Kurrant returned to the Smart City Expo World Congress this year with an expanded presence and an exciting new collaboration format. Working hand in hand with the Fira Barcelona and Smart City Expo World Congress teams, Kurrant helped power the Innovation Playground, a dynamic hub connecting startups, investors, and industry leaders driving the digital transformation of cities and utilities.
The week was bursting with energy, ideas, and inspiring people, from hosting The Smart Deal, to helping clients create custom videos, organizing a panel discussion, and recording over 30 interviews in Kurrant’s on-site studio.
The Kurrant team actively facilitated connections between startups, investors, and industry leaders, ensuring that meaningful conversations and collaborations took place both inside and outside the Investor Lounge.
The Smart Deal: Where Innovation Meets Investment
At the heart of Kurrant’s participation was The Smart Deal, the premier investment event for startups transforming cities and utilities. Now in its second edition, The Smart Deal brings together visionary founders, venture capitalists, and industry leaders to accelerate the digitalization of cities and utilities.
Thanks to the support of this year’s sponsors, Connexin, Via Verde, and Schréder, the initiative awarded €50,000 in non-dilutive grants to the most promising startups, helping them scale their impact.
The event also opened doors to new partnerships, investment opportunities, and international visibility.
2025 Winners
🥇 Irmos Technologies AG — Enables predictive maintenance and optimizes operations for bridges. (Pitch by Samuel Ward) — €25,000 grant
🥈 Telraam — Provides privacy-friendly traffic monitoring devices and analytics that empower cities to make data-driven decisions on mobility and road safety. (Pitch by Kris Vanherle) — €15,000 grant
🥉 Kestrix — Uses AI-powered drone inspections to assess building envelopes and energy performance, helping cities improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. (Pitch by Lucy Lyons) — €10,000 grant
Kurrant Ventures also expressed investment interest in Latitudo 40 (Gaetano Volpe), highlighting the strong caliber of this year’s participants.
A Jury of Engaged Industry and Investment Leaders
The Smart Deal jury combined industry leaders and top-tier VCs, offering participants unparalleled access to expert insight and collaboration.
Industry Leaders
- Laura Porter (Connexin)
- Lara Moura (Via Verde)
- Werner De Wolf (Schréder)
VC Jury
- Pauline Blanquart-Challine (BNP Paribas Solar Impulse Venture Fund)
- Matteo Consonni (EIT Urban Mobility)
- Philipp Kolobkov (Plug and Play Tech Center)
- Thomas Beaugendre (Demeter)
- Lemy Gresh (Kurrant Ventures)
Their feedback, energy, and mentorship made this year’s edition a true catalyst for growth and innovation.
Looking Ahead
This year’s edition reaffirmed the Smart City Expo as the global meeting point for those shaping the future of urban living.
By connecting startups, investors, and city leaders, The Smart Deal once again proved that innovation flourishes where collaboration and vision meet.
With growing interest from both industry and venture capital, the initiative is set to continue driving impactful partnerships and accelerating the digital transformation of cities and utilities worldwide.
