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Exploring Innovator's Passport: A Journey Beyond Borders

The world is changing rapidly, with significant social and business challenges emerging on multiple fronts. In response to this dynamic landscape, the Innovator’s Passport program is set to take place in Barcelona, marking its third edition. Organized by YOMIKO, in collaboration with SIGNING, this program offers participants an immersive experience in the forefront of urban innovation and social solutions.

About the Innovator’s Passport Program

The Innovator's Passport is not just a workshop; it's an experiential learning journey designed for innovators and stakeholders committed to social change. From October 11 to 19, attendees will engage in various sessions with industry leaders, fieldwork, and participate in significant events like the Smart City Expo World Congress 2025. The program's primary objective is to connect participants with a global ecosystem dedicated to fostering urban innovation.

By exploring sustainable practices in urban development, participants will not only gain insights but also practical knowledge applicable to their respective fields. Last year, YOMIKO's Civic Pride® initiative joined forces with this program to further enhance its offerings, focusing on collaborative problem-solving among public, private, and civic sectors.

What to Expect in Barcelona

1. Learning from Global Ecosystems

Participants will engage directly with key figures in Barcelona's urban landscape. The discussions will center around how diverse players, including citizens, government, private companies, and startups, collaboratively generate innovative solutions. Through these interactions, attendees will uncover the realities of co-creation and the effective methods in deploying social innovation.

2. Experiencing Sustainable Urban Development

The program emphasizes first-hand experiences in sustainable city initiatives. Participants will visit urban regeneration projects in Barcelona, observing how local residents engage with civic pride and witness the integration of technology in urban development efforts that promote sustainability.

3. Insights from the Smart City Expo World Congress

Joining the Smart City Expo World Congress provides a unique opportunity to dive into global trends and strategies in urban innovation. Participants will benefit from guided tours, exclusive discussions with event organizers, and the chance to explore emerging technologies and strategies that are shaping the future of urban living.

4. Networking and Collaboration

Beyond learning, the program encourages networking among participants. Engaging with like-minded individuals enhances the chance for future collaboration. Workshops upon returning home will aid in generating innovative business ideas rooted in the insights gained throughout the program.

Program Schedule

Expect a comprehensive itinerary that includes orientation sessions, field visits, and wrap-up meetings:

• - Orientation and Pre-Seminar (Mid-October): Overviews and introductions to key themes.
• - Field Visits in Barcelona (November 11-19): Revealing insights into the digital city’s cutting-edge initiatives.
• - Wrap-up and Business Innovation Workshop (End of December): Sharing experiences and discussing future business strategies.

Key Directors Leading the Initiative

Leading the program are distinguished individuals such as Kazuhiko Washio, Chief Research Director at SIGNING, and Yudai Jo, Deputy Director at YOMIKO, who bring extensive experience in social innovation research and urban development.

Who Should Join?

This program is geared towards stakeholders involved in urban development, including government officials, private enterprises, and students. With a cap of 30 participants, the program caters to various levels of engagement through courses that include accommodations or those opting for local arrangements.

For more details and registration, please visit the official site: Innovator’s Passport.

Related Events

Accompanying the program, the SIGNAL Gallery hosts ongoing exhibitions showcasing results from SIGNING's research on social innovation, including the upcoming discussion on Barcelona's Digital City strategies scheduled for August 7, 2025. This event aims to foster dialogue on world-class urban planning trends.

Through initiatives like the Innovator’s Passport, YOMIKO and SIGNING aspire to lay the groundwork for sustainable urban development while addressing pressing social issues. Join this inspiring journey toward shaping future societies!