Urbiq was there!

Three days, six panel sessions, and countless inspiring conversations – URBIS: The Smart Cities Meetup 2025 once again proved that smart cities are not about buzzwords. They’re about real work, bold changes to entrenched systems, and people who want to push things forward.

Urbiq was part of it. And this year brought both depth and strategic insight.

Data, Decisions, and Emotions

In our panel discussion "Evidence-based decision-making in municipalities: Data instead of impressions and emotions?" we joined forces with colleagues from MAPPA Ostrava and the City of Brno to explore how local governments actually use data – and why impressions and emotions aren’t just inevitable, but necessary.

City leaders need confidence that they’re making the right decisions. Data gives them grounding and reassurance – but ultimately, decisions are made by people. And for people.

At Urbiq, we believe three principles are key to making smarter decisions:
➡️ Trustworthy data – with clear sources, transparent methodology, and solid governance
➡️ Supportive systems – that help users navigate complex information with ease
➡️ Clear communication – through storytelling and audience-first design

Our tools are built around these principles. We show that analyzing mobility, behavior, and citizens' needs doesn't have to be complicated or distant – and that good visualizations and open communication can spark meaningful change in any community.

The Civic Tech Pavilion: A Pulse of Energy

URBIS was also a vibrant meeting ground in the Civic Tech Pavilion, where energy, curiosity, and collaboration flowed freely. From municipalities and developers to researchers and participation experts – we met dozens of people who believe that technology can help build more open, inclusive, and accountable communities.

We explored everything from the fundamentals of digital participation to the growing role of AI in civic engagement, and the power of open-source tools. And in a closed-door strategy session, one thing became crystal clear: there’s a strong desire across sectors to collaborate more meaningfully – not just exchange business cards.

What Are We Taking Away from URBIS?

🟢 A clear signal that Czech cities don’t just want to collect data – they want to use it.
🟢 Excitement over how many people want to move beyond digitization to create tools for real-world urban challenges.
🟢 A growing appetite for building concrete partnerships that push the Civic Tech sector forward.

URBIS 2025 reminded us that technology makes the most sense when it’s rooted in local realities, global experience, and human insight. Thanks to everyone who visited us – and to all those building a better urban future.