Smart City Expo World Congress – Catalyzing Urban Innovation in Barcelona

The Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC), held annually in Barcelona, Catalonia, is the premier global event dedicated to urban innovation and sustainable city development. Since its inception in 2011, SCEWC has evolved into a vital platform where policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators come together to address the challenges of urbanization and to envision smarter, more inclusive cities.

Hosted at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, the event brings together a wide spectrum of stakeholders from over 140 countries, offering a unique opportunity to share insights, forge partnerships, and discover groundbreaking technologies shaping the future of urban life.

Key Themes and Tracks

SCEWC’s program is structured around several key themes that highlight the complexity and potential of urban transformation:

• Enabling Technologies – Including AI, IoT, and big data to optimize city operations and services
• Energy & Environment – Focusing on sustainable energy solutions and ecological impact
• Mobility – Addressing the future of transport, from electric vehicles to integrated transit systems
• Governance & Economy – Exploring digital governance, smart regulations, and resilient economic strategies
• Living & Inclusion – Ensuring cities are inclusive, equitable, and improve quality of life
• Infrastructure & Building – Promoting smart construction and adaptive city design
• Blue Economy – Highlighting the use of marine resources for economic and environmental sustainability

These themes serve as the backbone of a dynamic congress program that includes keynote speeches, expert panels, and technical workshops.

Highlights of the Event

The latest edition of SCEWC, themed “Live Better”, marked a record turnout with:

• Over 1,100 exhibitors showcasing smart city technologies
• Representation from 850 cities across the globe
• More than 600 speakers, including thought leaders like Ruha Benjamin and Majora Carter

A major feature of the event is the World Smart City Awards, which recognize pioneering projects and policies that drive meaningful urban innovation. Topics include digital inclusion, circular economy, public safety, and ethical use of data.

SCEWC also includes the Innovation Playground, a space where cutting-edge solutions are demonstrated, and the Startup Area, giving early-stage companies a chance to shine before international audiences.

Innovation and Collaboration

Smart City Expo fosters cross-sector collaboration between governments, corporations, startups, and research institutions. This multi-stakeholder approach leads to tangible partnerships, pilot projects, and long-term collaborations that shape smarter cities.

Co-located events such as Tomorrow.Mobility, Tomorrow.Building, and Tomorrow.Blue Economy complement the main expo, deepening the focus on future transport, sustainable construction, and marine-based economies.

Conclusion

The Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona is more than just a trade fair—it is a movement toward reimagining cities for the 21st century. Through its expansive platform and collaborative spirit, it continues to drive global dialogue and innovation aimed at building urban environments that are smarter, greener, and more inclusive for all.