MATCHMAKING ACTIVITY
SMART CITy
open innovation cHALLENGE
Join us at the 14th edition of this key matchmaking event that connects public entities, corporates and investors with startups and other technological providers.
Registration for 2025 is now open!
The Smart Cities’ Challenges (formerly known as Brokerage Event) is the hugely popular international matchmaking activity providing a unique opportunity to have a series of 30-minute, pre-scheduled B2B and B2P meetings according to your interests and goals, with a view to establishing valuable connections with potential business partners and clients.
The event’s aim is to 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.
The Smart Cities' Challenges 2024
A huge number of meetings across multiple sectors
MEETINGS
CHALLENGE AREAS
Connect with industry leaders and public entities. This year’s programme includes three different initiatives to spur collaboration.
Open Innovation Challenge
Tech providers, including startups, companies with research and development projects, and technological centres, have the opportunity to engage with Challenge Owners —private and public organizations that have posted a problem they need to solve.
These events are excellent for fostering dialogue between demand and innovation supply, accelerating the pilot development process.
To participate, you need to register on the platform, indicate which challenge you want to apply for, and request a meeting. If selected, you will have a B2B or B2G meeting with the Challenge Owner.
- 4 & 5 November: 9:30h-13:30h | 15:00h-17:00h
- Generalitat de Catalunya stand
Cities' Challenges Workshop
Accounting for over 14% of GDP, EU public procurement could create a huge market for Innovative products and services, but its potential in this area remains underutilised.
The European Comission aims to improve public procurement practices, promote the demand of innovative goods, services and works in Europe, and foster the uptake of innovation in the EU.
At this event, you will discover the challenges faced by cities around the world and the tools they use, such as innovative tenders and other open innovation strategies, to implement future pilots and procure new solutions.
- 5 November: 12:30h-13:15h
- Innovation Playground
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 open until 25 July. Apply now!
The Call for Innovation Providers will open on 17 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 open until 25 July.
The Call for Innovation Providers will open on 17 September.
ONLINE MEETINGS
28, 29, 30 OCTOBER
12 NOVEMBER
Online Event to meet with public organizations and corporates.
IN-PERSON MEETINGS
4 & 5 NOVEMBER
Meet with public entities, corporates, and inverstors and present your solution to their open innovation needs.
CITIES' CHALLENGES
5 NOVEMBER
Bilateral meetings at your chosen time slot in the Innovation Playground located in the expo area (Hall 2).
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.
