How can AI foster digital inclusion in cities and territories?

Access to public services, administrative rights, and everyday digital tools increasingly depends on digital literacy. However, millions of citizens remain excluded, whether due to lack of digital skills, language barriers, disabilities, or unfamiliarity with online public services. This digital divide deepens social and territorial inequalities, leaving the most vulnerable populations further behind. 

Cities and metropolitan areas are on the front line of this challenge. Digital mediators, the professionals and volunteers who support citizens in navigating digital tools daily, are often under growing pressure, and lack dedicated tools and resources to make their support more effective and impactful. 

This challenge invites startups and technology providers to design AI-driven solutions that concretely improve digital inclusion at the local level. We are looking for solutions that are usable, human-centered, and deployable in real-world public settings. 

Goal 

The goal is to identify practical and accessible solutions that respond to the needs of digitally excluded citizens and digital inclusion professionals. 

We are particularly interested in solutions that can: 

• Simplify access to public services and administrative rights for people unfamiliar with digital tools 

• Support citizens who are distant from digital technology and help reduce the digital divide 

• Reduce language barriers in accessing information and services 

• Foster the inclusion of people with disabilities in digital public services 

• Strengthen users' autonomy and confidence in using digital tools independently 

• Support digital mediators in their day-to-day work with citizens 

While the examples above illustrate some potential use cases, we remain open to any AI-driven solution that contributes to advancing digital inclusion.