Guimarães is a city from northern Portugal, often referred to as the ""birthplace of the Portuguese nationality"". It is widely believed Portugal’s first king Afonso Henriques was born in Guimarães and from there, set out to conquer the territory that is now Portugal. Its historic town centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Today, Guimarães is one of the most entrepreneurial, innovative and industrial cities in Portugal. The city is a model of digital transformation success, having won awards like ACEPI Navegantes XXI’s Best Digital City Award, the Most Sustainable City in Portugal Award in 2017 and the Perfect City Award in Connectivity and Innovation. 

Guimarães is developing an integrated strategy to continue building itself as a smart and sustainable city. The basis for this strategy relies on the use of information and communication technologies and other means to improve the quality of life, efficiency of urban operation and services and competitiveness.

Fostering the local development, economic growth and citizens’ engagement through the deployment of innovation digital solutions is the ultimate mission of the city of Guimarães. 

Guimarães was a participant city in the DCC.

Check out the city’s full ICC journey

Read about the city’s progress during the Intelligent Cities Challenge (2020-22) through the city’s final deliverable here.

How to join ICC?
The application period for the ICC 2023-25 edition is now closed. However, if your city is still interested in getting involved with the ICC programme, please contact the Intelligent Cities Helpdesk (helpdesk_icc@technopolis-group.com) to explore the possible options.
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