Genisys AI today announced the launch of AI Polis, a pioneering AI-powered platform that helps cities plan and scale sustainable, people-centered growth. The announcement was made during a session at the Frontiers Science House, taking place on the Davos Promenade alongside the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026.
Designed for city leaders, policymakers, investors, innovators, and urban planners, AI Polis helps cities move beyond isolated pilot projects and sustainability goals to a coordinated, science-based approach that can be funded and implemented. By connecting technology, policy, finance, and environmental science, AI Polis guides cities in strengthening communities while protecting the planet.
Building 21st-century cities within planetary boundaries
AI Polis emerged from the Civic AI domain of Genisys AI Venture Studio, which focuses on using AI to strengthen transparent, citizen-focused governance. Cities across Europe and beyond are already adopting AI for traffic, energy, water, housing, and public services – but often in ways that don't connect. This can result in fragmented systems, dependence on vendors, and loss of local control, while missing opportunities to protect the environment.
AI Polis offers a new way forward. It functions as a city-level coordination system, integrating data, AI models, and governance frameworks to help cities design, prioritize, and scale projects that improve urban life while staying within planetary boundaries.
Bart Becks, CEO of Genisys AI and board member of the European Innovation Council, said:
“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.”
AI Polis focuses on three key areas that all cities face, where AI can unlock transformative benefits:
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Healthy cities contribute to planetary health – reduce environmental impact while improving public health and quality of life
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Well-governed cities – make government more efficient and free up resources for sustainable initiatives
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Thriving local economies – support resilient, independent, and innovation-friendly communities
The announcement was made during the session “Reinventing 21st-century cities with science”, held on 21 January 2026 at 10:15 CET, which explored how science, innovation, and governance can create cities where people and nature thrive. Drawing on planetary boundary science and award-winning research, speakers discussed how data, pilots, procurement, and finance can be aligned to build equitable, climate-resilient, and regenerative urban features.
Additional speakers included Zahra Kalantari, Professor of Environmental Engineering for Sustainability in the Anthropocene and Director of the WaterCentre, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and 2025 Frontiers Planet Prize International Champion; Conradin Cramer, President of the government of Basel-Stadt (Switzerland); Alice Charles, Director of Cities, Planning and Design; and Jean-Claude Burgelman, Director, Frontiers Planet Prize.
From 19–23 January 2026, Science House at Davos brings transformational science to the heart of global leadership. Through curated dialogues, impact sessions, and Frontiers Labs, Science House connects researchers, CEOs, ministers, investors, and philanthropists to accelerate solutions across health, climate, technology, and governance. Science House is hosted on the Davos Promenade and organized by Frontiers, a global leader in open science.