By Beto Marcelino – Chairman of the Board at Grupo iCities
When we at iCities began talking about smart cities 14 years ago, the term was still unfamiliar to most. There was a lack of references, understanding, and openness. But progressively, we nurtured an idea that had taken root in our hearts, driven by conviction. That seed not only sprouted but has grown steadily, and now we see some of its fruits as it takes on an official place in the calendar of our beloved city, Curitiba, once again a pioneer at the national level.
Curitiba has just taken a symbolic yet meaningful step: the City Council has approved the establishment of Smart Cities Day, to be celebrated annually on March 12th. It is the first city in Brazil to dedicate a day in its official calendar to this theme. For us at iCities, this recognition puts into the spotlight a subject that has long been part of our daily lives. It will now be a day when we are even more focused on developing ways to build cities that are more human-centered, efficient, sustainable, and inclusive.
But this is more than just a day on the calendar; it’s the recognition of a subject that was once considered distant or even utopian. Seeing it officially acknowledged by the city of Curitiba is a collective achievement. Nothing we’ve accomplished so far has been done alone. Every project, partnership, and initiative has been the result of many hands, ideas, and perspectives that helped shape the vibrant, collaborative ecosystem that iCities has become.
We continue to believe that the future of smart cities depends on much more than just technology. It requires intention, vision, and keeping people at the center of every decision. Over time, we’ve seen this mindset multiply. Today, more public officials, companies, universities, and citizens are engaged in building cities that are truly aligned with their real needs.
Recently, I visited Uruguay and was impressed by how organically and cohesively the country integrates innovation and smart city design in its capital, Montevideo. That experience led me to reflect even more deeply on Curitiba and to recognize how far our city has come, even amidst challenges. Today, we are a reference for other cities across Latin America and the world, not just because of our projects, but because of the consistency with which we’ve built them.
Through this journey, I’ve learned that leading is not about having all the answers — it’s about asking the right questions: How do we want to live? What role should technology play in people’s daily lives? How can we ensure that innovation promotes inclusion rather than alienation?
These are the kinds of questions that have driven our work for the past 14 years, as we seek to spark new ways of thinking about urban spaces. Since then, we’ve become a national reference, not only in Paraná but across Brazil. We’ve hosted six editions of the largest smart cities event in Latin America, helped shape ideas into public policies, and developed projects that are both applicable and highly replicable.
Our starting point has always been the same: people. Smart cities aren’t defined by high-tech devices, sensors, or algorithms, but by people. People who feel, who live in the city day by day, and above all, who need to be heard.
It is with great satisfaction that we now witness a shift in mindset. Universities are investing more in research on this topic, the private sector is recognizing the value of urban innovation, and public authorities are beginning to understand that using technology in the service of planning and governance is, above all, an investment in the quality of life of their citizens.
That’s why this is more than a celebration, it’s a moment to embrace responsibility, reaffirm our commitments, and continue working so that Curitiba (and many other cities) keep advancing on this path. Smart cities are not an end in themselves, but a means to ensure greater well-being, safety, inclusion, and quality of life for all. That’s why we carry on. Because we know that transforming a city means improving the lives of those who call it home.
Beto Marcelino serves as Chairman of the Board for iCities Group and is the co-founder of the Brazilian holding company, a benchmark in the urban innovation and smart cities ecosystem. As a pioneering agent in this field, he was one of the rapporteurs for the Brazilian Charter of Smart Cities, an initiative by the Ministry of Cities, and also participated in the Cities 4.0 program, from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations (MCTI), contributing to the construction of the National Policy for Smart Cities.
He holds a degree in Agronomic Engineering from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), with a specialization in smart cities from Smart City Expert, and an MBA in Marketing from FAE Business School. He is also an ambassador for Fira Barcelona in Brazil, strengthening the connection between global events and the Brazilian urban context.
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