Urban Transitions Mission - GLOBAL INNOVATION SUMMIT 2026 - Accelerating Urban Transitions: Scaling Impact with AI and Digital Innovation

Join the Urban Transitions Mission (UTM) of Mission Innovation (MI) for a landmark event dedicated to exploring the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. This global convening will spotlight how cutting-edge digital solutions and Artificial Intelligence are becoming levers to accelerate climate action by revolutionizing city planning, unlocking new investment pathways, and accelerating the journey toward net-zero, climate-resilient, and inclusive cities.

The complexity of modern urban systems and increasingly integrated infrastructure and planning needs—from energy grids and mobility networks to resilient, responsive infrastructures—requires a level of foresight and integrated thinking like never before to reap the co-benefits of holistic measures for urban transitions. Through advanced data integration and predictive foresight, the transition to sustainable urbanism can be realized. AI and digital innovation can play a role as essential catalysts needed to optimize resource allocation and bridge the gap between climate ambition and urban reality while putting citizens at the center.

Despite the promise of technology, cities face significant hurdles in the digital transition. Fragmented data, "Black Box" proprietary systems, and the high perceived risk of unproven digital solutions often stall progress, as do high costs or bespoke and customized solutions. Furthermore, the environmental footprint of AI itself - its energy and water intensity - presents a new challenge for sustainability - focused leaders. Scaling these solutions requires more than just code; it requires transparent governance, ethical oversight, and standardized protocols that allow cities of all sizes, especially in the Global South, to adopt "plug-and-play" innovations without reinventing the wheel.

This is where innovative digital solutions can play a critical role. By integrating Digital Twins, Agentic AI, and interoperable data platforms, cities can move from reactive management to Predictive Foresight. Digital innovation acts as a de-risking tool: virtual sandboxes allow planners to test policy impacts and infrastructure resilience before a single brick is laid, significantly improving project bankability and investor confidence. By combining real-time data with social and environmental overlays, AI ensures that urban transitions are not only fast but inclusive, addressing the needs of the most vulnerable communities while maximizing carbon reduction.

This high-level gathering will bring together the UTM community, local leaders, national policymakers, international organizations, innovators, technology pioneers, financial institutions, and academic experts to explore how to harness AI as a force for public good. 

Through engaging discussions, live simulations, and real-life city experiences, attendees will gain actionable insights on deploying digital tools to optimize urban metabolism. From simulating nature-based solutions to supporting the decarbonization of the energy system, the Summit will highlight strategies that balance technological speed with ethical responsibility and social impact.

Discover how the synergy of AI and Digital Innovation can transform the pulse of the city and offer scalable solutions for urban transitions. Whether you are a city leader, a tech innovator, or a financial stakeholder, this Summit offers a unique platform to forge the partnerships that will define the intelligent, resilient, and inclusive cities of tomorrow. 

Join us to help shape the future of digital solutions and AI with purpose for more resilient, equitable, and net-zero cities.

Please find the latest agenda of the event and additional information at the UTM Summit event page (coming soon).

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• Only online registration remains available

In-person registration has now closed, but you are still welcome to join us virtually from the comfort of your own home, office, etc. All plenary sessions, and only one workshop will be livestreamed. The link will be shared only with those who register for it.

If you did not register on time to join us in-person, but actually intend to attend in Viladecans, please still register for an online ticket, but also write ASAP to utm@globalcovenantofmayors.org. Unfortunately, it is now too late for us to provide you with a badge including your name already printed on it, but we could still manage to add your given name, family name, the institution you represent and your location onto our official participation lists, and provide you a blank badge to write on yourself.

• Code of conduct

All participants, by attending the UTM Summit, are deemed to have agreed to the C40 events code of conduct and will be part of the terms and conditions for participation at the event.