SMART CITY
OPEN INNOVATION CHALLENGE
Join this key matchmaking event at SCEWC26, a unique platform connecting public entities, corporates, and investors with startups and other technology providers.
Establish strategic connections and create long-term, measurable value.
The Open Innovation Challenge (formerly known as the Brokerage Event) and Catalan Urban Solutions are highly popular matchmaking activities that offer a unique opportunity to take part in a series of 30-minute, pre-scheduled B2B and B2P meetings tailored to your interests and goals. These meetings are designed to help build valuable connections with potential business partners and clients.
These events support SMEs, startups, entrepreneurs, universities, research groups, corporations, and institutions in finding partners for product development, manufacturing, licensing agreements, joint ventures, and other types of collaboration. They also provide international companies, entities, and institutions with market-ready solutions from Catalan suppliers.
A Story of Success Year After Year
The 2025 Smart City Open Innovation Challenge
A huge number of meetings across multiple sectors
MEETINGS
CHALLENGE AREAS
The programme includes three initiatives designed to spur collaboration among key urban players.
Open Innovation Challenge
Tech providers with innovative solutions, including startups, companies, and technology centres, have the opportunity to engage with real urban challenges published by public and private organizations in areas such as AI, GovTech, digital tools, and data management & analytics.
This matchmaking event fosters dialogue between demand and innovation supply, speeding up pilot development.
To participate, you need to register on the platform, select the challenge you want to apply for, and request a meeting. If selected, you will have a B2B or B2G meeting with the Challenge Owner.
- 3 & 4 November: 10h-13.30h | 15.00h-17.00h
- Generalitat de Catalunya stand
Congress events
Cities' Challenges
4 November, 09:50h – 10:35h
Innovation Playground
Discover how cities, public authorities, startups, and companies are working together to solve real-world urban challenges through technology and collaboration. Can your solution address any of the challenges?
Dialogue with Japan: Living in a Human-Robot Society
4 November, 11.15h -11.30h
Main Stage
Shaping the Future Through Collaborative Innovation.
Next-Gen Cities: Aligning Robotics, Policy, and Innovation
4 November, 13.20h - 14.05h
Impact Tech Stage
Explore the future of smart cities through Robotics and AI. Discover inspiring Japanese and Catalan case studies, innovative Robot-Avatar applications, and emerging startups shaping tomorrow’s urban solutions.
Catalan
Urban Solutions
Catalonia Urban Solutions is an on-site B2B and B2G event that connects international companies, entities, and institutions with Catalan suppliers. It offers cutting-edge, innovative solutions ready to be implemented or commercialized.
This matchmaking event allows international participants to share their needs with Catalan participants, showcasing their solutions; it helps set pre-scheduled meetings and efficiently generate valuable leads and partnerships.
By attending, participants can stay ahead of industry trends and network with key players worldwide.
- 4-6 November
- Generalitat de Catalunya stand
WHY PARTICIPATE?
The Smart City Open Innovation Challenges give you the chance to:
- Identify potential international partners for future cooperation projects.
- Meet public entities looking for innovative solutions.
- Get your personalized agenda according to your interests and availability.
The Call for Challenge Owners is now open.
The Call for Innovation Providers will open on 16 September.
OPEN INNOVATION CHALLENGE AGENDA
REGISTRATION & SELECTION
Register, create your profile and add a marketplace, describing the service/product that you offer or need.
Please note that the Call for Challenge Owners is now open.
The Call for Innovation Providers will open on 16 September.
ONLINE MEETINGS
27, 28, 29 OCTOBER
11 NOVEMBER
Online Event to meet with public organizations and corporates.
IN-PERSON MEETINGS
3 & 4 NOVEMBER
Meet with public entities, corporates, and inverstors and present your solution to their open innovation needs.
CITIES' CHALLENGES
4 NOVEMBER
Bilateral meetings scheduled at your preferred time slot in the Innovation Playground.
ORGANIZED BY:
The Smart Cities’ Open Innovation Challenge is organized by Catalonia Trade & Investment-ACCIÓ (from the Catalan Government’s Ministry of Enterprise and Labour), together with the Enterprise Europe Network-EEN, a EU initiative and the largest business network in the world.
