URBIS was opened by two ministers and other distinguished guests

"Welcome to URBIS, an event where cities become smarter, data more meaningful, and collaboration more innovative," addressed Jan Kubata, CEO of BVV Trade Fairs Brno, to the packed Rotunda. He reminded attendees that the fair opened a new chapter last year. "It has become a platform not just about introducing more smart traffic lights, but about how to tackle climate change, how to bring innovation from PowerPoint into the streets, and how to connect everyone with the courage to change the world around us — whether they sit in a town hall of a city with a hundred thousand residents or a municipal office in a small village." On behalf of the organizing company and the City of Brno, he thanked all the partners who made this transformation possible. "URBIS is no longer just a trade fair. It’s a movement. It’s proof that when five ministries, dozens of institutions, and hundreds of people with vision join forces, something truly meaningful can emerge. This year, we’ve taken another step forward: we’re in two halls, with more stages, more speakers, and definitely more energy. And we’re not just joined by people from Bohemia and Moravia — this is an international event. We’ve welcomed a record number of foreign delegations, including guests from overseas," Jan Kubata emphasized in his opening speech.

 
On behalf of the host region, Governor of the South Moravian Region Jan Grolich welcomed everyone and praised the fair’s transformation:
"If someone in public administration is wondering how to do their job well, they need to be here. URBIS is truly the most important event in this field, and I’m very glad it's taking place in Brno. As Mr. Kubata said, URBIS is a movement. It has changed significantly for the better in recent years and is definitely worth attending," said Grolich, addressing a simple challenge to everyone: "If you see something here that you think is good and worth doing, then just go ahead and do it — that’s the only way we’ll move public administration forward."

 
Next, representatives of two ministries that played a key role in preparing the fair took the stage. Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček emphasized that we are living in the most dynamic era in human history, where technology personally affects each of us. Municipalities are also responding to new challenges like autonomous transport, prefabrication in construction, energy transition, and more.
Minister for Regional Development Petr Kulhánek noted that URBIS has become a significant name across Europe. According to him, smart solutions now permeate all areas of life — transportation, energy, security, healthcare, and education. "URBIS is not just a trade fair — it’s a melting pot, and we’re proud that the Ministry for Regional Development is significantly contributing through programs and activities that support the implementation of smart solutions. The word 'smart' is no longer just about technology; it’s about a holistic approach to the development of cities, towns, and entire regions — ensuring a growing quality of life, resilience, and safety. I look forward to leaving this year’s URBIS with a full hard drive once again, and I wish the same for all of you," said Minister Kulhánek. He concluded by wishing that the ideas taken from URBIS would soon become implemented practice — perhaps as early as next year.
 

Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Karel Havlíček also spoke at the opening, focusing on the role of the state in supporting the implementation of smart solutions.
According to him, the state’s task is merely to create conditions that reflect the needs of industry and municipalities.

 
On behalf of the regions, cities, and municipalities, the following also gave speeches: Governor of the Zlín Region and Chairman of the Association of Regions Radim Holiš, Chairman of the Union of Towns and Municipalities František Lukl, and Deputy Chairman of the Association of Local Governments Tomáš Chmela.