Smart City Expo World Congress 2026 will be held from 3 to 5 November in Barcelona, offering a global platform for cities, companies, startups, and institutions to share strategies for urban transformation. With over 25,000 attendees, 1,000 exhibitors, and 600 speakers expected, the event features nine thematic stages, high‑level keynotes, and a curated exhibition of market‑ready solutions. Topics range from enabling technologies and energy transition to mobility, governance, inclusion, and the built environment.

The 2026 edition focuses on scaling innovation and implementation, helping cities move from vision to action. Participants will explore funding mechanisms, policy frameworks, and collaborative models that support climate neutrality, digitalisation, and resilience. 

Open calls now available

Smart City Expo World Congress 2026 has launched several open calls for organisations, startups and innovators interested in participating in the event and showcasing their solutions to a global audience. Among the current opportunities, the following are particularly relevant:

Call for Demos (Deadline: 5 July): the Demo Area is looking for interactive and innovative solutions that demonstrate how emerging technologies can address real urban challenges through immersive experiences, simulations and hands-on demonstrations.

Startup Programme: the Innovation Playground offers startups the opportunity to connect with investors, decision-makers, industry leaders and public authorities, while gaining visibility within the international smart city and urban innovation ecosystem. Applications are currently open.

For organisations working on smart buildings, energy efficiency, digitalisation, urban resilience and sustainable construction, these initiatives provide an opportunity to showcase innovative solutions and engage with key stakeholders from across the urban innovation ecosystem. 

More information and applications are available on the Smart City Expo World Congress open calls page.