THE FUTURE OF SMART CITIES

THE INNOVATION PLAYGROUND

A reference point for groundbreaking emerging companies in urban development from around the globe, with a comprehensive program to boost brand awareness, networking, funding and learning.

Boosting awareness, networking and funding within the global innovation ecosystem

The Innovation Playground is a carefully designed, open, and agile environment where the world’s most ambitious startups, forward‑thinking investors, industry leaders, and public entities come together to accelerate the future of urban innovation.

Here, startups gain direct access to decision‑makers and capital; investors discover impact‑driven solutions with unicorn potential; and corporates tap into the agility and creativity they need to stay ahead.

This is not just a space —it’s a global launchpad for the innovations shaping our cities and our world.

We transform bold ideas into real‑world impact by combining:

01_ Inspiring talks

02_ A curated startup expo and pitches

03_ Immersive demos

04_ High‑trust networking

1. STARTUP AREA

The Startup Area is a bustling expo floor featuring over 80 of the boldest startups in urban development from around the world. These innovators cover key topics such as urban tech, social impact, climate tech, construction tech, and transport tech.

Find out which startups exhibited at SCEWC25:

2. TALKS

The vibrant Innovation Playground stage hosted a non-stop program of talks and pitches, bringing together the full spectrum of the innovation ecosystem –from startups and investors to researchers and change-makers.

A high-energy space where ideas met opportunity, and connections sparked future collaborations.

3. DEMO AREA

The Demo Area featured a curated array of interactive displays, immersive simulations, and revolutionary tools that demonstrated how sci-fi solutions are already changing the way we live, work, and interact within our cities.

Take a look at the solutions that were featured in SCEWC25 Demo Area:

AESS - H2 TOW TRACTOR

AESS

The H2 Tow Tractor is a hydrogen-powered vehicle revolutionizing heavy-duty towing for airports, ports, and industries. It delivers zero-emission performance with green hydrogen, rapid 3-5 minute refueling, low maintenance, and towing capacity exceeding 50 tons, supporting EU sustainability goals. The project is funded by EIT Urban Mobility.

Grasshopper Air Mobility

The PoC is a small drone that has been modified being mounted on a rover with 4 wheels that can rotate 360 degrees and drive on various undergrounds. Furthermore, it contains a mountable container that contains a battery and cargo compartment, which can be manually exchanged, and thus rapidly enables recharging and cargo un-/loading.

EVARM

EVARM develops and applies vehicle conversion technologies for alternative fuels such as LPG, CNG, mild hybrid, and hydrogen. Our business model combines in-house R&D, domestic manufacturing, and a comprehensive service that includes homologation, technical inspection (ITV), and turnkey delivery. We offer customized solutions for fleet-operating companies seeking to reduce emissions and costs without replacing their vehicles. The reliability of our technology has been validated under extreme conditions such as the Dakar Rally and has been recognized with national innovation awards.

Skroller

Skroller is the first stabilizer for electric scooters that boosts control, ergonomics and comfort of the rider.

HVR Energy

Modular, compact, and scalable hydrogen refuelling station (HRS) for 350/700 bar vehicles, with low CAPEX and OPEX. Designed for flexible deployment, it integrates compression, storage, and dispensing to support cost-effective, zero-emission mobility infrastructure.

Urbix Hub

Urbix Hub connects Europe's first network of driving simulator. Our booking platform allows mobility businesses to book affordable, on-demand driving simulation sessions across multiple driving schools, avoiding high tech CAPEX, disruptive training, complex negotiations with multiple suppliers, and effectively reducing crashes by a proven 67%.

GLYDZ

GLYDZ solves urban last-mile mobility by turning any shoes into electric transport with backpackable, 4kg soles reaching 25 km/h. Built in Madrid & infrastructure-ready, it radically improves short-distance commutes while being fully sustainable.

Respirooh

RESPIROOH is the first urban furniture model that purifies the air through the implementation of biotechnology. This innovative structure incorporates microalgae photobioreactors that, through photosynthesis, capture CO₂, produce O₂, and filter air pollutants.

Selfie Sculptures

Look@ Tree is a solar-powered Selfie Sculpture that turns city spots into viral AR photo points - promoting destinations, engaging visitors, and generating new revenue for smart cities.

PowerBox E-Charging

Out-of-home Universal e-bike charging station based on IEC Technical Standards for light electric vehicles. We cover 80%+ of the proprietary batteries. Do more hefty chargers anymore. Charge safe and 5x faster. Comply with Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

The Great Bubble Barrier

The Bubble Barrier is a technology that catches plastic pollution in waterways using bubbles. The Bubble Barrier covers the full width and depth of the waterway, does not hinder the passage of ship traffic or fish, and can be operated 24/7.

Fundación ONCE

Fundación ONCE is a leading organization in Europe promoting accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. At Smart Cities Expo, we are proud to present AccessRobots, a pioneering robotic platform designed to assist individuals in navigating complex urban environments such as airports and train stations. AccessRobots combines autonomous mobility with a user-friendly app, enabling personalized support and enhancing independence. It also empowers agents with disabilities to provide assistance, fostering inclusive employment. We invite you to explore our work and join us in shaping smarter, more inclusive cities.

Citizen Dialog Kit

Give your public spaces a voice! Use our unique situated survey devices to design, evaluate, and understand spaces, mobility challenges, tourism bottlenecks and much more. Successfully deployed from Brussels to Amsterdam, Strasbourg to Prague.

4. INVESTORS PROGRAM

This brand-new initiative was set to connect investors with global organizations and innovation players trailblazing startup growth.

Participants can identify relevant deal flow to grow their portfolios, enjoy networking opportunities with other investors, startups, and governments, find co-investment opportunities and collaboration prospects, and gain access to market intelligence, exposure to impact investing and sustainability initiatives, and insights into policies and regulations.

1.

Get your Investor Pass. A premium ticket to make the most of the event.

2.

Access the Match & Fund tool. Registered investors will be contacted with instructions on how to access the tool, complete their profile and start connecting.