The City of Athens unveiled its new integrated digital and urban transformation programme, “Upgrade Athens”, on Thursday, May 28, at City Hall. Developed in collaboration with DAEM, the Municipality’s digital innovation arm, the initiative is set to transform the way the city operates, serves residents and responds to the challenges of everyday urban life.
The Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, stated:
Upgrade Athens is a comprehensive digital transformation programme for our city, built around people. For us, the fundamental principle is that technology must serve citizens, the environment and democracy. The Athens we are building is not a city of sensors and algorithms. It is a city that listens to its citizens more quickly, serves them more effectively and protects them more intelligently. Real progress is measured by how human life becomes within a ‘smart’ city. Digital transformation only has value when it strengthens democracy, empowers citizens and reduces inequalities. Upgrade Athens is a commitment, a plan with clear objectives and measurable results. It is a path of change that has already begun.
The Eight Projects Behind “Upgrade Athens”
Presenting the programme, Mayor Haris Doukas outlined the eight key projects that form the foundation of Athens’ digital transformation.
Athens Smart Clean – An Integrated Waste Management and Monitoring System
Cleanliness becomes data-driven. Through the “Athens, Clean City” application, residents will be able to schedule bulky waste collection appointments, while 360 smart waste collection vehicles equipped with telematics and 1,000 sensors installed in waste bins will provide real-time information on where intervention is needed. Instead of sending trucks to empty streets, resources will be directed precisely where they are required.
Athens Civil Alert
Every resident becomes the city’s first sensor. Through the Athens Civil Alert application, citizens can report incidents such as fires, floods or fallen trees directly to the Municipality’s Operations Centre, without delays or bureaucracy. Municipal Police services can respond immediately, while users receive real-time updates through the same platform. By integrating IoT technologies and ensuring interoperability with other municipal systems, Athens is creating a comprehensive urban monitoring network that enhances prevention, emergency response and risk management.
Athens Hub – Smart Neighbourhood Digital Services
Neighbourhoods become smarter through public Wi-Fi networks, environmental sensors monitoring air quality and digital information displays installed across the city. A central platform collects and analyses data through unified dashboards, while residents gain access to tools for active participation through digital consultations, voting mechanisms and proposal submissions. The platform also highlights the unique character of each neighbourhood by suggesting walking routes and points of interest.
E-Bike Sharing – Micromobility and Charging Stations
A citywide network of shared electric bicycles will include 50 smart stations and 340 charging and docking points. Through a mobile application, residents will be able to locate the nearest available bicycle, unlock it instantly and return it to a charging station where it will automatically recharge. The initiative promotes fewer car journeys, reduced congestion and improved air quality.
Athens Gov – The City in Your Hands
An AI-powered digital assistant will unify municipal services, provide updates on requests and appointments and simplify interactions with city administration. At the same time, Athens Gov Open will provide free access to administrative, environmental and geospatial data, while Athens Gov Registry will document and map all municipal processes step by step.
Athens Way – Integrated Sustainable Mobility Information System
Traffic management, parking and public transportation will be brought together within a single digital ecosystem. Through a mobile application, residents will be able to find and pay for parking spaces electronically, plan journeys in real time by combining different modes of transport and access mobility services digitally at every stage of their journey.
Integrated Resource-Saving System for School Buildings
Sensors and telemetry systems will be installed in school buildings to monitor electricity, water and fuel consumption. The Municipality will gain advanced analytical tools for identifying excessive consumption and implementing targeted efficiency measures. At the same time, gamification applications will help students develop environmental awareness and encourage energy-saving behaviour.
Integrated Vehicle Access Control System for the Commercial Triangle
Athens’ historic commercial district will regain its human scale through a modern vehicle access control system installed in selected pedestrianised streets.Using advanced electromechanical infrastructure and innovative digital technologies, the project aims to protect public space, support sustainable mobility and ensure safer traffic management.
At the conclusion of the event, DAEM CEO Lazaros Karaoulis presented the six strategic pillars guiding the Municipality’s digital agenda: Digital Transformation, Citizen Services and Artificial Intelligence, Smart City Platforms, Mobility and Parking, Security and Cybersecurity, and Sustainability and Social Policy.
