The Smart City Summit & Expo (SCSE) 2026 and Net Zero City Expo have officially kicked off in Taipei, bringing together government agencies, global city representatives, and industry players under one roof. Held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, this year’s event is one of the largest yet, with more than 2,250 booths, over 70 forums, and participation from 174 cities across 53 countries.
At a glance, the scale alone is impressive. But beyond the numbers, what stands out this year is the strong emphasis on AI-driven urban development and net-zero transformation, with both themes deeply integrated across the exhibition floor.
AI and Net Zero Take the Lead
This year’s exhibition revolves around the theme of digital and green transformation, aligning closely with Taiwan’s 2050 Net Zero Emissions roadmap and its ongoing AI development initiatives.
One of the biggest highlights is the level of coordination across the public sector. A total of seven major ministries, including those responsible for economic affairs, transportation, environment, and digital development, are working together to present a unified vision. Instead of isolated showcases, the exhibition focuses on a more complete pipeline, from policy planning and R&D to real-world deployment.
The result is a more practical presentation of how smart city technologies are actually being implemented, rather than just conceptual demonstrations.
AI CITY and the Shift Toward Sovereign AI
A key highlight this year is the introduction of the AI CITY Pavilion, which reflects how smart city development is evolving.
Rather than treating AI as just another tool, the concept here positions AI as the core “brain” of city operations. The pavilion showcases a full-stack approach, covering infrastructure, platforms, and application layers. This includes everything from AI servers and computing systems to real-world use cases in public services.
The idea of Sovereign AI is also heavily emphasized. In simple terms, this refers to cities having greater control over their own data, models, and AI infrastructure. With global demand for AI-enabled city management growing rapidly, this approach is becoming increasingly relevant.
Local implementations from cities like Tainan and Kaohsiung are used as examples, showing how these concepts translate into actual deployment scenarios.
Real-World Applications: From Robots to City Services
Beyond infrastructure, the exhibition also highlights how AI is being applied in everyday scenarios.
One area gaining traction is robotics, where service robots, autonomous mobile robots, and inspection systems are being positioned as part of future urban services. Use cases range from healthcare and food service to logistics and disaster response.
What is interesting here is that these are not just prototypes. Many of these solutions are already being tested in real environments, which gives a clearer indication of how quickly these technologies are moving toward mainstream adoption.
Global Collaboration and “City Vision in Action”
Another notable addition this year is the “City Vision in Action” initiative. Instead of focusing purely on technology showcases, this segment highlights real challenges faced by cities around the world.
A total of 22 urban issues from 21 cities across 15 countries are being presented, covering areas such as smart governance, energy transition, infrastructure, and social services. The goal is to connect these challenges directly with industry solutions, turning ideas into actual collaborations.
This shift toward problem-driven engagement makes the exhibition feel more grounded, especially for industry players looking for real deployment opportunities rather than just exposure.
Net Zero Infrastructure and Policy in Focus
On the sustainability side, the Net Zero City Expo complements the AI narrative with a strong focus on low-carbon infrastructure and energy transition.
Different ministries are showcasing their respective initiatives, ranging from renewable energy systems and low-carbon supply chains to smart transportation and environmental monitoring.
There is also a clear push toward integrating technologies like AI, digital twins, and 5G into infrastructure planning. This combination allows for more efficient resource management, better monitoring, and improved decision-making at scale.
The broader goal is to demonstrate how Taiwan is building a pathway toward a smart, resilient, and sustainable urban environment, rather than treating digital transformation and sustainability as separate efforts.
Smart Mobility, Tourism, and Environmental Tech
The exhibition also touches on specific verticals, particularly transportation and tourism, where AI and digital technologies are being used to enhance user experiences and operational efficiency.
Smart mobility solutions, including electrification and alternative energy transport, are being showcased alongside AI-powered tourism experiences such as real-time translation, immersive visuals, and interactive content.
On the environmental side, AI-driven monitoring tools, robotic systems, and data platforms are being used to improve efficiency in areas like waste management, environmental protection, and climate response.
These implementations highlight how technology is being applied not just at the infrastructure level, but also in everyday services.
A Clear Direction for Future Smart Cities
Overall, the Smart City Summit & Expo 2026 feels less like a traditional tech exhibition and more like a coordinated effort to define the next phase of urban development.
AI is no longer just a supporting technology. It is becoming a central component of how cities operate. At the same time, sustainability is no longer optional, with net-zero goals shaping infrastructure planning and industrial direction.
By bringing together policy, technology, and real-world applications, this year’s event offers a clearer picture of where smart cities are heading. It is not just about innovation for the sake of it, but about building systems that are practical, scalable, and ready for long-term deployment.
With strong international participation and growing collaboration between cities and industries, Taiwan is positioning itself as an active player in shaping the future of AI-driven and sustainable urban ecosystems.
