Attending the Connected Places Summit conference in London was an exciting experience for the Digital Urban team. The event that took place 19th-20th of March, brought together thought leaders, industry experts, and change-makers from the public and private sectors to discuss connected intelligence, place leadership, and the future of digital solutions in urban planning.
A Diverse Mix of Innovators and Decision-Makers
From public sector clients to innovative SMEs, the event provided a fantastic opportunity to build connections and explore synergies. Many attendees were eager to understand more about our humanised digital twins and their potential applications. For those unfamiliar with Digital Urban or building digital twins, our presence sparked curiosity, and once they learned about what we do, they were soon able to recognise the value we bring. It was rewarding to see our solutions resonate with so many professionals looking to solve complex urban challenges.
A key takeaway from our conversations was the increasing recognition of digital twins as an essential tool for urban planning. Unlike emerging technologies that may take a few years to find their footing, digital twins are already offering immediate benefits. Our tools are also developed through ongoing dialogue with clients, ensuring that they are not only futuristic concepts but also practical solutions addressing real-world problems.
Expanding Horizons and New Opportunities
Beyond our usual client base, we discovered interest in our digital twins from sectors we haven’t yet explored fully. For example, discussions around international applications, particularly in developing countries, opened up new avenues for us. Moreover, there was significant interest in AI-driven traffic modeling and data integration. While these ideas align with our long-term vision, we’re eager to test them in a quick, efficient way before committing extensive resources. This agile approach allows us to develop solutions that truly meet client needs without being locked into long-term projects that may not yield results.
The Role of Community Engagement
Another major theme that emerged was the importance of community engagement in urban projects. Through our immersive VR experiences, Digital Urban has made continuous efforts to make digital twins easier to access and comprehend. We always see it as a crucial step in project success. Our tools make engagement more accessible, ensuring that all stakeholders have a meaningful say in shaping their environment. We leveraged this opportunity to take our Ramsgate Hovercraft VR experience and the Folkestone Magic Carpet Ride to the summit with the pursuit of demonstrating our ideas, while making it fun and interactive. The success of our projects in places like Watford and Mid Cornwall metro exemplified how strong engagement can drive momentum, with citizens actively looking forward to new developments.
Partnerships, Gamification, and the Road Ahead
In the past, we have developed a few projects around Gamification for Learning. In one such project, Digital Urban also built a rail safety game with West Midlands Railways. With gamification, several people were able to grasp the concepts more efficiently, all while playing a game! Looking forward, we’re particularly excited about collaborations with other innovators. We recognise that partnerships can strengthen our offering, allowing us to integrate complementary services and expand our impact. Additionally, we’re exploring fun ways to showcase our projects, such as creating a retro arcade machine featuring our work, making it an interactive and engaging experience for potential clients and partners.
Here’s what our Founder & Director had to say:
The London conference was an energising experience, reaffirming that Digital Urban is on the right path. With growing interest in digital twins, AI, and gamification, we’re more committed than ever to pushing the boundaries of urban planning technology. We can’t wait to see where these new connections and ideas take us next!
Get in touch with us to book a free personalised demonstration of our digital twins and immersive VR experiences.
Check out the post-event Connected Places 2025 Wrapped page for further insights on the summit.
