16:15h | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

Final session of the year for the Innpulso Network’s Working Groups, gathering cities to reflect on progress made, lessons learned and future challenges. The event will feature key voices from the network and cities sharing outcomes from their 2025 collaborative work on innovation, experimentation and public knowledge transfer.

Oceannovation Plenary. Ocean x Cities x Capital: New Coalitions for a Blue Urban Future

06 NOV | 09:45h | Blue Economy Stage
OCEANOVATION

From cities and climate to capital and coastlines — ocean innovation is reshaping how we build, live, and invest.

Making Waves: 5-Minute Start-Up Pitches

06 NOV | 10:30h | Blue Economy Stage
OCEANOVATION

A rapid-fire showcase of 9-10 start-ups and scale-ups driving innovation across the blue economy.

Training Talent for the Ocean Economy of the Future

06 NOV | 11:15h | Blue Economy Stage
Barcelona Activa

The Blue Economy is generating new career opportunities in fields such as marine biotechnology, underwater robotics, marine renewable energies or sustainable tourism. This round table will explore emerging career paths linked to oceans, seas, and coastal areas, and discuss how to prepare professionals to meet the growing demands of a sustainable and constantly evolving sector.

Measuring the Impact of the Blue Economy – Insights from the Barcelona Blue Economy Observatory

06 NOV | 11:45h | Blue Economy Stage
World Ocean Council

The ocean absorbs over 90% of excess heat and a quarter of CO₂ emissions yet remains overlooked in climate policy. This session reframes the ocean as a climate solution powerhouse — and calls for urgent action in finance, governance, and innovation.

Making Waves: 5-Minute Start-Up Pitches

06 NOV | 12:30h | Blue Economy Stage
OCEANOVATION

A rapid-fire showcase of 9-10 start-ups and scale-ups driving innovation across the blue economy

Training Talent for the Ocean Economy of the Future

06 NOV | 13:00h | Blue Economy Stage
Barcelona Activa

The Blue Economy is generating new career opportunities in fields such as marine biotechnology, underwater robotics, marine renewable energies or sustainable tourism. This round table will explore emerging career paths linked to oceans, seas, and coastal areas, and discuss how to prepare professionals to meet the growing demands of a sustainable and constantly evolving sector.

Driving the Blue Economy in Barcelona: Measuring Progress & Shaping the Future

06 NOV | 14:15h | Blue Economy Stage
Barcelona Activa

This round table will present the city's renewed commitment to the Blue Economy through its updated Government Measure, outlining the strategic priorities for the coming years. It will also introduce the Barcelona Blue Economy Observatory, a key tool for monitoring the sector’s economic, social, and environmental impact. These initiatives reflect the city’s strategic ambition to become a global reference in the Blue Economy.

Saving the Blue Planet: How to Build Real Marine Protection at Scale

06 NOV | 09:45h | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

MPAs are expanding rapidly, but many remain “paper parks.” What does real protection look like? Explore enforcement, financing, and community-led approaches to deliver meaningful biodiversity outcomes.

Coastal Cities Take Charge: Leading the Ocean Economy Revolution

06 NOV | 10:30h | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

Coastal cities are stepping up as blue economy leaders. From resilient infrastructure to ocean-positive investments, which city-led initiatives are shaping the next generation of ocean hubs?

Bridging the Gap: Turning Ocean Innovation into Industry Impact

06 NOV | 11:45h | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

Start-ups are brimming with solutions, but too many stall at pilot stage. This session tackles the bottlenecks between innovators and big business — and explores how to turn ideas into real-world adoption at scale.

Cruises and Ferries in Transition: From Floating Cities to Zero-Emission Journeys

06 NOV | 12:30h | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

Cruises and ferries are under pressure to transform. This session explores how technology, regulation, and new business models are reshaping passenger shipping toward a cleaner future.

Future Blue Workforce

06 NOV | 13:15h | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

The ocean economy needs a new generation of skilled workers. From digital and technical skills to sustainability training, how do we prepare a workforce ready to power the future ocean economy?

Closing / Wrap-up

06 NOV | 15:45h | CC3 – Room 3.11
World Ocean Council

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