Sign Up for the INNOVATOR’S PASSPORT Program in Barcelona: Discover Urban Innovation

Discover Urban Innovation with INNOVATOR’S PASSPORT in Barcelona

The upcoming third installment of the overseas training program, INNOVATOR’S PASSPORT, is officially set to take place in Barcelona this year. This initiative, co-organized by SIGNING, a company that focuses on providing innovative solutions to both business and social challenges, and YOMIKO, promises to immerse participants in the forefront of global social innovation.

Understanding the Program

INNOVATOR’S PASSPORT is designed for individuals keen on understanding urban innovation through interaction with key local figures, real fieldwork, and participation in the Smart City Expo World Congress. Participants will have a chance to connect with various global ecosystems nurturing urban innovations, contributing to a collaborative environment aimed at creating future societies.

The program also aims to emphasize Civic Pride and Community Creation, backed by research conducted by the YOMIKO Urban Life Research Institute. This year, the focus will be on solving challenges affecting citizens, companies, and society, providing a richer experience for attendees.

Learn More About INNOVATOR'S PASSPORT: Official Site

Program Objectives

1. Learn about Urban Ecosystems: Understand how innovation is cultivated in cities worldwide through collaboration among citizens, businesses, public sectors, and research institutions. Participants will engage in dialogues with local experts to explore these co-creative processes.

2. Experience Sustainable City Development: By visiting urban regeneration projects, participants will witness how citizens passionately engage with their spaces while nurturing Civic Pride. The program includes insights into how technology is being implemented to transition Barcelona into a more sustainable city.

3. Uncover Global Trends from Smart City Expo 2025: In addition to guided tours of the event, participants will have exclusive conversations with the event’s operational team, offering invaluable insights into the current global trends in urban innovation.

4. Networking Opportunities: The program will foster networking among participants, allowing them to deepen discussions with key players in urban development and brainstorm innovative business ideas that could be implemented back in their home countries.

Program Outline

1. Orientation and Pre-Seminar (scheduled for mid-October): This will introduce the agenda, visiting sites, and key themes related to Barcelona’s digital city strategy. Participants will also have opportunities to express their interests and potential areas for collaboration.

2. Site Visits (November 1-9): Over nine days in Barcelona, attendees will witness the city’s dedication to being a global leader in digital innovation. Discussions will include insights into how open data, AI, and digital twins are used in urban planning for sustainability and competitive edge.

3. Wrap-Up Meeting and Workshop (scheduled for late December): The program will culminate in a session where participants can share their insights gained from the site visits, reflect on their experiences, and discuss future business creation strategies.

Meet the Program Directors

Led by Kazuhiko Washio, Chief Research Director at SIGNING, and Yudai Jo, a senior urban strategist at YOMIKO, participants will benefit from mentorship from experts with extensive experience in urban strategy and civic engagement.

Participate in Urban Development Initiatives

INNOVATOR’S PASSPORT invites municipal representatives, urban planning firms, private sectors, and students to partake in this engaged experience. The program offers various course options tailored to different needs, including accommodations and study meetings.

Inquire for More Information: Contact us at [email protected]

Related Events

The program also aligns with ongoing exhibitions, such as THE 9 PASSPORTS, at the SIGNAL gallery in Tokyo, which showcases the outcomes of social innovation research.

Don't miss the chance to deepen your understanding of urban innovation by participating in the INNOVATOR’S PASSPORT program in Barcelona!