News
5th November 2025
5th November 2025 – Sunderland has once again proven its global standing as a leader in digital innovation, being named one of only three finalists in the Enabling Technologies category at the World Smart City Awards 2025, held at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona tonight.
Shortlisted from 462 proposals spanning 65 countries, Sunderland’s “Smart by Design” submission showcased the city’s pioneering approach to using data, connectivity and inclusion to create meaningful, measurable impact.
The recognition highlights how the city is transforming lives through advanced infrastructure – from free public Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN and private 5G networks to a powerful Smart City Data Platform that’s driving better decision-making across health, transport, safety and community services.
Liz St Louis, director of smart cities and enabling services at Sunderland City Council, said: “Being recognised among the world’s most innovative cities is an incredible achievement. This recognition reflects Sunderland’s inclusive, data-driven approach – one that prioritises people while embracing technology to deliver real impact.”
The city’s smart foundations are empowering everything from AI-enabled insights in social care, helping predict and meet resident needs, to real-time city planning dashboards, guiding events, transport and safety management. These innovations are underpinned by a commitment to openness and collaboration through Sunderland’s Open Data Hub, which allows residents, partners and businesses to access anonymised city data to fuel innovation.
Sunderland’s long-term partnership with Boldyn Networks and collaboration with Microsoft continues to power this transformation, building a connected, future-ready city that’s setting a new benchmark for inclusive innovation in the UK.
Brendan O’Reilly, CEO, UK and Ireland at Boldyn Networks, said: “Sunderland’s vision is world-class – it’s a model for how cities can use digital infrastructure and data to drive positive social and economic outcomes. We’re proud to be part of its journey.”
From the creation of Digital Health Hubs improving digital inclusion to 5G-enabled projects supporting safer streets and smarter mobility, Sunderland’s ecosystem of innovation is demonstrating how technology can be a force for good – not just for efficiency, but for equity and empowerment.
Liz St Louis added: “This recognition on the global stage reinforces what we already know – Sunderland is a city with ambition, collaboration and heart.
“We’re proud to be flying the flag for the UK as one of the world’s leading smart cities, and we welcome innovators and investors who share our vision to come and be part of our journey.”
Read more in our companion piece, Blog: From Sunderland to the World.
Learn more about Sunderland’s smart city journey at www.sunderlandoursmartcity.com