Track: Enabling Technologies

Welcome to the events for better cities!

This opening session sets the tone for the entire event, featuring a welcome speech by Ugo Valenti, Director of Smart City Expo World Congress, and Marc Rozendal, CEO of EIT Urban Mobility. The session will also include contributions from high-level representatives who will share insights on how cities are transforming, innovating, and creating to improve the way we live, move, and build.

The workshop aims at presenting key case studies on the integration of GEOAI into traditional urban planning processes which can help urban practitioners globally to identify pathway and optimization into their urban planning processes. Stakeholders representing urban practitioners, cities, city networks, private sector and national governments are invited to contribute to the methodology and the step-by-step guidance contained in the Toolkit

Cities face rising demand for services, aging populations, and limited resources. This session explores how AI helps governments reimagine service delivery—streamlining access, boosting responsiveness in critical services like safety and transport, and personalizing experiences. We’ll discuss how intelligent agents are becoming trusted partners, helping cities become more adaptive, inclusive, and resilient.

How can AI enhance decision-making in smart cities while ensuring ethical and unbiased outcomes? What role do AI technologies play in optimizing public services in the cities of the future?

In what ways is technology driving innovation in urban design practices? How are digital tools shaping the design process for buildings, infrastructures, and cities?

How are governments up to date with technological innovations to improve public services and government efficiency? Are governments into the digital transformation to make their services more accessible, and user-friendly?

What will define mobility in the next ten years? This forward-looking session brings together senior decision-makers to discuss transformative trends that will shape the transport systems of tomorrow. As digital and sustainable technologies converge, the panel will explore how to navigate innovation, scale impact, and build adaptable mobility systems fit for the future.

How can cities harness AI to drive smarter, fairer decisions? As AI reshapes urban life, its potential to optimize public services and governance grows—so does the need for ethical, transparent systems. Explore how responsible, sustainable AI can guide smart cities toward more efficient, inclusive, and future-ready urban environments.

Technology is revolutionizing urban design, blending AI, virtual reality, and immersive tools to redefine how buildings, infrastructure, and cities are created. Explore how digital innovation is transforming design processes, enabling smarter, more efficient, and visionary urban spaces. What new possibilities are emerging at the intersection of design and technology?

This session will explore the strategies and approaches that GovTech can offer to help public administrations become more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered. The discussion will examine how digitalization is reshaping governance, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and enhancing public services.

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

This event will explore how the principles and enablers of the International Guidelines on People-Centred Smart Cities, which span from shared prosperity, to data and smart cities services, governance, and regulation, etc., can be applied to foster access to adequate housing and basic services in cities globally.

Explore how local governments are scaling partnerships across Europe through a unique digital tool. This session will offer valuable insights, practical examples, and networking opportunities for municipalities and stakeholders looking to enhance cooperation, access funding, and build impactful, cross-border projects.

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.

This session showcases how pioneering cities and organisations are leveraging space data, geo and geo-AI tools for environmental and climate action, for enhanced urban sustainability. City leaders, industry experts, and geo-AI practitioners will present real-world case studies, discuss how to transform data into actionable strategies, and chart the future of a low-carbon and climate-resilient urban growth. The session will delve into data-driven technologies, scenario modeling, and highlight the vital role of both technology and communities in sustainable city planning.

Discover how virtual worlds and federated AI agents are transforming the way cities are designed, governed, and experienced. This session explores the emerging "Citiverse" — a next-generation digital ecosystem empowering inclusive, data-driven, and participatory urban transformation.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept—it is central to how governments rethink, rebuild, and deliver essential services. This session will highlight how AI is transforming public infrastructure across major American cities, showcasing real-world applications that improve efficiency, responsiveness, and equity.

The world is changing fast. Generational shifts, AI and new tech are redefining life and work - with cities as living labs of innovation. In her light-hearted yet insightful style, futurist Nikki Greenberg reveals what 2050 could look like, sharing global examples of tech transforming cities. Expect energy, vision and strategies to build future-ready, human-centered and inspiring places.

Next-generation technologies are reshaping how we design, build, and live in our cities. From digital tools and AI to virtual reality and advanced construction methods, emerging innovations are revolutionizing urban planning and development. How do these technologies offer new pathways to create more efficient, building-adaptive, and future-ready urban environments?

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

Disruptive technologies are transforming the foundations of urban life. From AI and digital twins to immersive platforms and next-gen connectivity, these tools are creating new possibilities for smarter, more sustainable cities. This session will show solutions to turn innovation into real impact for citizens, highlighting the opportunities and challenges of the next urban era.

Enabling technologies offer transformative potential for how cities function and how we live within them. From anticipating future dynamics to optimizing public services and enhancing connectivity, these innovations are key drivers of resilient smart city development. How we boost this potential to maximize efficiency in urban systems design and management, and the everyday experience of city life, will define what cities look like in the upcoming years.

Which emerging disruptive technologies will reshape smart cities? From 5G and IoT to blockchain and quantum computing, enhanced connectivity is driving unprecedented innovation. Urban leaders are actively working to integrate these technologies, transforming infrastructure and services to create more connected, efficient, and future-ready cities.

Which emerging disruptive technologies are poised to transform smart cities, and how can urban leaders proactively integrate them? How can the widespread adoption of enhanced connectivity drive innovation in smart cities?

Technological advances are reshaping daily life, while cities remain key arenas for democratic action and civic rights. In this context, technology is a powerful driver of progress and transformation, enhancing urban living. Yet this development also brings challenges such as the digital divide, misinformation, and declining trust. This session explores how cities can form alliances to defend civic rights and ensure technology serves the public good.

As cities grow and digitalize, they face new and complex cybersecurity challenges that require an evolution in how we approach cyber resilience and a proactive and tailored “Cybersecurity for Cities” approach. This session will explore what "Cybersecurity for Cities" truly encompasses, questioning whether it is relevant for all or if specific approaches are needed for different types of urban environments.

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.

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?

As European cities accelerate their digital transformation, cybersecurity and trust become cornerstones of resilience. Yet, local governments face fragmented approaches to regulation, compliance, and technology adoption. The European Union is now pushing for standardization and harmonization through major legislative frameworks — NIS2 (critical infrastructure protection), the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) (secure IoT and digital products), and the AI Act (governing AI in public services). At the same time, EU funding mechanisms such as Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe Programme are enabling cross-border security projects and joint innovation. The panel explores how EU regulations and funding initiatives can transform city-level security from siloed, reactive measures into cohesive, interoperable, and future-proof frameworks. It will bring together policymakers, city leaders, and industry experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities in aligning local needs with EU-wide standards. Target audience : city mayors, CISOs, Stage: Tech X Cities

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.

How have digital tools improved construction accuracy and reduced costs? What challenges and best practices shape successful digital transformation in the industry?

How is the convergence of enabling technologies with sustainability bringing new depth to the green transformation of our cities? This session will explore how smart solutions, such as IoT, AI, renewable energy systems, and cleantech, are redefining what the future of resilient urban living can look like. As cities strive to become more sustainable, tech innovators are stepping up to accelerate the transition toward a more resilient and environmentally responsible future.

As cities face evolving threats, how can technology enhance safety without compromising trust or inclusion? From cybersecurity to public space protection, innovation must align with human values. Explore how resilient, equitable strategies can secure digital and physical worlds for all citizens.

How are the latest technological innovations transforming urban safety and resilience? What strategies could foster cybersecurity innovation while maintaining public trust?

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.

How are digital tools revolutionizing construction in the cities of tomorrow? By integrating AI, BIM, and digital twins, the industry is transforming building design and execution. Exploring challenges and best practices reveals how digital innovation is reshaping construction into a smarter, more precise, and sustainable process.

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.

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.

This conversation explores how AI, data integration, and emerging technologies are transforming city management—from predictive safety and digital housing aid to smart mobility and infrastructure. U.S. mayors will share lessons and priorities for scalable, inclusive solutions that strengthen efficiency, equity, and resilience.

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 that are ready to be deployed in your cities.

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.

Register here to join the session – RSVP: Zone: CC4 – Room 4.4

This congress session examines the escalating challenges disinformation poses to democratic processes worldwide, with particular focus on the local level. Experts will analyze recent disinformation campaigns that have disrupted local governance, explore technological and policy-based countermeasures being implemented by leading cities.

In a volatile environment, resilient and high-quality mobility systems are more important than ever. This session will explore how technological, regulatory, and social innovations can build more inclusive and adaptive networks. Expect thought-provoking insights on how to transition mobility systems towards greater social equity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

What are the potential, limitations, and challenges of embedding this disruptive technology in day-to-day city life? What can be expected of the Fourth Industrial Revolution?

How does digital transformation enhance citizen participation while ensuring data transparency and security? How can we guide behavior in the digital world and secure our digital rights?

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

With 47 projects supported with €181 million in funding, the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) puts 5G technology at the service of the most innovative smart cities: we drive digital transformation, improve public services, and enhance quality of life for citizens across the European Union.  

As cities worldwide race to become “smart,” we face a vital question: Are we optimizing for technology, or for human flourishing? In this visionary keynote, Kate O’Neill—Tech Humanist and advisor to organizations from the City of Amsterdam to Google to the United Nations—explores how cities can move beyond novelty to create meaningful human experiences at scale.

Through real-world case studies and cross-sector insights, Kate demonstrates how city leaders can make technology choices that bridge the digital divide, foster inclusive communities, and deliver value for all citizens.

What’s next for AI as it reshapes our world? From generative models to smart devices and LLMs, AI is evolving fast—offering immense promise and raising complex questions. This session explores the true frontiers of AI, balancing innovation with awareness, and looking ahead to how this powerful technology might redefine our future.

How does digital transformation will enhance citizen participation while ensuring data transparency and security? How can we guide behavior in the digital world and secure our digital rights? This roundtable will discuss how local governments are protecting citizen’s digital rights and identities in a connected world while ensuring privacy, fostering digital trust and countering disinformation.

Cities face complex security challenges across both physical and digital spaces. As technologies like AI integrate into urban life, issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and public space safety demand creative, human-centered solutions. Thoughtful approaches to urban security, rooted in trust, ethics, and equity, are essential to maintain public confidence and ensure safe, inclusive cities. How can cities rethink security to protect people without compromising their rights?

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.

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.

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.

Join us in celebrating the most innovative and impactful initiatives shaping the future of urban living. The World Smart City Awards recognize pioneering projects, visionary leaders, and transformative strategies that are driving progress in cities around the globe. This ceremony is a tribute to excellence, creativity, and collaboration in building smarter, more sustainable urban environments.

A relaxed moment to have a drink and mingle with other attendees at the venue’s main entrance after the World Smart City Awards gala.

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.

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.

What strategies are cities implementing to adapt to climate change? Are cities prioritizing green solutions when mitigating climate change effects or restoring urban environments after a natural catastrophe?

How can cities use data analytics to anticipate future dynamics and ensure long-term resilience? What role does data play in enabling accurate predictions and effective city planning?

As climate impacts intensify, cities are on the frontline of adaptation and resilience. How are urban areas leveraging climate finance and nature-based solutions to strengthen disaster risk management and emergency response? This session will examine the measures cities are adopting to cope with the effects of a changing climate, along with recovery measures aimed at strengthening resilience to climate-related shocks.

Can cities turn data into foresight? With advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and strong data governance, urban leaders can anticipate change, optimize planning, and boost resilience. Leveraging the full power of data is key to advancing towards smarter, more sustainable, and future-ready cities.

Can GovTech transform urban environments? Emerging technologies in digital governance are redefining public services, civic engagement, and driving inclusive economic growth. With strategic leadership, thoughtful implementation, and robust security frameworks, tech can empower communities and build resilient, transparent local economies. As key enablers of this shift, city leaders are focusing on driving secure, efficient digital solutions to support stable, forward-thinking urban systems.

How are cities leveraging green entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices to drive technological innovation in the fight against the climate crisis?

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.

How are green entrepreneurship and environmental design shaping transformative change in urban areas? Cities are increasingly turning to climate tech, cleantech and sustainable business models to drive climate solutions. This session will explore how cities foster innovation ecosystems that support a low-carbon future through bold, sustainable and forward-thinking practices.

How do simulation technologies improve decision-making and urban system efficiency through digital modeling? How can digital twins optimize city infrastructure and services?

Through simulation technologies and digital twins, urban systems gain real-time insights that enhance decision-making and optimize infrastructure and services. This session explores how this approach enables cities to predict challenges, improve efficiency, and build smarter, more responsive urban environments for the future.

Today, as cities face their challenges, Digital Twins & AI are everywhere. Digital Twins deliver better prescriptions and greater efficiency and sustainability. AI brings data-driven decisions and uncovers hidden patterns, but also raises challenges in ethics, bias, and transparency. How can we ethically and sustainably combine Digital Twins & AI to maximize their synergies?

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.