City Challenges: Rotterdam & Istanbul (remotely)
Sustainability, Environment & Biodiversity

City Challenges: Rotterdam & Istanbul (remotely)

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:45 AM | Europe/Helsinki

Challenge

Urban Stage
English
About
Rotterdam's Challenge: Water & Resilience 
The City of Rotterdam, Netherlands, is rapidly advancing in its Citiverse strategy, which is powered by a high-end digital twin and the Open Urban Data Platform (OUP). These tools are at the heart of the city’s efforts to address one of its most pressing issues: water management and resilience.

Given that much of the Netherlands lies below sea level, flooding poses a significant risk to citizens, businesses, and infrastructure—including Europe’s largest port. Rotterdam’s Water & Resilience Challenge aims to leverage the Citiverse to:

  • Predict: Use advanced data modelling to forecast flooding scenarios.
  • Mitigate: Develop solutions that proactively reduce flooding impacts.
  • Respond: Enhance response capabilities for faster, more effective action during crises.

This challenge extends beyond flooding to address broader water, resilience, and safety issues. Rotterdam invites innovators worldwide to propose creative solutions that integrate with the city’s digital twin and OUP, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens while setting a benchmark for urban resilience.

Companies pitching for solutions:
Wapice Ltd
Citynomadi
Younite


Istanbul's Challenge: Earthquake Preparedness
Istanbul faces challenges with fast urban growth, a large population, and complicated transportation. Its varied geography and risk of earthquakes require practical solutions. The city also struggles with air and noise pollution due to heavy traffic and industrial activity. Using smart technologies to manage the city sustainably is essential. It is also important to upgrade infrastructure to meet the growing demands of the population. Addressing pollution, particularly air and noise pollution caused by traffic and industry, is a priority for the city’s health and environment. Additionally, preparing for natural disasters, especially earthquakes, is crucial to protect residents and ensure the city’s resilience in the face of emergencies. Balancing development with environmental and social needs is essential for long-term sustainability and a better quality of life.

Companies pitching for solutions:
TRAILSLIGHT srl
Bizztech
GOSPACE LABS

 

Speakers

Erdem Samut

CTO, Isbak Istanbul It and Smart City Technologies Inc.Isbak Istanbul It and Smart City Technologies Inc.

Roland van der Heijden

Program manager Rotterdam Citiverse & Program manager Digital CityMunicipality of Rotterdam

Moderators

Alexander Schmidt

CEO & Founder of BABLE Smart CitiesBABLE Smart Cities