Czechs and BAR(celona) – it’s a connection that has already resonated across the international Smart Cities community. Few topics rely so much on mutual understanding and wide-ranging cooperation as urban innovation and regional development. That’s why the Czech Republic not only brings top-tier innovations but also creates a relaxed, welcoming space where participants can form meaningful partnerships, tackle key urban and municipal challenges together as partners, and enjoy themselves like good friends – perhaps over a beer or a signature cocktail.

In 2025, the Barcelona Smart City Expo World Congress enters its 14th edition. The number one global event in smart cities showcases the latest innovations and forward-thinking solutions that address the most pressing challenges of today's urbanisation, bringing together experts and major players from across the globe in one place at one time. The Czech Republic will be right there once again – especially after a record-breaking participation in 2024, which also resulted in winning awards for the most sustainable exhibition and the most promising startup.

This year, the Czech Republic will go even bigger and unveil its largest national pavilion to date at the international fair, spanning 416 m². Once again, this is due to the joint effort of key players in the national innovation ecosystem. Leading the effort are five core ministries – Industry and Trade, Regional Development, Transport, Environment, and Foreign Affairs. They are joined by major Czech cities – Prague, Brno, and Pilsen – which also involve their municipal companies and regional institutions in the collaboration. This year, the team will be further strengthened by the innovative city of Říčany and TIC Zlín, showing that with the right approach, any city – regardless of size – can be SMART.

A total of around 40 innovative Czech startups, SMEs, and academic institutions will be showcased in the Czech pavilion, reflecting the growing potential and complex capabilities of the Czech Republic in the smart city domain. The Czechs will once again aim to prove their excellence in circularity and, among more than 1,000 exhibitors, will compete to defend their prestigious Green Exhibitor Award. Last year’s success was supported by sustainable features such as flooring made from recycled PackWall tetrapaks, designer panels from Plastic Guys, a Foamy sofa made from Resysta material and recycled waste foam, and gift soaps made from used coffee grounds in mushroom mycelium packaging.