AI in the City 2026

About the Event

Where AI Meets Urban Values

On 23, 24 and 25 September 2026 we are organising the third edition of the AI in the City Event in Breda, the Netherlands. And from this year onwards, we are going international. Because just like the challenges, the solutions are European too.

During AI in the City 2026 we learn how fellow Europeans are using AI to tackle the major challenges in their cities, keeping regions, towns and villages across Europe liveable, and creating real value for their residents in the process.

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What to Expect

AI as an opportunity to create real value

AI offers the tools to address the challenges facing cities. Increasingly, data is available that can be analysed using AI systems — providing insight into how cities and regions function, and enabling governments to make better decisions. AI can also be deployed to create real value for the city.

Democratic value

AI makes government more accessible, faster and more human. Residents get answers sooner, are involved earlier in shaping their neighbourhoods, and experience a government that feels closer to home. Policy connects better with the reality of the street. Cities learn from each other and don't have to reinvent the wheel.

Spatial value

AI strengthens the quality of the city on its own terms. Urban planning becomes smarter, area development better informed and procedures faster — but always rooted in local data and context. A city is more than a dataset. AI amplifies the genius loci rather than replacing it.

Economic value

AI makes execution more efficient: lower costs, less waste and more output with the same capacity. At the same time, AI stimulates innovation and new economic activity, contributing to the economic growth of cities and regions.

Social value

AI always serves human wellbeing and contributes to a sustainable and prosperous future. Cities invest in AI applications that are ecologically responsible and support climate adaptation, the energy transition and long-term liveability.

Autonomous value

People retain control over AI systems — not the other way around. Cities work towards human-centred AI that reduces dependence on Big Tech and strengthens Europe's digital sovereignty. AI contributes to a safe living environment and a resilient society.

By the Numbers

300+ Attendees

3 Days

30+ Sessions

50+ Speakers

Who Should Attend?

AI in the City brings together diverse perspectives — from professionals to administrators, from experts to residents.

Professionals

Policy advisors, project managers, and urban planners working on smart city initiatives.

Residents of Breda

Engaged citizens who want to understand and shape AI in their communities.

Experts & Researchers

Academics, data scientists, and AI specialists advancing urban technology.

Administrators

Municipal leaders, directors, and decision-makers from G40 municipalities setting AI strategy.

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Learning by experience in three days

Day 1 — September 23 International workshops

AI as an urban planning layer

During 5 parallel workshops, we explore how AI is becoming the newest layer in the city. You can design with and within that layer, just like with all other layers. The question is how we want to do that. Big tech AI models governing the city are a real risk, but it doesn't have to be that way. Read more →

The European answer to big tech can also be local tech: small, powerful solutions that work well together because they are interoperable. Solutions built on European values that fit the local context and reinforce, rather than replace, the genius loci of a city.

On 23 September 2026, professionals from across Europe will gather in to design the city's AI layer together. Not as an abstract task, but as concrete design choices: what do we allow AI to do and not do in the city?

In the workshops, each based on backcasting from 2036, participants work towards a joint manifesto for local, autonomous AI. As a participant, you choose one workshop in advance and stay there for the entire day. The group size is 15-20 people per workshop.

In the evening, we are organising the ‘AI in the City’ Walking Dinner (only available on invitation).

Day 2 — September 24 Congress Day

AI in the City Congress 2026

AI is transforming our cities. The question is: who is steering this process? This conference examines this issue through the lens of five values: democratic, spatial, economic, social and autonomous. Industry professionals from across Europe will share how they translate these values into concrete decisions in their own cities. How are they using AI to ensure their cities remain liveable? Read more →

We’ll explore this in small sessions, offering plenty of opportunity to network with one another. The conference thus provides the chance to forge new partnerships with colleagues, researchers, businesses and public authorities from across Europe. During ‘AI in the City’, companies, start-ups and tech experts will present new technologies in the fields of smart cities, AI, sustainable energy and mobility. Hands-on in workshop sessions. Experiencing is learning.

A third of our programme will have a local and regional focus; a third will feature examples from across the Netherlands; and the remaining 33 per cent will come from the rest of Europe. In these sessions, we will showcase concrete examples, but we will also examine structures and agreements and reflect on how this is changing spatial planning, both now and in the future.

Day 3 — September 25 Excursion Day

Excursions in the Netherlands and Flanders

We visit interesting 'AI in the City' examples in Breda and beyond. Learning from Dutch and Belgian experiences in practice — at projects where AI is already being applied. From smart lighting to data-driven urban planning.

Schedule

Programme

Day 1 (23 September) is Ecosystem Day. The venue for Day 1 is in Breda, but will be announced at a later date. Day 2 (24 September) is Congress Day at the Chassétheater in Breda. The detailed programme for Day 3 (25 September) will be announced soon. Subject to change.

11:30-12:00 Welcome Lunch is ready; pull up a chair at your partner's table. Read more → Main Stage Main Hall

12:00-12:30 Opening Lunch Willem-Frederik Metzelaar and Jan-Willem Wesselink Reception by Willem-Frederik Metzelaar (Regional Director W… Read more → Main Stage Main Hall

13:00-17:00 Workshop: Design and knowledge Experts to be announced Who designs the AI layer - with what profile, authority and… Read more → Workshop Multiple Rooms

13:00-17:00 Workshop: (Technical) architecture Experts to be announced How do small tools work together without a central brain … Read more → Workshop Multiple Rooms

13:00-17:00 Workshop: Sovereignty Experts to be announced Where is the boundary between city optimalisation and con… Read more → Workshop Multiple Rooms

13:00-17:00 Workshop: Market and financing Experts to be announced How does European mesh tech get a fair chance against big t… Read more → Workshop Multiple Rooms

13:00-17:00 Workshop: Transition and pace Experts to be announced Who steers the transition and how do latecomers learn from … Read more → Workshop Multiple Rooms

19:00-20:00 Doors open for Walking Diner Read more → Main Stage Main Hall

20:00 Walking Diner Over dinner, we’ll discuss the day’s events and relate them… Read more → Main Stage Main Hall

10:00 Welcome Carla Kranenborg-van Eerd (Alderman, Municipality of Breda) In Breda, residents have been intensively involved for almo… Read more → Main Stage Main Hall

10:30 National keynote speaker Speaker to be announced The Netherlands faces one of the greatest spatial challenge… Read more → Main Stage Main Hall

11:00 International Keynote Speaker Professor Jordi Linares (Polytechnic University of Valencia) Design the city as an organism : From Smart Infrastructure to Agent-Driven Urban Life Read more → Main Stage Main Hall

12:00 Workshop: Make the invisible city visible with Geospatial Knowledge Graphs Tanya Baycheva-Merger (ICLEI Europe) Spatial planning is about analysis and decision-making. Bu… Read more → Workshop Multiple Rooms

12:00 Workshop: Residents in the driving seat — deciding together on AI in your city Mike de Kreek and Tessa Steenkamp (Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, HvA) Who actually decides which AI applications come to your cit… Read more → Workshop Multiple Rooms

12:00 Demo: Spatial, economic and social Judith Oosterom & Luuk van Schendel (Surplus), Jim van Hekke (Scape Agency), Chris Deblaere (Araani) Three demos about specific AI applications and challenges.L… Read more → Demo Multiple Rooms

12:00 Demo: Autonomous and democratic Citney and others Three demos on specific AI applications and challenges.Loca… Read more → Demo Multiple Rooms

12:00 Local AI Walk: Recognize the challenge Municipality of The Hague Many AI applications run on large data centers far outside … Read more → Excursion Breda City

12:00 Local AI Walk: Data sovereignty and -continuity David Yewdineh (KPN) Many AI applications run on large data centers far outside… Read more → Excursion Breda City

12:00 Pitches: Social Nina Kramer (Avans Hogeschool), Tai Wei Kan (INBO) and Maarit Kahila (Maptionnaire) Three pitches on specific AI applications and challenges.Lo… Read more → Pitch Multiple Rooms

12:00 Pitches: Economic Kees Kerstens (Municipality of Breda), Edwin Kuipers (Dutch AI Factory) and others Three pitches on specific AI applications and challenges.Lo… Read more → Pitch Multiple Rooms

12:00 Lecture: How to design within the AI Act and how that relates to the Affordable Housing Act Jonas Guigonnat (Europe Direct – Platform 31) and others The AI Act is often presented as compliance, a list of obli… Read more → Lecture Hall 1

12:00 Lecture: From European AI strategy to economic opportunities for your city Jan Wester (Director LDT CitiVERSE EDIC) and others The European Commission is working hard on a new European A… Read more → Lecture Hall 1

12:45 Networking Lunch Connect with colleagues, researchers, companies, and governments. Read more → Break Exhibition Hall

13:45 Workshop: Social — Local Experts to be announced New technologies in smart cities, AI, sustainable energy, and mobility. Read more → Workshop Multiple Rooms

13:45 Workshop: Economic — European Sabine Müller (Greater Zürich Area) From Research to Economic Value: This is how Zürich is stre… Read more → Workshop Multiple Rooms

13:45 Demo: Spatial, economic and social Judith Oosterom & Luuk van Schendel (Surplus), Jim van Hekke (Scape Agency) and others Three demos on new technologies in smart cities, AI, sustai… Read more → Demo Multiple Rooms

13:45 Demo: Autonomous and democratic Experts to be announced New technologies in smart cities, AI, sustainable energy, a… Read more → Demo Multiple Rooms

13:45 Local AI Walk: How do you set up the local infrastructure and what energy savings does it deliver? Edwin Teljeur (NL Labelstudio) Many AI applications run on large data centers far outside … Read more → Excursion Breda City

13:45 Local AI Walk: How do you connect the local AI to the local energy grid and other networks? Devin Diran (TNO) Many AI applications run on large data centers far outside … Read more → Excursion Breda City

13:45 Pitches: Spatial Lars van Vianen (Starling) and others Three pitches on specific AI applications and challenges.Lo… Read more → Pitch Multiple Rooms

13:45 Pitches: Autonomous Kees van Dam & Daan de Coninck (Avans Hogeschool), Jeroen Steenbakkers (Argaleo) and others Three pitches on specific AI applications and challenges.Lo… Read more → Pitch Multiple Rooms

13:45 Lecture: How do you build a European marketplace? Mildo van Staden (Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations), Lotte and Lennart (SAIdkick) Building a European marketplace where we, as a government, … Read more → Lecture Multiple Rooms

13:45 Lecture: Self-assessment Tooling 'How do you measure your city's AI readiness?' Stefano Marta (OECD) Is your city ready for AI, and what does 'ready' actually m… Read more → Lecture Multiple Rooms

14:30 Break Coffee and informal networking. Read more → Break Foyer

14:45 The Great AI in the City Vibe Coding Experiment As a conclusion to the AI in the City Congress you get to work yourself. Read more → Main Stage Main Hall

16:30 Networking Drinks End the congress day with drinks and new connections. Read more → Networking Rooftop Terrace

18:00 Closing ELBA\REC & Bredata Thank you and see you tomorrow for excursions! Read more → Main Stage Main Hall

Partners & Organisation

AI in the City is organised by:

$ELBA\REC$

Become a Partner

Thanks to our partners:

Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties

Starling Associates

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Looking Back

Previous editions

Relive the highlights of past AI in the City editions.

2025

2025 — Doing it together

On 18 September 2025, the second edition took place at MEZZ in Breda. We focused on a sharper question: how do we actually put AI knowledge to work for liveable cities? The highlight was the signing of the City Deal on AI.

View 2025 edition

2024

2024 — The city as a laboratory

On 12 September 2024 we organised the first edition of AI in the City in Breda. Spread across the city centre, over 225 attendees explored how AI can transform urban life and rated the congress an average of 8.8 out of 10.

View 2024 edition

Join us in Breda

Be part of the conversation shaping AI in cities. Tickets available now — €350 (excl. VAT).

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AI in the City

Creating Real Value