Mysuru, India, uses mass smart meters and IoT to improve urban hygiene
Author | Elvira Esparza Mysuru has emerged as one of India’s cleanest cities after launching a comprehensive sanitation program. This initiative is part of the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) mission, which aims to improve sanitation nationwide and eliminate open defecation. The goal of the Swachh Bharat mission, launched in 2014, is to eliminate open defecation […]
New York’s Guggenheim museum: where architecture, art and technology come together
Author | Lucía Burbano Avant-garde since its inception, architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision for the Guggenheim Museum and the bold decision to hire him by Hilla Rebay, Solomon R. Guggenheim’s art advisor, broke all previously known conventions of museum design. A century and several decades later, the Guggenheim Museum in New York still preserves this […]
Smart cities with the most robust economies: What’s their secret?
Author | Lucía Burbano The innovative strategies and adoption of cutting-edge technologies that define smart cities not only play a key role in their economic well-being but also position them among the cities with the greatest diversity of resources and efficient management, which also leads to greater savings. The smart city model is proving to […]
Urban planning for today: the world’s most pedestrian-friendly cities
Author | Lucía Burbano Cities that prioritize walking for residents and visitors are those that embrace social and environmentally sustainable urban planning, as these urban models promote healthy routines, social interaction, and a reduction in motor vehicle emissions. Every year, various rankings are published highlighting the cities that best implement models promoting walkability in their […]
How blockchain-powered microgrids are enabling peer-to-peer energy trading
Author | Elvira Esparza The use of blockchain in energy trading drives microgrids by enabling a more decentralized and transparent market. The blockchain and energy market was valued at $3.1 billion in 2024 and is expected to exceed $103 billion by 2034. However, its growth faces regulatory uncertainty, as current regulations do not clearly address […]
Self-Healing Concrete: Microbacteria Against Cracks
Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Päivi Raivio, a Helsinki-based urban designer and placemaker recognized for her innovative work on people-centered public spaces. With a background in creative urban interventions and community engagement, Raivio’s projects demonstrate how thoughtful design can make cities more vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming for every season.
United States eyes drones as first responders in emergencies
Author | Lucía Burbano On June 6, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at boosting the country’s drone capabilities by accelerating their integration into the National Airspace System, supporting domestic manufacturing, and streamlining regulatory processes. One of the key measures included in the order is the Police Drone as First Responder (DFR) […]
AI as an Agent of Change: Reimagining Cities Through Mayor-Led Innovation
This is a guest post by George Burciaga, Managing Partner at The U.S. Mayoral Roundtable. He is a global leader in urban digital transformation, specializing in citizen engagement, infrastructure, and funding optimization. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a tool, it is an agent. A living force within the ecosystem of modern governance, AI […]
How AI can be harnessed to monitor vegetation loss and foster greener cities
Author | Raquel C. Pico The start of summer has brought record temperatures to Europe. Heat waves have swept through various countries on the continent, forcing residents to face extreme conditions. For those living in cities, parks and green spaces have become sought-after havens, a climate refuge to survive the harsh weather. But do cities […]
Argentina’s Smart Cities Charter Sparks Nationwide Movement for a Sustainable Urban Future
This is a guest post by Lucía Bellocchio, founder and executive director of Trend Smart Cities. Lucía has extensive experience working on urban innovation, and has written in leading media outlets in South America like La Nación, El Observador, Clarín or TN. Last month, Argentina made a significant stride forward in urban development by signing […]