In early November, Barcelona will once again become the focal point for experts shaping the cities of tomorrow. The massive Gran Via exhibition venue will host the fourteenth edition of the Smart City Expo World Congress. More than 600 specialists and over a thousand companies will gather here to present their ideas and solutions for the cities of the future.
This year’s spotlight is on integrating artificial intelligence into urban environments. A special zone will give attendees a firsthand look at how AI is accelerating the transformation of megacities, making them more comfortable and eco-friendly. Major international corporations such as Microsoft, Nvidia, Dassault Systèmes, and dozens of startups will showcase technologies already reshaping cities around the world.
Special attention is being given to young companies: the Innovation Playground area has been set up where startups can connect directly with investors and research centers. This year, the expo features national pavilions from dozens of countries, including France, Germany, Japan, China, Mexico, Argentina, and the United States. Organizers expect attendance to surpass 25,000, with participants from 140 countries.
Urban challenges and new solutions
The forum’s program covers eight key areas: from digital technologies and sustainable energy to inclusive urban environments and infrastructure development. Among the invited speakers are renowned urbanists, architects, top executives of major companies, and government officials. They will share their experience in implementing innovations that have already proven effective in various parts of the world.
As part of the congress, the World Smart City Awards ceremony will take place. This year, 462 applications from 65 countries have been submitted to the competition, and the winners will be announced at a gala event on the evening of November 5.
Parallel events and new horizons
Alongside the main program, three other major events will also take place in Barcelona during these days. Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress will focus on new approaches to urban mobility, Tomorrow Building World Congress will spotlight innovation in construction, and Tomorrow.Blue Economy will address the development of the marine and ocean economy. All these events share a single goal: finding solutions for a sustainable and comfortable urban future.
Smart City Expo World Congress 2025 promises to be more than just an exhibition—it’s set to become a true laboratory of ideas, where technology, business, and government converge. It’s here that a new vision of the modern city is taking shape: safe, green, and open to change.
