BCN_OS_EXO-Smartcity

Barcelona Exponential SmartCity Open Innovation Safari

Explore one of Europe’s most advanced ecosystems of Smart Cities and exponential innovation

Location: Barcelona – Themes: Smart Cities / Exponential Innovation / Urban Transformation – Duration: Half Day

The Barcelona Exponential Smart Cities Open Innovation Safari is a half-day immersive experience designed for professionals who want to explore how cities are evolving through exponential technologies and new innovation models.

Led by Certified Innovation Safari Sherpa Francesc Saldaña, this Safari introduces explorers to the Smart Cities ecosystem of Barcelona, with a unique immersion inside the Smart City Expo World Congress environment, where global leaders, startups and institutions showcase the future of urban innovation.

During the experience, explorers will discover how exponential organizations apply new technologies, data and innovation frameworks to transform cities, services and infrastructures at scale.

Explorers will explore topics such as:

  • exponential innovation and organizations
  • smart cities transformation
  • urban mobility and digital infrastructure
  • data-driven city governance

Innovation Safaris allow professionals to experience innovation where it actually happens.

The experience

The Safari combines structured learning with real ecosystem exploration and networking opportunities. Explorers will experience key elements of exponential innovation in the Smart Cities context:

  • Exponential Transformation Workshop – Discover the key attributes to create exponential organizations using real examples, tools and frameworks.
  • Smart City Expo World Congress Tour – Guided visit to main exhibitors and startups showcasing cutting-edge urban innovation solutions.
  • Startups & Networking Session – Meet innovators, startups and other explorers to exchange insights and opportunities.

Participants will:

  • explore real Smart City innovation environments
  • interact with startups, corporates and global ecosystem players
  • understand how exponential thinking is applied to cities
  • join discussions on mobility, governance, urban environment and digital transformation
  • connect with other explorers and innovation leaders

This immersive approach helps participants better understand how Smart Cities ecosystems operate in practice.

What explorers will gain

Explorers will Learn, Design and Engage by:

  • discovering key attributes of exponential organizations
  • understanding how Smart Cities evolve through technology and data
  • connecting with global innovation players and startups
  • generating ideas and inspiration for new urban solutions and business models

Who Should Join

  • corporate innovation leaders
  • public sector and city managers
  • urban planners and infrastructure professionals
  • entrepreneurs and startup founders
  • technology and digital transformation leaders

Participants from different sectors are encouraged to join and share perspectives.

Join this Open Safari

Limited group to ensure a high-quality exploration experience.

ESADE Creapolis

ESADE Creapolis

Esade Creapolis is a premier innovation and business park located on the Esade campus in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, designed to bridge academia and industry. It acts as an open innovation hub for startups and corporations, featuring modern workspaces, specialized labs, and the Rambla of Innovation to foster collaboration and entrepreneurship.

Concept: A unique ecosystem connecting students, researchers, and company professionals.

Key Features: Over  of space housing corporations, startups, and academic areas, including the #RamblaOfInnovation.

Services: Startup accelerator, corporate innovation consulting, and flexible workspaces.

Goal: To stimulate creative thinking, open innovation, and real-world application of academic research. 

Essentially, it is a business school-led innovation hub where firms co-locate to work with faculty and students to foster innovation.

VIBIA Lab

VIBIA Lab

The main VIBIA showroom and headquarters are located in Barcelona, featuring a massive 2,050m2 space designed by Francesc Rifé and Sònia Pellicer. The showroom showcases innovative lighting systems arranged as “small architectures,” featuring a, “Light your Way” space for interaction.

Vibia Showroom Highlights (Barcelona Headquarters):

  • Design & Structure: Designed by Francesc Rifé Studio, it features a pink-colored lattice entrance, featuring a 1,170 m2 area dedicated to showcasing products.
  • Exhibition Space: Organized like a “small architecture” experience with lattice screens, curtains, and curated lighting collections.
  • “Light Your Way” Hub: A core interactive area designed for visitors to experience and customize lighting projects.
  • Connecting Terrace: A designated outdoor area designed by Josep Lluis Xuclà.

International Presence:

  • Sydney Vibia Hub: A new, dedicated Vibia Hub was established at the Euroluce showroom in Sydney to express the brand’s “Shaping Atmospheres” concept in Australia.
  • Project Showrooms: Vibia lights significant partnership spaces, such as the Cosentino showroom in Toronto, demonstrating their lighting technology in tailored environments.

The VIBIA LAB acts as a key gathering point for designers and architects to explore Vibia’s focus on lighting designed for wellbeing.

Barcelona Smart Logistics

Barcelona Smart Logistics Open Innovation Safari

Explore one of Southern Europe’s most dynamic ecosystems of logistics, mobility and supply chain innovation

Location: Barcelona – Themes: Smart Logistics / Supply Chain / Last Mile / Automation – Duration: One Day

The Barcelona Smart Logistics Open Innovation Safari is a one-day immersive experience designed for professionals who want to explore how innovation and technology are transforming the future of logistics and supply chain operations.

Led by Certified Innovation Safari Sherpa Francesc Saldaña, this Safari introduces explorers to the Barcelona smart logistics ecosystem, where corporates, logistics operators, infrastructure hubs and innovation organizations are developing new solutions related to automation, last-mile delivery, data-driven logistics and sustainable mobility.

During the experience, explorers will discover how professionals, operators and innovators are working together to create more efficient, connected and resilient logistics systems across urban and international environments.

Explorers will explore topics such as:

  • smart logistics innovation
  • supply chain digitalization
  • warehouse automation and robotics
  • last-mile delivery and sustainable mobility

The experience

The Safari combines curated exploration with interactive activities designed to encourage learning, discussion and inspiration.

Explorers will explore key innovation hotspots in Barcelona’s Smart Logistics ecosystem:

  • Amazon logistics hub – A relevant example of large-scale logistics operations, process optimization and last-mile innovation.
  • Port of Barcelona – One of Europe’s leading logistics and maritime ecosystems, where infrastructure, technology and global trade intersect.
  • ZFB Logistics 4.0 Hub – The first incubator in Spain dedicated to Industry 4.0 in the logistics value chain. Already incubated a total of 60 projects, helping to turn business ideas into companies of the future that generate employment..

Participants will:

  • Exploration walk at real logistics and supply chain environments
  • Meet startups and professionals and innovators working on the future of logistics
  • join an innovation workshop with other explorers focused on trends in automation, digital operations and mobility
  • discuss how smart logistics technologies can inspire new services, partnerships and business models in multiple sectors

This immersive approach helps participants better understand how Smart Logistics ecosystems operate in practice.

What explorers will gain

Explorers will learn and design by:

  • discovering emerging trends in smart logistics innovation
  • understanding how logistics organizations improve efficiency and resilience
  • connecting with professionals and ecosystem players
  • generating ideas and inspiration for new services, operations and business models

Who Should Join

  • corporate innovation leaders
  • logistics and supply chain professionals
  • entrepreneurs and startup founders
  • mobility and infrastructure professionals
  • public sector and economic development professionals
  • professionals from any sector interested in operational innovation

Participants from different sectors are encouraged to join and share perspectives.

Join this Open Safari

Limited group to ensure a high-quality exploration experience.

Barcelona Space

Barcelona Space Open Innovation Safari

Explore one of Europe’s most promising New Space ecosystems

Location: Barcelona – Themes: Space / New Space / Satellites / Connectivity – Duration: One Day

The Barcelona Space Open Innovation Safari is a one-day immersive experience designed for professionals who want to explore how innovation and technology are transforming the future of the space economy.

Led by Certified Innovation Safari Sherpa Oriol Ribera, this Safari introduces explorers to the Barcelona New Space ecosystem, where startups, research centers and innovation organizations are developing new solutions related to satellite connectivity, Earth observation and space-enabled services.

During the experience, explorers will discover how entrepreneurs, engineers and innovators are working together to create new technologies and business models that are reshaping industries through space-based infrastructure and data.

Explorers will explore topics such as:

  • New Space innovation
  • Satellite connectivity
  • Earth observation and data
  • Space-enabled services for multiple industries

Innovation Safaris allow professionals to experience innovation where it actually happens.

The experience

The Safari combines curated exploration with interactive activities designed to encourage learning, discussion and inspiration.

Explorers will explore key innovation hotspots in Barcelona’s Space ecosystem:

  • SATELIOT – A pioneering New Space startup connecting IoT devices through satellite networks.
  • IEEC – The Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya, a key organization in the promotion of space research, talent and innovation.
  • i2CAT – A research and innovation center working on advanced digital connectivity, including space-related communications.

Participants will:

  • Exploration walk at innovation spaces connected to the New Space ecosystem
  • Meet startups and innovators working on the future of space-enabled services
  • join an innovation workshop with other explorers: discuss emerging trends in satellite connectivity, Earth observation and data-driven services
  • explore how space technologies can generate new business opportunities in sectors such as mobility, logistics, agriculture and telecommunications

This immersive approach helps participants better understand how Space ecosystems operate in practice.

What explorers will gain

Explorers will learn and design by:

  • discovering emerging trends in New Space innovation
  • understanding how space startups develop and scale new solutions
  • connecting with entrepreneurs and innovation organizations
  • generating ideas and inspiration for new services and business models

Who Should Join

  • corporate innovation leaders
  • entrepreneurs and startup founders
  • telecommunications and technology professionals
  • researchers and academics
  • public sector innovation managers

Participants from different sectors are encouraged to join and share perspectives.

Join this Open Safari

Limited group to ensure a high-quality exploration experience.

Gaudi Innovation

Barcelona Gaudí Open Innovation Safari

Explore one of Barcelona’s most inspiring ecosystems of creativity, architecture and innovation

Location: Barcelona – Themes: Gaudí / Architecture / Creativity / Nature Inspiration – Duration: One Day

The Barcelona Gaudí Open Innovation Safari is a one-day immersive experience designed for professionals who want to explore how creativity, architecture and nature-inspired thinking can become powerful drivers of innovation.

Led by Certified Innovation Safari Sherpa Francesc Saldaña, this Safari introduces explorers to a unique Barcelona ecosystem shaped by the legacy of Antoni Gaudí, where architecture, craftsmanship, engineering and imagination come together to create timeless innovation.

During the experience, explorers will discover how Gaudí’s way of thinking continues to inspire new approaches to design, urban challenges, sustainability and cross-disciplinary creativity.

Explorers will explore topics such as:

  • biomimicry and nature-inspired innovation
  • creative problem solving
  • architecture as a system of innovation
  • design, craftsmanship and experimentation

The experience

The Safari combines curated exploration with interactive activities designed to encourage learning, discussion and inspiration.

Explorers will explore key innovation hotspots connected to Gaudí’s legacy and Barcelona’s creative ecosystem:

  • Colònia Güell – A key Gaudí hotspot where explorers can discover experimental structural thinking, nature-inspired forms and one of the most innovative architectural approaches of its time.
  • Sagrada Família – A world reference where architecture, engineering, symbolism and long-term vision come together in a living example of continuous innovation.
  • Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau – A unique space where architecture, wellbeing, urban design and creative vision meet in one of Barcelona’s most inspiring built environments.

Participants will:

  • Exploration walk into iconic and inspiring spaces linked to Gaudí and Catalan modernism
  • discover how architecture can become a source of innovation for many sectors
  • join an innovation workshop with other explorers focused on creativity, systems thinking and nature-inspired design
  • Keynote speaker: how Gaudí’s mindset can inspire new products, services, experiences and projects beyond architecture

This immersive approach helps participants better understand how creativity, experimentation and vision can generate lasting innovation.

What explorers will gain

Explorers will learn and design by:

  • discovering new perspectives on innovation through Gaudí’s legacy
  • understanding how nature, beauty and function can work together
  • connecting with other explorers interested in creativity and transformation
  • generating ideas and inspiration for new services, experiences and business models

Who Should Join

  • corporate innovation leaders
  • architects and designers
  • entrepreneurs and startup founders
  • professionals from culture, tourism and creative industries
  • public sector and urban development professionals
  • professionals from any sector interested in creativity as a driver of innovation

Participants from different sectors are encouraged to join and share perspectives.

Join this Open Safari

Limited group to ensure a high-quality exploration experience.

Barcelona SportTech

Barcelona SportTech Open Innovation Safari

Explore one of Europe’s most innovative SportTech ecosystems

Location: Barcelona – Themes: SportTech / Performance / Health / Fan Experience – Duration: One Day

The Barcelona SportTech Open Innovation Safari is a one-day immersive experience designed for professionals who want to explore how innovation and technology are transforming the future of sport.

Led by Certified Innovation Safari Sherpa Oriol Ribera, this Safari introduces explorers to the Barcelona SportTech ecosystem, where clubs, startups, research centers and industry organizations are developing new solutions related to sports performance, health, data analytics and fan engagement.

During the experience, explorers will discover how professionals, researchers and innovators are working together to create new technologies, services and business models that are reshaping the sports industry.

Explorers will explore topics such as:

  • SportTech innovation
  • Performance analytics
  • Wearables and biomechanics
  • Digital fan engagement

The experience

The Safari combines curated exploration with interactive activities designed to encourage learning, discussion and inspiration.

Explorers will explore key innovation hotspots in Barcelona’s SportTech ecosystem:

  • Barça Innovation Hub – A global reference connecting sport, performance, health and knowledge transfer.
  • CAR Sant Cugat – One of Europe’s leading high-performance sports centers, integrating elite training, science and technology.
  • INDESCAT – The Catalan sports industry cluster, connecting companies, startups and institutions driving sports innovation.

Participants will:

  • Exploration walk to innovation spaces and real SportTech environments
  • meet professionals and innovators working on the future of sport
  • join an innovation workshop with other explorers focused on trends in performance, health and digital sports experiences
  • Mapping opportunities: discuss how sport-related technologies can inspire new products, services and partnerships in other sectors

This immersive approach helps participants better understand how SportTech ecosystems operate in practice.

What explorers will gain

Explorers will learn and design by:

  • discovering emerging trends in SportTech innovation
  • understanding how sports organizations and startups develop new solutions
  • connecting with innovators, experts and ecosystem organizations
  • generating ideas and inspiration for new services, experiences and business models

Who Should Join

  • corporate innovation leaders
  • sports industry professionals
  • entrepreneurs and startup founders
  • health and performance specialists
  • public sector and cluster managers
  • professionals from any sector interested in applied innovation through sport

Participants from different sectors are encouraged to join and share perspectives.

Limited group to ensure a high-quality exploration experience.

I want a Custom Innovation Safari

IDEAL HOTSPOT

IDEAL Digital Arts Center

IDEAL Digital Arts Center is a pioneering digital arts center in Barcelona that combines immersive technology, virtual reality, and digital projections to create unique cultural experiences. It serves as a laboratory for digital creation and a space for large-scale immersive exhibitions.

Large-screen immersive rooms, VR (Virtual Reality) areas, and 360-degree projections.

The center has almost 2000 m2 dedicated to the exhibition, production and training of digital immersive arts. The main floor has 1500 m2: 800m2 for large format exhibitions, and also 3 multipurpose spaces to produce diverse acts and experiences.
IDEAL LAB is based on the second floor where there are the offices and the artists in residency space, since IDEAL is also a center focused on developing local talent to create its own productions.

I2CAT

i2CAT

The i2CAT Foundation is a non-profit research and innovation centre based in Barcelona that promotes R&D activities in the field of advanced Internet architectures, applications, and services. It acts as a strategic partner for the public sector and businesses, driving global connectivity and technology transfer in areas such as 6G, Artificial Intelligence, and the New Space Economy.

Its main mission is to bridge the gap between academic research and the business sector through digital innovation.

Leads numerous European projects and initiatives aimed at improving social and territorial digital transformation.

DHub Barcelona

DHub Barcelona

The Disseny Hub Barcelona (DHub) is the reference public facility for the recognition and promotion of the Creative Industries, as well as for the dissemination of design heritage and culture.

DHub deploys promotion policies in the fields of design, architecture, urban planning, innovation and technology. This is a space that welcomes and supports the city’s creative talent, working with training centers, creators and business environments on a local and international scale.

The DHub is the headquarters of Barcelona Design Museum, with the dual function of conserving, interpreting and exhibiting its holdings and developing a proposal for exhibitions and activities around design.

These objectives are translated into a program that aims to disseminate and bring these disciplines closer to the public through exhibitions and activities for all audiences, but which also seeks to boost and promote the sector through a program that includes conferences, festivals and awards together with that of entities based at the DHub: Barcelona Creativity & Design Foundation, the Arts and Design Promotion (FAD), the Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE), the Association for the furniture study and the El Clot-Josep Benet Library.

The DHub’s role in education and research is also fundamental, through a close link with universities and an extensive program dedicated to schools, as well as the work done from the Library and Archive of Design, consultation and research space specialized in decorative arts and design.