THE FUTURE OF infrastructure & BUILDING

INNOVATION PLAYGROUND

The place where tomorrow takes shape

THE INNOVATION PLAYGROUND
boosting awareness, networking and funding within the global innovation ecosystem

The new Innovation Playground is a carefully designed space connecting the main players of the global innovation ecosystem: startups, investors, governments, corporations, universities, and research centers.

Combining talks, exhibiting startups and immersive demos, the Innovation Playground is set to accelerate the implementation of solutions that might disrupt the smart city market.

How will it do so?

01_ Strengthening connections between the innovation ecosystem members.

02_ Attracting international talent, and providing links with targeted investment players.

03_ Promoting people-focused innovation, leveraging the great entrepreneurial capacity of cities and regions.

04_ Building a more diverse innovation network, supporting women-led entrepreneurship.

1. STARTUP AREA

The Startup Area will become a busy expo floor with 100 of the boldest startups in urban development worldwide, covering key topics like urban tech, social impact, climate tech, construction tech or transport tech.

Find out which startups exhibited with us in 2024:

2. DEMO AREA

The Demo Area will feature a curated array of interactive displays, immersive simulations, and revolutionary tools that prove how sci-fi solutions will actually change the way we live, work, and interact within our cities. Take a look at the solutions that were on display here in 2024:

U1st - Software Republique

U1st

The "U1st" vision consists of a self-contained manned module delivered on an electric vehicle, integrating innovations from an ecosystem of 21 companies and startups. Designed to be able to cover many service sectors, this functional demonstrator is aimed at bringing health services for you, when and where needed.

CAVRide - i2CAT

CAVRide

CAVRide is a demonstrator vehicle capable of predicting and understanding the environment to navigate without human input, an L4 self-driving vehicle that meets the functional requirements necessary for the automation system to safely operate whilst keeping overall car performance.

Ecoro

Ecoro develops a freight transport system in a closed environment - fully automated from loading to unloading. Our AGVs transport up to 2.4 tons payload at 60 kph, fully electric. It operates 24/7 in a tunnel right below the surface or in a closed area above ground. This AGV could be displayed.

CleanSeaSolutions

Aquadrone

The Aquadrone is an innovative, autonomous surface vehicle (USV) designed to collect floating debris and microplastics from waterways 24/7. Equipped with AI-driven navigation and object detection, it provides an efficient, scalable solution for keeping harbors, marinas, and waterfronts clean.

Lixo

Lixo offers all waste collectors (private and public) the opportunity to analyze their waste during collection with a real-time data analysis solution. By equipping refuse collection vehicles with a smart device, waste flows are characterized live and continuously. Many indicators are gathered to help collection operators better understand and manage waste sorting quality in their areas. They can then plan more precise and effective awareness-raising campaigns.

Superwheel System

Superwheel System uses our patented technology transforms weight & ground reactive force to rotational energy, offering an affordable & sustainable eco-power assistance for micro mobility without a battery.

Husense

The Husense Sensor is capable of detecting, following and categorizing human behavior fully anonymous. Using our embedded Radar + AI technology and real time dashboard we deliver the Google Analytics for real life. Monitor usage, count and follow peoples movements. Heatmaps to display popular zones and use activity averages to optimize every square meter worldwide.

Teknocea

Barcelona City Council, through its municipal services company BSM, launched a technological innovation challenge in 2023 for the development of a 32 A, 230 V, 7.4 kW electric vehicle charging point. Teknocea won this competitive public call and has developed from scratch this economic charging point by manufacturing 5 prototypes that are now working in a pilot installation in a BSM public parking lot. The objective of this technological challenge is to have a charging point on the market that, for its low price, can be installed in all parking spaces, without having to reserve a few spaces exclusively for electric vehicles.

Respirooh

Respirooh is an innovative urban furniture solution that purifies the air using the power of microalgae. This system captures CO₂, produces O₂, and filters pollutants, creating healthier environments. Respirooh, a nature-based solution, transforms the cities of the future by capturing 4 tons of CO₂ annually and generating biofertilizers, seamlessly integrating into the circular economy.

Moby Move

An app-less tap-and-ride system for e-bikes, wherein a user could tap his debit/credit card or digital wallet, unlock a bike and ride straightaway without needing to download any app! This is combined with a universal charging and locking system, simplifying user experience

Urbix Hub

Urbix Hub connects Europe’s first network of driving simulators. Our platform allows mobility businesses to book affordable, on-demand driving simulation sessions across multiple driving schools, avoiding disruptive training and complex negotiations, while reducing crashes by a proven 67%.

Great Bubble Barrier

The Bubble Barrier is an innovative technology that prevents plastic waste from entering waterways. It creates a curtain of bubbles that guides debris to our catchment system while allowing ships to pass and fish to migrate safely. This sustainable solution protects aquatic ecosystems and promotes cleaner oceans.

Escena 4.0

CombiStation

The CombiStation offers a dual-purpose solution that integrates a battery-swapping station with a parcel management system, ideal for last-mile delivery services and LEV fleets. This innovative system enables rapid battery swaps, reduces vehicle downtime, and optimizes urban space utilization.

Citizen Dialog Kit

CDK is an IoT platform that consists of interactive survey devices and an online management platform. With CDK, you can easily engage more and different people in the citizen engagement process. The survey devices are completely wireless, so you can directly place them in any relevant location.

Seaspore

3. INVESTORS PROGRAM

This brand-new initiative is set to connect investors with global organizations and innovation players trailblazing startup growth.

Identify relevant deal flow to grow your portfolio. Enjoy networking opportunities with other investors, startups and governments. Find co-investment opportunities and collaboration prospects. Get access to market intelligence, exposure to impact investing and sustainability initiatives, insights into policies and regulations.

How can you take part in the Investors Program?

1.

Get your Investor Pass. A new, premium ticket to make the most of the event.

2.

Follow the instructions of your registration email to ensure you have the best experience possible.

3.

Gain full access. Enjoy exclusive, targeted benefits during your experience

Networking Launch meeting for the Innovation Districts Ecosystem

Where:
Hall 1 - Networking Area
When:
7 NOV | 12:15 – 14:00 h

The Networking Launch meeting for the Innovation Districts Ecosystem organized by Institute for Futures will be a space to create alliances that will allow us to promote projects focused on innovation districts.

Plug and Play Innovation Networking Event

Where:
Hall 1 - Networking Area
When:
7 NOV | 18:00 – 19:00 h

As the premier innovation platform, we connect startups, corporations, VCs, universities, and government agencies globally. With a presence in 50+ locations, we facilitate corporate innovation and startup acceleration. We have backed industry leaders like Dropbox, PayPal, Guardant Health.

Networking activity following the session “Barcelona Innova Lab Mobility”

Where:
Hall 1 - Networking Area
When:
8 NOV | 16:30 – 17:30 h

The aim of the session is to answer any questions regarding the Barcelona Innova Lab Mobility and the launch of the second challenge: "Improving the service of the bus network in Barcelona".

Networking for EIT Urban Mobility start-ups

Where:
Hall 1 - Networking Area
When:
9 NOV | 12:30 – 13:45 h

We invite all EIT Urban Mobility supported start-ups to this event to connect with like-minded peers and professionals to gain valuable insights and feedback, and with EIT Urban Mobility staff to hear the latest opportunities.

4. AGORA

A vibrant stage for the entrepreneurial ecosystem bringing together startups, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporations, investors, research and academia, and innovation agents, to discuss the issues that matter and share their most innovative projects. Plus, a full program of Startup Pitches and a Pitch Competition where Startups presented groundbreaking solutions and technologies ready to reshape our urban reality.

LET US KNOW WHAT INTERESTS YOU