News & Events
Highlights of the METACITIES Participation at
5G Techritory 2024
The METACITIES project made a significant impact at the recent 5G Techritory event in Riga, Latvia, with a series of presentations, panels, and collaboration initiatives, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with multiple European partners.
Agenda Highlights from the Co-Creation Event: “From Smart Cities to Metacities”
As part of the co-creation event facilitated by Marios Nicolaou (p-NET), METACITIES presented its Excellence Hub for South Eastern Europe, featuring contributions from:
- University of Patras (Tania Politi) – Introduction to the project’s core objectives and achievements
- ISBUR (Daniela Aleksieva) – Overview of the Bulgarian ecosystem’s role in the project
- CYENS (Vassos Vasiliou) – Details on Cyprus’s engagement and innovations within the METACITIES framework
- University of Peloponnese (Christos Antonopoulos) – Insights into Greece’s regional ecosystem advancements and contributions
The agenda included an overview of MetaCity North Europe, insights on Finland’s Metaverse strategy and ecosystem, developments within the Italian ecosystem, and updates on digital twins for Metacities. Additional presentations covered topics such as Wellington’s New Zealand case study, 5G and future connectivity for smart communities, and the progression of future technologies.
The event concluded with an interactive co-creation session on the next steps for the European Metacities Partnership. The METACITIES partners Christos Antonopoulos (University of Peloponnese) and Didoe Prevedourou (HAEC), guided discussions on structuring potential partnerships, operational models, and funding avenues for the future of European metacities.
XR Panel and Demonstration:
METACITIES partners also played a pivotal role in a panel on Immersive XR Technologies and Digital Twins, exploring applications for tourism, education, and cultural preservation. Partners from p-NET (Marios Nicolaou) and the University of Patras (Prof. Spyros Denazis) highlighted both the promise and technical challenges of XR and digital twin technologies. The p-NET team further engaged audiences with an XR demonstration throughout the event, offering attendees a firsthand look at the transformative potential of these technologies for smart cities.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Partners
METACITIES partners participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among METACITIES partners, solidifying our commitment to a connected and innovative urban future. This MoU establishes collaboration between the following organizations across Europe, emphasizing a shared commitment to advancing metacity innovation.
Latvia
- JCS “Electronic Communications Office of Latvia,” Jānis Bārda, Chairman of the Board
- Valmiera Municipality, Jānis Baiks, Chairman of the Council
- Liepaja City Municipality, Salvis Roga, Deputy Chairman
- Kuldiga Municipality, Artis Gustovskis, Director of the Digital Innovation Hub
- Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Agnese Dāvidsone, Rector
- SIA Vividly Urban Solutions, Justīne Panteļējeva, Co-Founder and Chairwoman of the Board
- SIA Exonicus R&D, Līga Ellere, Director
- SIA Studio Perspective, Māris Putns, CEO
Cyprus
- CYENS Center of Excellence, Dr. Vasos Vassiliou, Researcher
- Primetel PLC, Cosmas Adam, CTO
Greece
- p-NET new generation emerging networks & verticals, Didoe Prevedourou, Managing Director
- University of Patras, Christos I. Bouras, Rector
- University of Peloponnese ESDA Lab, Prof. Nikolaos Voros, Director of ESDA Lab
Belgium
- EIT Digital IVZW, represented by Lea Myyryläinen
Bulgaria
- Innovative Systems-Burgas Ltd, Daniela Aleksieva, Manager
The METACITIES project’s presence at 5G Techritory 2024 demonstrated the power of collaboration and innovation in advancing smart city technologies. By bringing together representatives from diverse ecosystems, METACITIES is not only paving the way for interconnected Metacities but also establishing strategic partnerships that will drive the future of immersive, sustainable urban spaces across Europe.