city lab

Every innovation starts with an idea, trial and error. All success stories are preceded by a process of testing and prototypes; this helps us learn to be better, to define our goals more precisely, and to measure our results. 

Every innovation starts with an idea, trial and error. All success stories are preceded by a process of testing and prototypes; this helps us learn to be better, to define our goals more precisely, and to measure our results. 

Our way of operation 

Strategic pilot projects

The City Lab provides a platform for innovative pilot projects aimed at testing a specific idea, prototype, project model, process or business plan. The strategic documents Urban Innovation Concept and Bratislava 2030, based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), determine the kinds of project to be tested on the Lab’s platform.  

Inter-sectoral cooperation

We believe in the collaborative power of partners from different backgrounds with differing expertise. We are open to ideas from the private, academic and public sectors. We establish partnerships in the form of a free-of-charge collaboration in which the city provides “urban playground” space to test innovations but does not assume ownership of the pilot solutions.

Data-driven decisions

The most valuable resulting asset for both parties is the data and practical experience we gain from the project. At the end of the day, the city saves resources by trying out the solution on a small scale (test-before-invest approach) under the conditions of Bratislava. Once we have tested the proposed solutions, we can be more cost-effective, have a better understanding of the needs, and make data-driven decisions.