At Imagine the Citiverse, partner cities Genoa, Istanbul, Las Rozas de Madrid, London Thames Freeport, Phoenix, Rotterdam, Tampere and Valencia will present their cities' current challenges, to which they want to find solutions using new technologies and data. The challenges are a snapshot of the issues facing the world's cities at a time when the climate is warming and the digital divide between people is at risk of widening.
For example, Phoenix, struggling with the effects of heat, is looking for solutions to mapping shadow areas, while Las Rozas de Madrid is looking for ways to prepare for natural disasters. Tampere is looking for ways to anticipate security risks and improve the city's economy through new technological solutions.
- IMAGINE the Citiverse is a unique opportunity to see where urban development is heading globally and how technology can address common challenges. The event offers a wide range of networking opportunities - the best ideas are often born in unexpected encounters," says Teppo Rantanen, Executive Director of Economic Policy, Competitiveness and Innovation at the City of Tampere.
More than twenty international delegations will attend the event, including Seleta Reynolds, Director of Innovation for the Los Angeles Metro, and Kirk Watson, Mayor of Austin. More than a thousand visitors from around the world are expected to attend. Last year, Imagine attracted 1,200 visitors from 33 countries.
- Delegations have shown particular interest in the potential of digital twinning, data and AI, and in the use cases of XR technologies. The mayor's delegation from Austin, Texas, will also visit Tampere's chip and defence industry solutions, says Tiia Joki, Development Manager of the City of Tampere.
ITS Finland is a partner of the event, and smart mobility solutions will be a major focus of the event. Representatives from the Los Angeles Metro will come to see Tampere's sustainable mobility solutions and public transport, such as the Lyyli living lab.
Companies have had the opportunity to apply to the event to present their solutions directly to urban challenges. The call for companies was open from February to March.
- Imagine offers start-ups a great platform to engage with city decision-makers, investors, other businesses and potential customers. The event programme and innovation lounges will ensure that there is an interesting programme and business-building discussions for startups. Small and large companies alike should seize the networking opportunities, says Kaarle Wirta, a senior specialist from the City of Tampere.
The event will also bring together Tampere's higher education community and innovation ecosystem actors.
- On Tuesday, there will be an excellent opportunity to hear about Finland's startup ecosystems from Youssef Zaid, Chief Economist of the Finnish Startup Community. The panel discussion will feature top names in startup business such as Jonne Kuittinen, Stewart Rogers and Juho Väisänen, Wirta says.
