URBIS 2026 Opens: Brno Becomes the Hub of Innovation for Cities and Municipalities for Three Days

The three-day programme was launched by moderator Pavla Hubálková together with representatives of the institutions that have long contributed to the development of URBIS. In their speeches, they agreed that modern cities and municipalities need not only new technologies but, above all, the ability to use them effectively for the benefit of their residents.

Jan Kubata, CEO of Trade Fairs Brno, described URBIS as one of the most significant platforms of its kind in Central Europe. “For three days, Brno becomes the centre of Central European innovation. An innovative city is not one that has the most technologies. An innovative city is one that can use them meaningfully for its citizens,” he emphasized. He also noted that this year’s overarching theme is the resilience and security of cities in a time of rapid change and emerging challenges.

The importance of collaboration was further highlighted by Martin Příborský, Brno City Councillor for Strategic Development. “We recognize that sharing experience and working together are essential for innovation. That is why, for the first time this year, we are presenting ourselves together with all municipal companies. Our hive-shaped exhibition stand symbolizes connectivity, cooperation, and the joint search for solutions,” he said. He also stressed the importance of metropolitan cooperation, which he believes extends beyond the city’s administrative boundaries.

The South Moravian Region was represented by Deputy Governor Marek Sovka, who reminded the audience that innovation begins with inspiration. “The motivation to drive regional prosperity is born at events like this. Thanks to inspiration and feedback from mayors, we can transform new ideas into concrete projects and real change,” he said. He also invited visitors to explore the Regional Agency for Public Innovation and to join discussions on the future of municipalities and regional development projects.

The national perspective was presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček. According to him, the role of the state is to create the conditions necessary for the development of a modern economy. “The state’s role is to prepare the infrastructure and framework that enable companies, universities, and regions to develop new technologies and innovations. Whether in energy, transport, digitalisation, or artificial intelligence, success emerges where government, local authorities, and the private sector work together,” he stated.

The importance of social innovation was highlighted by Petr Štěpánek, Director General of the Centre for Regional Development. “Artificial intelligence and new technologies are transforming the world, but social innovation is equally important. The connection between the two will determine how cities function in the future,” he noted.

Sustainability and environmental protection were also strongly represented topics. Jaromír Wasserbauer, Deputy Minister of the Environment, pointed out that modern cities must be both smart and environmentally responsible. “Urban sustainability and environmental protection go hand in hand today. Our task is to help cities and municipalities secure funding and know-how for implementing new solutions directly in practice,” he said.

One of the most warmly received speeches came from Miroslav Žbánek, Vice-Chairman of the Union of Towns and Municipalities, who compared URBIS to a living organism. “There are no small or large topics. What matters is that the ideas generated here leave this hall and become part of real life. In my view, spreading and multiplying good ideas is the true mission of URBIS,” he remarked.

The perspective of smaller municipalities was presented by Tomáš Dubský, Vice-Chairman of the Association of Local Authorities. “If we want to maintain a high quality of life in rural areas, we must embrace modern technologies just as actively as large cities do. Innovation is no longer the privilege of metropolitan areas,” he stressed.

The ceremonial opening set the tone for the entire exhibition. Over the next three days, visitors can look forward to hundreds of inspiring examples, dozens of discussions, and the expertise of hundreds of professionals seeking answers to one key question: what should resilient, smart, and well-functioning cities of the future look like?

URBIS 2026 has begun – now it is time to turn inspiration into action.

• Previous News
• Next News