As Europe accelerates its transition towards intelligent, safe and sustainable mobility, the 17th ITS European Congress will serve as a defining moment for the sector. Taking place 27-29 April 2026 in Istanbul, the Congress will convene policymakers and researchers with technology providers and urban innovators to explore how smart mobility can be deployed at scale to deliver societal benefit.
A platform where research, policy and deployment converge
At the centre of the Congress lies the Technical Programme. Last month, the Call for Contributions concluded with a high-quality submission. These papers and session proposals are now undergoing detailed review by the European Programme Committee and expert evaluators. Their assessment will shape a programme that reflects leading research, practical innovation and real-world deployment insights. Submitters will be notified as of 9 February 2026.
The Technical Programme will translate research, innovation and deployment experience into actionable knowledge. This includes:
- Emerging results from EU-funded projects
- Insights on data governance and digitalisation
- Safety and trust frameworks for connected and automated mobility
- New models for sustainable and multimodal transport
- Practical lessons from pilots and demonstrations across Europe
Creating value for contributors and participants
Presenting at the ITS European Congress offers significant benefits. Contributors showcase their work to an audience of experts who influence policy, research directions and deployment strategies. They also receive feedback from a uniquely diverse stakeholder community and can strengthen visibility for their organisation and research teams. Some research papers may be selected for publication in recognised journals, and all final contributions will be included in the official Congress proceedings. Beyond this, presenters gain access to the networks, partnerships and collaborative opportunities that often lead to cross-sector innovation and future projects.
A global meeting point for Europe’s mobility community
The 2026 edition is expected to be one of the largest ITS European Congresses ever held. More than 3,000 participants from over 60 countries will convene to exchange insights, build partnerships and engage with the newest developments in intelligent transport systems.
The Congress is developed in close cooperation with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) and Istanbul Computing and Smart City Technologies (ISBAK), whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping both the programme and the on-site experience. Their collaboration with ERTICO is complemented by the support of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (TBB), ITS Türkiye, and the European Commission.
Registration for the Congress will open in early February.