An AI-driven platform is reshaping how cities plan growth within planetary boundaries using science and data.
Genisys AI has unveiled AI Polis, a new AI-powered urban planning platform designed to help cities deliver sustainable development at scale. The launch took place at the Frontiers Science House on the Davos Promenade, alongside the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026. Positioned at the intersection of climate science, digital construction, and governance, AI Polis aims to turn environmental research into practical, fundable urban action.
Developed for city leaders, policymakers, investors, innovators, and urban planners, AI Polis addresses a persistent challenge in digital construction and smart city delivery: the gap between isolated pilot projects and long-term, coordinated implementation. By integrating technology, policy, finance, and environmental data, the platform supports people-centred urban growth while respecting planetary boundaries.
Digital construction aligned with planetary boundary science
Cities across Europe and globally are increasingly adopting AI across transport, energy, water, housing, and public services. However, these systems often operate independently, leading to fragmented digital infrastructure, vendor lock-in, and limited local oversight. This disconnected approach can undermine both environmental outcomes and public value.
AI Polis responds by acting as a city-level coordination system. Originating from the Civic AI domain of the Genisys AI Venture Studio, the platform integrates urban data, AI models, and governance frameworks into a single decision-support environment. This allows municipalities to design, prioritise, and scale digital construction and infrastructure projects that enhance quality of life while remaining within ecological limits.
A coordinated approach to sustainable urban development
Rather than focusing on individual technologies, AI Polis enables a systems-based approach to sustainable cities. It supports urban authorities in moving from ambition to delivery by aligning data-driven planning with procurement, financing, and policy mechanisms. This is particularly relevant for cities seeking to attract investment into climate-resilient infrastructure and regenerative urban development.
Bart Becks, CEO of Genisys AI and board member of the European Innovation Council, emphasised the role of collaboration, stating: “Public-private partnerships are essential. Today, we launch AI Polis to help cities share knowledge and govern AI responsibly. We must deploy AI at scale, while keeping humans firmly at the center.”
Three priority areas for AI-enabled cities
AI Polis is structured around three core urban priorities where AI and digital construction can deliver measurable impact.
Healthy cities and planetary health
The platform supports strategies that reduce environmental impact while improving public health and liveability. This includes integrating climate, water, and energy data into urban design and infrastructure planning.
Well-governed cities
By improving operational efficiency and transparency, AI Polis helps local authorities free up resources for long-term sustainability initiatives, strengthening public trust and accountability.
Thriving local economies
AI Polis enables cities to support resilient, innovation-led local economies by reducing dependency on external vendors and fostering independent digital ecosystems.
Science, governance, and finance in urban transformation
The launch formed part of the session “Reinventing 21st-century cities with science”, held on 21 January 2026 at Science House in Davos. The discussion explored how planetary boundary science, data, procurement, and finance can be aligned to deliver equitable and climate-resilient urban environments.
Speakers included Zahra Kalantari, Professor of Environmental Engineering for Sustainability in the Anthropocene at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and 2025 Frontiers Planet Prize International Champion; Conradin Cramer, President of the Government of Basel-Stadt; Alice Charles, Director of Cities, Planning and Design; and Jean-Claude Burgelman, Director of the Frontiers Planet Prize.
Science House, organised by Frontiers, brings together researchers, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to accelerate solutions across climate, technology, health, and governance, reinforcing the role of science-led digital construction in shaping future cities.
By aligning digital construction, policy, finance, and climate science, AI Polis offers cities a structured pathway to deliver investable, scalable urban development that protects ecosystems and communities.
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