Smart Country Convention

From 13 to 15 October 2026, smart cities, smart regions and public administration will be in the spotlight at the Smart Country Convention (SCCON) in Berlin – the leading event for the digitalisation of the public sector. Hosted by Bitkom and Messe Berlin, the Smart Country Convention gathers more than 23,000 experts from politics, business, science and administration, combining a unique stage program with seminars, an exhibition and various networking opportunities.

• 800+ national and international speaker
• 1.000+ sessions and keynotes
• 500+ partners
• 100+ workshops
• 7+ event stages
• Live podcast area

In June 2025, the new Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernisation (BMDS) took over the patronage of the event. The first German Digital Minister, Dr Karsten Wildberger, will speak live at the event. For more information, visit: https://www.smartcountry.berlin/en

Awards at #SCCON26

Award for Smart City Index 2026

The Smart City Index, compiled by the digital association Bitkom, provides a ranking of Germany’s major cities digitalisation progress. Therefore, it compares a total of 82 cities based on five categories: administration; IT and communication; energy and environment; mobility; and society. At the Smart Country Convention, the winners of this year’s ranking will be honoured with the Smart City Index Awards.

Smart Country Startup Award 2026

The Smart Country Startup Award recognises outstanding innovations in the Smart City and GovTech landscape. The Smart Country Convention’s innovation award, promoted by Get Started (the startup initiative of the digital association Bitkom), honours entrepreneurs and startups with groundbreaking concepts and ideas, shaping the future of the public sector.