URBIS – The Smart Cities Meetup Programme 2025

Main programme: ROTUNDA, hall A

General Partner: Teplárny Brno

Registration and arrival of guests

OPENING CEREMONY

The efforts within the URBIS initiative have led to the creation of a unique national alliance, bringing together key stakeholders and institutions across sectors and levels. Leading representatives are gathering in Brno to take a collective step forward and guide cities and municipalities toward cooperation in addressing today’s greatest challenges.

Moderated by Veronika Jonášová, journalist and presenter, E15

• Jan Kubata, CEO of the Brno Trade Fairs
• Markéta Vaňková, Mayor of Brno
• Jan Grolich, Governor of the South Moravian Region
• Lukáš Vlček, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
• Petr Kulhánek, Minister of Regional Development of the Czech Republic
• Karel Havlíček, Vice-Chairman of the Parliament of the Czech Republic 
• Radim Holiš, Chairman of the Association of Regions of the Czech Republic
• František Lukl, Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic
• Eliška Olšáková, associations of local authorities of the Czech Republic

KEYNOTE: STRATEGIC INTRODUCTION

A perspective on the challenges and opportunities of cities and municipalities through the eyes of leading trend experts and thought leaders. From a global outlook on urban development, through building healthy and resilient communities, to adapting to climate change and finding effective pathways for digitalization and the implementation of new technologies.

• Ugo Valenti, Director of Fira Barcelona
• Pavlína Louženská, Founder of TrendBrews, Lead Mentor for Google Startups
• Mark Rieder, Director of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute
• Petr Suška, Director of Smart City OICT Prague

THE EUROPEAN INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY COMMUNITY IN ACTION

This interactive panel will provide an overview of the key domains for smart development and the main challenges we face within them. Representatives from three sectors of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology will share their expertise and insights.

• Mikolaj Budzanowski – CEO for Central Europe, EIT InnoEnergy
• Krisztián Gál – Ecosystem Lead, EIT Digital
• Traian Urban – Director, EIT Urban Mobility Innovation Hub East

CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES AS ENGINES FOR PROSPERITY AND SMART SOLUTIONS

Mayors and city leaders in discussion with the Ministers of Industry & Trade and Regional Development about the role of metropolitan areas as drivers of competitiveness, and smaller municipalities as regional innovation hubs – the best tools for achieving cohesion.

PART 1: COMPETITIVENESS (12:15 – 13:25)

A roundtable organized in cooperation with the Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic, featuring mayors of statutory cities and the Minister of Industry and Trade. The discussion will focus on urban competitiveness and best practice examples.

Moderated by Radka Vladyková, Executive Director, Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic

• Petr Zahradník – Economist, BeePartner
• Lukáš Vlček – Minister of Industry and Trade
• Miroslav Žbánek – Mayor, Statutory City of Olomouc
• Jan Dohnal – Mayor, Statutory City of Ostrava
• Jan Nadrchal – Mayor, Statutory City of Pardubice
• Anna Putnová – Council Member, Statutory City of Brno

PART 2: COHESION (13:30 – 14:25)

A roundtable organized in cooperation with the Association of Local Governments of the Czech Republic, featuring representatives of smaller towns and the Minister for Regional Development. The discussion will focus on social and territorial cohesion, with examples of good practice.

Moderated by Radim Sršeň, Deputy Minister for Regional Development

• Petr Kulhánek – Minister for Regional Development
• Tomáš Chmela – Mayor, Town of Slavičín
• Lenka Opočenská – Deputy Mayor for Environment and Strategy, City of Jablonec nad Nisou
• Michal Kozár – Mayor, Town of Jindřichův Hradec
• Daniel Čmelík – Deputy Mayor, Town of Kyjov

COMMUNITY ENERGY: WHAT WE'VE TRIED AND WHAT WE'VE LEARNED

Community energy projects are gaining promising momentum in the Czech Republic. How are they functioning in practice? What obstacles are they facing, and how are they being addressed? And where can Czech community energy initiatives find inspiration abroad?

Moderated by Laura Otýpková, Head of Responsible Energy Team, Frank Bold

1. KEYNOTE (14:30 – 14:40)

• Petr Hladík – Minister of the Environment
• Petr Fajmon – CEO, Teplárny Brno

2. PECHA KUCHA: Community Energy Is Here. Vision Becomes Reality (14:40 – 15:25)
The most successful examples of energy communities in the Czech Republic, presented in the context of regions, cities, and small municipalities. Guests will also introduce the potential of wind energy.

• Tomáš Jagoš – Energy Community Coordinator, CEJIZA
• Drahoslava Smetanová – Deputy Director of Sales, Teplo Zlín
• Radim Man – ELDACO, Citizen Wind Park Project
• Adéla Pixová – Energy Community Coordinator, ENERKOM Růže
• Pavel Bartík – Mayor, Municipality of Soběhrdy

3. How to Successfully Engage Municipalities and Citizens in Community Energy (15:25 – 16:00)
A panel discussion on effective communication with local stakeholders and how to involve citizens in community energy projects.

• Michal Svoboda – Head of the New Energy Working Group, National Network of Local Action Groups
• Ondřej Pašek – Head of the Grants Working Group, Union of Community Energy
• Wojciech Belch – Head of Participatory Planning and Design Team, UCEEB CTU

SOCIAL INNOVATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESILIENT COMMUNITIES

What does the future of smart cities look like from the perspective of cohesion policy and emerging technologies? The Centre for Regional Development will present concrete results of using AI in the administration of EU funds, along with successful Smart City projects they have supported. They will also share best practices from Vienna, Austria — a model and inspiration not only for the Czech Republic.

Moderated by Jasna Sýkorová, Communications Expert

• Petr Štěpánek – Director General, Centre for Regional Development
• Rostislav Mazal – Director of the Managing Authority of IROP, Ministry of Regional Development
• Miloš Šenkýř – Head of Development Department, Centre for Regional Development
• Antonín Nešpor – Director of Programme Support and Monitoring Department, Centre for Regional Development

SOCIAL EVENING - EXHIBITION CENTRE (by invitation)

Programme: TRENDS AGORA, hall A2

Partner: ČEZ ESCO

CZECH MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION: CITY SECRETARIES MEET-UP

City secretaries are often seen as just “officials” because of their job title. But in reality, they’re key managers overseeing teams of dozens, sometimes hundreds—playing a major role in shaping
local development and, ultimately, the prosperity of the entire country. A new initiative under the Czech Management Association focuses on mentoring and unlocking the leadership potential of
city secretaries. This URBIS meet-up is one of the first steps on a journey that aims to position cities as confident leaders within the local ecosystem..

SYSTEMIC SUPPORT FOR BUILDING RENOVATION AND ENERGY ADVISORY SERVICES

The pace of building renovation in the Czech Republic remains insufficient. A major barrier to planning complex projects—especially for smaller municipalities—is a lack of local capacity. A planned reform of the national advisory system aims to remove these obstacles and provide effective support for renovation planning. One of its key goals is to strengthen municipal capacity for preparing and implementing comprehensive projects. This short session will introduce the upcoming changes from the perspective of the ministry, state fund, and regional energy centers.

Moderated by Michal Kuzmič, Head of Business and Interdisciplinary Cooperation, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings (UCEEB), Czech Technical University in Prague

• Jakub Hrbek – Director of Project Implementation for Energy, Air Protection and Climate, State Environmental Fund
• Petr Uhlíř – Project Manager, Ministry of the Environment
• David Matuška – Head of Energy Management Department, Energy Centre of the Ústí Region
• Jan Bárta – Energy Specialist, South Moravian Agency for Public Innovation

NEW EUROPEAN BAUHAUS AS A SERVICE: ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION

Most of the more than 6,200 municipalities in the Czech Republic lack sufficient capacity for quality planning and management of construction projects. The NEB-STAR project connects CTU UCEEB and other partners, such as the Czech Chamber of Architects, to offer the concept of “NEB as a service” at the regional level as a new standard of public support. Regional architects could serve as practical support for municipalities—from planning through to implementation—ensuring that even smaller towns and villages without their own expert teams gain access to professional guidance in creating high-quality, sustainable, and user-friendly buildings.

Moderated by Michal Kuzmič, Head of Business and Interdisciplinary Cooperation, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings (UCEEB), Czech Technical University in Prague

• Jan Růžička – Head of Studio, KUBUS & Researcher in Architecture and Environment Team, CTU UCEEB
• Yvette Vašourková – Architectural Competition Organizer, CCEA MOBA
• Petr Uhlíř – Project Manager, Ministry of the Environment
• Petr Hornát – Head of Regional Development and Spatial Planning Department, South Bohemian Regional Authority

THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY: TECHNOLOGY, POLICY, AND CITIES

This thematic session, led by Minister of Transport Martin Kupka, will present the key directions in the development of mobility — from legislative changes and autonomous technologies to emerging trends and concrete projects from Czech cities. Following an overview of the new legal framework, contributions from both industry and research sectors will be shared. The session will then explore thematic snapshots focusing on mobility planning, infrastructure development, testing environments, the ethics of autonomous transport, and the vital role of municipalities in this evolving landscape.

Moderated by Petr Suška, Chief Innovation Officer and Vice-Chairman of the Board, Operátor ICT

• Martin Kupka – Minister of Transport
• Leoš Dvořák – CEO, Valeo
• Brian Johnson – City Manager, Peachtree Corners (USA)
• Jiří Liberda – Digital Managing Director, Škoda Group
• Traian Urban – Director, EIT Urban Mobility Innovation Hub East
• David Černý – Chair, Ethics Commission at the Ministry of Transport
• Zdeněk Svoboda – Head of Development and Innovation Center, Aurel CZ
• Petr Daněk – Researcher, Transport Research Centre
• Jakub Karas – President, Alliance for Unmanned Aviation Industry

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES IN COMMUNITY ENERGY: HOW, WITH WHOM, AND WHERE?

1. How to Set Up the Internal Economy of Energy Communities? (16:15 – 16:40)
A panel discussion focused on the economics of energy communities. The debate will also explore the business model of an Austrian energy community that shares 1 GWh of electricity from 200 photovoltaic power plants, thanks to the involvement of more than 60 investors.

Moderated by David Blažek, Project Coordinator, Frank Bold

• Jiří Krist – Founder, ENERKOM Opavsko
• Christian Hofmann – Chair, Energie Gemeinschaft Göttweigblick
• Karel Srdečný – Energy Specialist, Ekowatt

2. Community Energy Even in My Apartment Building? (17:00 – 17:45)
Housing associations in apartment buildings are a key part of the community energy landscape. This panel will showcase successful models of their engagement.

Moderated by Michal Kuzmič, Head of Business and Interdisciplinary Cooperation, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings (UCEEB), Czech Technical University in Prague

• Lukáš Janota – Executive Director, EnercoSolutions
• Andrea Kubernátová – Chair, ENERKOM Plzeňsko
• Petr Wolf – Head of Photovoltaic Systems Research Team, CTU UCEEB

Programme: SOLUTIONS AGORA, hall A2

Partner: KB - ENVIROS

TRENDS IN MODERN ENERGY: INNOVATION, SAVINGS, AND ELECTROMOBILITY IN SERVICE OF CITIES

How can cities implement smart energy management, community energy systems, and support the development of electromobility? This session will feature solutions presented by ČEZ ESCO, KB & Enviros, Boson Distribution, FT4U, and IONT Tech — covering everything from strategic planning and AI applications to modern charging infrastructure. A practical source of inspiration for municipalities aiming to become more energy self-sufficient and technologically prepared.

Moderated by Vít Král, Chair of the Executive Board, Ateliér Česko & Founder, VK72 Consulting.

CIVIC TECH: DIGITAL TOOLS FOR OPEN AND PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE

This dynamic pitch block will showcase solutions from companies such as the Association Civic Tech Europe, Go Vocal, Qela, Consul, and Entangle that are transforming how public administrations engage with citizens. Expect practical demonstrations of tools for participation, community engagement, transparency, and digital democracy. A perfect source of inspiration for cities, urban planners, developers, and other stakeholders aiming to effectively reach the public and build trust through smart technologies.

Moderated by Katya Petrikevich, Co-founder, Participation Factory.

DRONE APPLICATIONS IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS: SECURITY, LOGISTICS, AND PLANNING FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE

From traffic monitoring and infrastructure inspections to aerial logistics — drones are increasingly finding diverse applications in urban settings. Companies such as Dronetag, 3LR, Flyin Diamonds, Air View, ZURI, Dronevision, and others will present real-world examples and technologies that can help cities improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Moderated by Jakub Karas, President, UAV Alliance.

Expert side programme 

Smart City in practice - Morava Hall (by invitation)

JINAG HackaTEEN

Meeting of the Association of Regions - Hall Brno (by invitation)

Ukrainian borscht + Bavarian beer

3LR - Dronetag, Air View - Outdoor area

CITY TECH - sensors and cameras - Agora III

Agiception, VisionCraft, CEDA

Clean Mobility Conference - Morava Hall (by invitation)

13:45

14:00

Joint meeting of AK ČR and SMOČR, SMS - Hall Brno (by invitation)

ECO TECH - recycling - Agora III

INCIEN, FUTTEC, RedBeton, ReKava

14:30

Building Civic Futures - ARCHIMEDES

A Strategic Exchange Across Borders - VIP officials and French delegation

3LR - Dronetag, Dronevision - Outdoor Area

Smart City - trends and strategies - Agora III

MMR, MPO, GATUM, Smart Innovations Institut

17:30

3LR + BringAuto + E-Café Bike - Outdoor Area

UKEN - Living Lab

Main programme: ROTUNDA, hall A

General Partner: Teplárny Brno

CHILDREN AND YOUTH AS DRIVERS OF PUBLIC SPACE – HOW TO GIVE THEM A VOICE AND OUR TRUST

Children and young people are not just the future – they are active creators of the present. We will showcase examples from the Czech Republic and abroad demonstrating how young people can influence the world around them – in schools, cities, and even at the national level.
From student councils to intergenerational projects, we will explore ways to strengthen civic engagement among youth and provide them with real opportunities for expression and responsibility.

Moderated by Lukáš Trčka, Director, TIC Zlín and Dagmar Peřinová, Head of the Participation Team, JINAG.

• Šimona Huitric – Strategic Development and Participation
• Jan Gondek – Student and Member of the Supervisory Board, Czech Secondary School Union
• Klára Zámečníková – Researcher, UCEEB CTU
• Rozálie Kašparová – Urban Planner, Studio Bistro
• Daniel Hájek – Ministerial Counsellor, Youth Policy Department, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
• TBC – City of Sintra

AGEING IS NOT A THREAT, BUT A CHALLENGE: HOW TO CREATE BETTER CITIES FOR EVERYONE?

How can municipalities actively support quality of life across generations? What does a city prepared for longevity look like? How can data and technology be used for smarter planning and better access to services? And how can we support meaningful engagement and employment of seniors or people with disadvantages? We will share examples from both the Czech Republic and abroad and explore solutions that help turn cities into true homes – regardless of age, ability, or life stage.

Moderated by Petr Švec, Director, National Network of Healthy Cities.

• Lucie Galčanová Batista – Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, Masaryk University
• Marián Bača – Director, Institute for Active Living
• Ilona Štorová – Chairwoman, Age Management Association
• Jan Kučera – Mayor, City of Rožnov pod Radhoštěm

CLIMATE-NEUTRAL CITIES NEED STRONG PARTNERS: THE ROLE OF MULTILEVEL COOPERATION

In recent years, national platforms have emerged across Europe to unite key ecosystem actors and support cities in planning, financing, and implementing climate actions.
But how are these platforms created, what barriers do they face, and what tools do they provide?

This session will explore systemic support and multilevel governance in the transition toward climate neutrality, with a special focus on collaboration between public and private sectors – including the role of banks, universities, and other key stakeholders.

Moderated by Věra-Karin Brázová, Head of Urban Policy and Strategies Unit, Ministry of Regional Development.

• Elena Simion – Coordinator of CapaCITIES and M100, UEFISCDI
• Alexander Lang – Urban Planning Department, City of Munich
• Branka Knežević – Deputy Secretary for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development, City of Podgorica
• Jan Hanuš – CEO, KB ENVIROS

FROM SMART TO BEAUTIFUL: THE NEW EUROPEAN BAUHAUS IN CITY PRACTICE

How can the development of smart cities move beyond mere efficiency and digitalisation to become truly beautiful, inclusive, and sustainable? Partners from the NEB-STAR project will share their experiences of integrating the values of the New European Bauhaus into urban innovation processes.

They will explore how cities can take concrete steps toward climate neutrality and systemic transformation through public-private partnerships, innovative procurement practices, emerging technologies, and active citizen engagement. The session will also present a practical tool – the “NEBified Smart City Strategy”.

Moderated by Karel Smejkal, Environmental Psychologist and Lecturer, Czech Technical University in Prague.

• Inger Hanne Vikshåland – Head of Service Development and Communication, Nordic Edge
• Gunnar Edwin Crawford – Innovation Cluster Lead, Nordic Edge and former Head of Stavanger Smart City
• Tomáš Vácha – Head of Innovation and International Cooperation, Operátor ICT
• Klára Zámečníková – Expert in Participatory Planning and Design, UCEEB CTU
• Zdeňka Slámová – City Councillor and Representative, City of Moravský Krumlov

GETTING CLOSER TO CITIZENS: CIVIC TECH TOOLS IN ACTION

Let’s return to the core of civic tech – what these tools really are and the added value they bring to processes requiring the engagement of diverse stakeholders.
We’ll focus on both the Czech and broader European context, highlight current trends (including the use of artificial intelligence), and open a discussion on opportunities, challenges, and proven approaches.

This panel will also offer a unique perspective on the use of civic tech during wartime, through the experience of our Ukrainian colleagues.

Moderated by Katya Petrikevich and Tomáš Rákos, Co-founders, Participation Factory.

• Adrien Duguet – President, Association Civic Tech Europe
• Emile Heymans – Head of Partnerships, Go Vocal
• Tamara Tachynska – Co-founder and CEO, Qela
• Jens Kimmel – Network Coordinator, Consul Democracy Foundation

ENERGY COMMUNITIES: THE ROLE OF TRUST AND COMMUNICATION IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION

Community energy sharing can significantly accelerate the shift to sustainable energy and strengthen the self-sufficiency of cities and municipalities. However, its success depends heavily on trust and collaboration.
This session will explore how to effectively plan communication and stakeholder engagement to guide your project toward success. We will also focus on the importance of inter-municipal cooperation and the role of private investors in scaling up community energy solutions.

Moderated by Tomáš Rákos, Co-founder, Participation Factory

• David Matuška – Head of Energy Management, Energy Centre of the Ústí Region
• Ondřej Ludvík – Founder, NOHO
• Martin Ander – Community Energy Coordinator, Czech Modern Energy Association
• Veronika Murzynová – Energy Transition Expert, Centre for Transport and Energy

SOCIAL EVENING - ŠPILBERK CASTLE (by invitation)

Programme: TRENDS AGORA, hall A2

Partner: ČEZ ESCO

WHEN EUROPE BUILDS SMART CITIES TOGETHER: BARCELONA, BRNO, BERLIN AND STAVANGER AS PARTNERS

Europe is home to the world’s most prominent event dedicated to smart cities – the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona. Its Director, Ugo Valenti, will visit Brno, along with representatives of other leading regional events such as the Smart Country Convention in Berlin and the Nordic Edge Expo in Stavanger, Norway. At URBIS, organizers of all four events will come together to discuss how to act as partners rather than competitors – and how to create synergies that strengthen Europe’s position as a global leader in smart city innovation.

Moderated by Roman Dostál, Head of Mobility Group, Czech Smart City Cluster

• Ugo Valenti – CEO, Smart City Expo World Congress
• Jan Kubata – CEO, Brno Trade Fairs
• Traian Urban – Director, EIT Urban Mobility Innovation Hub East
• Gunnar Edwin Crawford – Innovation Cluster Lead, Nordic Edge and former Head of Stavanger Smart City

LIVING LABS AND AGILE PILOTING: KEY SUCCESS FACTORS FOR IMPLEMENTING INNOVATION IN TERRITORIES

“Living labs” have become a buzzword in the field of urban innovation and smart cities. While their value is widely acknowledged, few local decision-makers have a clear understanding of what it actually takes for these labs to succeed.

This panel will bring together guests from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany to uncover the most important ingredients for success. Fresh insights from the Czech context will be shared by the team behind the PilotInnCities project, which is introducing the Finnish method of agile piloting to Czech municipalities.

Moderated by Miroslav Scheiner, Smart Cities Envoy to the Minister of Industry and Trade.

• Seth Yurman – Deputy City Manager, Curiosity Lab / City of Peachtree Corners (USA)
• Barry Singleton – Engagement Manager, Nexus Leeds / University of Leeds (UK)
• Georg Würffel (TBC) – Executive Director, Zentrum für Digitale Entwicklung (Germany)
• Jan Bízik – Open Call Coordinator for Agile Pilots, PilotInnCities
• Marie Zezůlková – Manager, BVV Living Lab
• Robert Pinkas – CEO and Partner, VisionCraft

SMART TECHNOLOGIES FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING: INSPIRATION FOR MUNICIPALITIES

How can municipalities use modern technologies to strengthen self-sufficiency, safety, and quality of life for seniors and people with disabilities?
This panel discussion will showcase inspiring examples of smart housing, portable assistive technologies, and digital support systems that can complement or replace inaccessible services.

We’ll present real-world applications and open a discussion on how to meaningfully integrate technology into everyday municipal life – including support for volunteering and active ageing.

Moderated by Eva Nečasová, Head of Services Team, JINAG.

• Lubomír Teichmann – Managing Director, Zdravotní a sociální služby
• Jakub Hospodka – Head of Sales, Multitone CZ
• Petr Panýrek (TBC) – TELMED HTP
• Emil Vařeka – Icontio
• Kateřina Vašková – Head of Emergency Care, ŽIVOT 90
• Miroslav Prchal (TBC) – Girasole, Association for Assistance and Development
• Klára Křížková – COO, Záchranka App
• Vít Janovský – Head of Research Projects, UCEEB CTU
• Ivana Sachsová – Senior Services Manager, Teamium
• Tomáš Hubálek – Chair, Moudrá síť
• Jindřiška Kosinová (TBC) – TelMedPoints

5G NETWORKS – FROM PILOTS TO WIDE-SCALE DEPLOYMENT

5G is more than just faster internet – it is a technological enabler for a new generation of services connecting cities, infrastructure, and everyday life.
We will explore real-world use cases of 5G networks: from autonomous mobility and smart infrastructure to public services and safety.

Experiences from pilot projects in the Czech Republic and abroad will demonstrate what 5G truly enables, what still hinders its development, and what steps cities, municipalities, and regions must take to turn potential into reality.

Moderated by Petr Vítek, Secretary of the 5G Alliance, Ministry of Industry and Trade.

• Petr Očko – Deputy Minister for Digitalization and Innovation, Ministry of Industry and Trade
• Zbyněk Bolczek – Partner, Grant Thornton
• Martin Prusenovský – Project Manager, Zlín Region
• Naďa Machková – Strategy, Inspiration, Cooperation, SFÉRA Pardubice
• Jan Hofman – Board Member for Strategic Projects, Metropolnet
• Ilona Dita – Project Manager, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
• Alexander Filip – Director, Jihlava Hospital

ANNOUNCEMENT OF URBIS CHALLENGE HACKATEEN 2025 WINNERS

Great ideas for making a city, municipality, or region a better place don’t always come from adults.
Under the patronage of the JINAG agency and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, a special competition will take place at URBIS – bringing together teams from primary and secondary school student parliaments.

The winning team will be awarded a trip to the global hub of smart cities – as part of the official Czech delegation to the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona.
In this session, you will find out who won and what project earned them the prize.

Moderated by Dagmar Peřinová, Head of Participation Team, JINAG.

Award presented by Miroslav Scheiner, Smart Cities Envoy, Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Programme: SOLUTIONS AGORA, hall A2

Partner: KB - ENVIROS

BAVARIA PRESENTS: SMART SOLUTIONS AND NEW PARTNERSHIPS
 

Bavarian companies, cities, and institutions are bringing to Brno a showcase of their most compelling smart city solutions. This session offers a diverse overview of technological innovations
and best practices from a region long recognized as a leader in sustainability, digitalization, and mobility. Come for inspiration and discover new opportunities for international collaboration.

Moderated by Marc Colbe, Digital Projects Coordinator, Bayern Innovativ.

SMART DEVICES FOR CITIES: DATA, AUTOMATION AND REAL-TIME INSIGHT

How can sensors, camera systems, and data analytics transform the way cities operate? Representatives from Agiception, VisionCraft, Transport Research Center and CEDA will present concrete smart solutions for
transport, public space management, and emergency response. A panel discussion focused on the practical use of technologies, system interoperability, and the benefits for municipalities will follow.

SMART ALGORITHMS IN ACTION: HOW AI IS TRANSFORMING CITY OPERATIONS

How exactly can AI simplify city management, improve services, and bring governance closer to citizens? Adbian, Aiviro, aReception.ai, Produkujeme.cz, MAMA TELMA AI, Citymind Solutions, and other experts in smart systems and data
analytics will share their insights and solutions. Expect inspiring use cases of AI in citizen engagement, predictive planning, and asset management.

Moderated by Zdeněk Havel, Director of the AI Hub, CzechInvest.

TECHNOLOGIES FOR CLIMATE: HOW CITIES CAN PREPARE FOR THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

What can cities do today to tackle drought, flash floods, heatwaves, or biodiversity loss? ADAPTO.space, Agdata, ASIO NEW, EnercoSolutions, the Division of Green Roofs, the Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy
of Sciences, and others will present and discuss tools for urban planning, water management, and landscape data analysis.

Moderated by Filip Krůta, Director of the Eco-Tech Hub, CzechInvest.

APPS THAT MOVE THE CITY: MOTIVATION, PLAYFULNESS AND CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT

How can we activate residents, draw them into public spaces, and strengthen community life? City Street Games, ScreensON, Take Up, Giftora, Your Chance and others will present digital tools that
combine gamification, culture, movement, and volunteering. A series of presentations will showcase how apps can help cities become more vibrant, connected, and engaging.

ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIORS FOR HEALTHY CITIES: LIGHT, AIR, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

How can we design buildings and interior environments to support health, focus, and comfort? Companies Archetypo, CUB.SYSTEMS, Mark2 Corporation, and Synergis will present their
solutions. You'll learn how to connect smart design, innovative technologies, and user-centered approaches—how to create lighting that is both healthy and energy-efficient, and how regular ventilation through smart recuperation systems can improve concentration.

Expert side programme 

Ukrainian-Balkan Round Table - Hall Brno (by invitation)

9:00

Presentations of companies from Bavaria - Agora I

CITY MOBILITY - sdílená doprava - Agora III

ŠKODA X, Partnerství pro městskou mobilitu, Autonapul, družstvo CITYA, e-community solutions, Xmarton

5G Smart Cities Alliance meeting - Living Lab

3LR - Dronetag, Dronevision - Outdoor Area

Participation Factory - Civic Tech in Action: From Tools to Impact - AGORA III

Balkan cevapcici

URBIS Challenge HackaTEEN private presentations (JINAG) - ARCHIMEDES

3LR + BringAuto + E-Café Bike - Outdoor Area

ECO TECH - waste - Agora III

SAKO Brno, Sensority, T-Master, Waste Digital

UCEEB + CESMOD (TBC) - Brno Hall (by invitation)

Vision Craft - Outdoor Area

Digitalisation and Smart Solutions Working Group of the Association of Regions - Living Lab

ECO TECH - tools for climate change - Agora I

Moderator Filip Kruta (CI), ADAPTO.space, Agdata, ASIO NEW, Institute of Global Change Research, CAS

CITY MOBILITY - autonomous - Agora III

moderated by... Bring Auto, Roboauto, Dronetag

3LR - Dronetag, Air View - Outdoor Area

CITY MOBILITY - logistics - Agora III

PowerHUB, Bring Auto, E-Café Bike

5G Alliance Committee - Living Lab

CITY TECH - active city - Agora I

City street Games, Citymind solutions, ScreensON, Take up, Giftora, Your Chance

3LR + BringAuto + E-Café Bike - Outdoor Area

CITY TECH - smart architecture - Agora III

Archetypo, CUB.SYSTEMS, Mark2 Corporation

Main programme: ROTUNDA, hall A

General Partner: Teplárny Brno

CITIES IN FULL VIEW: DIGITAL TOOLS FOR SMARTER URBAN MANAGEMENT

Cities are complex — and without the right tools, it's hard to understand what's going on. Digital twins, geolocation data, and sensor networks enable real-time management of urban systems.
What does it look like when a city truly fits in your hand and you know when and how to act?

Moderated by Benedikt Kotmel, Board Member, OICT Prague.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL ENERGY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

AI, 5G, advanced data tools, and smart platforms are transforming the energy sector. With the right technologies, municipalities can improve efficiency, boost energy independence, and unlock major savings.
What new opportunities does digitalization offer — and how can cities, utilities, and innovators seize them?

With insights from Bavaria, including Tobias Gotthardt, State Secretary, Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy.

AI FOR MUNICIPALITIES: WHERE TO BEGIN AND HOW TO KEEP UP

Top experts will guide you through AI’s civil and security applications for local governments — from smart assistants to critical infrastructure protection. We’ll spotlight key trends and real use cases,
including AI chatbots for public communication. No jargon, just clear explanations — perfect for anyone who wants to understand AI’s real impact on public services.

Moderated by Lukáš Eršil, AI Expert and Trainer, FutureHub.

EVIDENCE-BASED POLICYMAKING: USING DATA OVER GUESSWORK AND EMOTIONS

Never before have we had so much data available about what’s happening in our townsand municipalities. Demographics, energy, transport, waste, crime… But the main challenge
remains putting this data to meaningful use in practice. How can we turn findings from research, analyses, or public databases into real decision-making? What works well, and where are the
sticking points? We’ll discuss concrete examples, lessons learned from mistakes, and inspiration on how to advance evidence-based approaches in local governments.

Moderated by Filip Kučera, Assistant Professor, Tomas Bata University in Zlín.

Programme: TRENDS AGORA, hall A2

Partner: ČEZ ESCO

SLOW DOWN: CREATING MOBILITY THAT MAKES SENSE

Meaningful mobility doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of smart strategy, teamwork, and the courage to make lasting changes. This session features special guest Irene Bittner, who will
present a holistic approach to urban mobility inspired by Austria’s klimaaktiv mobil program — connecting planning, advice, awareness, and funding. Building on this, Czech initiatives ZVOLNI
and CityChangers will show how mobility can be friendly to people, climate, and public spaces. It’s not just about bike lanes — it’s a system where every step has its place and purpose.

Moderated by Jaroslav Martínek, Executive Director, Partnership for Urban Mobility.

NOT ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD — WHEN SMART IS JUST A LABEL

This slightly provocative session shines a light on the weak spots in today’s Czech smart city approaches. We’ll explore where “smart” is often just for show — from lifeless strategies and
ignoring quality results to formal projects with no real impact. Open, critical, and sprinkled with a bit of Švejk-style humor, we’ll unpack issues like local energy plans gathering dust in drawers, or
“trend-hopping” municipalities jumping on every bandwagon without knowing why — and with no clear goal in sight.

Moderated by Přemysl Růžička, Director, Local Action Group Sedlčansko.

SMART SKILLS FOR SMART CITIES: NEW APPROACHES TO LEARNING, PRACTICE, AND PARTNERSHIP

What skills do we need to build sustainable and smart cities? How can we connect universities, research, local governments, and businesses to create education that actually meets cities’ real
needs? Together with partners from Bavaria, we’ll discuss how to design learning programs that respond to these challenges — using new formats like sandboxes, micro-credentials, and living
labs. Outcomes will feed into the further development of the SMART Academy for city and municipal representatives, prepared under the CESMOD project.

Moderated by Dagmar Juchelková, Professor, VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava.

Programme: SOLUTIONS AGORA, hall A2

Partner: KB - ENVIROS

SMART INFRASTRUCTURE IN ACTION: DATA, TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITALIZATION FOR FUNCTIONAL CITIES

How can we connect technology and infrastructure to make cities run more efficiently, intelligently, and sustainably? ELMIK, ENIKA.CZ, Hyverr, SMS-služby, Technické sítě Brno, TopGis and urbiq will present
concrete solutions in urban lighting, energy, asset management, transport logistics, and municipal service digitalization. Inspiration for cities aiming to modernize public space and build on data-driven systems.

SMARTER WASTE MANAGEMENT: TECHNOLOGIES THAT SAVE MONEY AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT

How can waste collection be optimized, costs reduced, and citizens encouraged to sort better? BC LOGIA, SAKO Brno, Sensority, T-Master, Waste Digital, and others will showcase tools for monitoring bin
fill levels, tracking collection routes, digitizing records, and engaging households. Practical inspiration for cities that want full control over their waste systems and data-based efficiency.

ENERGY RESILIENCE FOR CITIES: HOW TO BUILD A SECURE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY MIX

How can we ensure stable energy supply in turbulent times while meeting climate goals? Teplárny Brno, ČEZ ESCO, KB/Enviros and other experts will present strategies and scenarios
for combining local sources, renewable technologies, and smart consumption management. Practical approaches for strengthening the energy self-sufficiency and resilience of cities an municipalities in a changing world.

Expert side programme 

RIS 3 wrap-up and discussion on specialisation - Brno Hall (by invitation)

Battery Value Chain  - Morava Hall (by invitation)

3LR + BringAuto + E-Café Bike - Outdoor Area

Moldovan food (Mamaliga / Čorba / Sfintisori)

Local Sustainability Review - Brno Hall (by invitation)

The path to a sustainable labour market. Support and role of seniors in the labour market - ARCHIMEDES

Increasing life expectancy and dynamic changes in the labour market are placing new demands on how cities plan their social and economic policies. Older people today want - and often need - to stay active longer. But how can we create the conditions that allow them to do so with dignity, meaning and without barriers?
This discussion will focus on how cities, organisations and employers can support the work participation of older people in a targeted way, strengthen intergenerational cooperation and contribute to keeping the labour market both dynamic and fair. We will present concrete approaches to harness the experience and competences of older workers as an important resource for local economies and social stability. We will also show how the role of cities can be crucial in promoting lifelong learning, changing social settings and developing sustainable work environments.

3LR - Dronetag, Dronevision - Outdoor Area