The Moscow Grand Prix national award “Smart City” was awarded for notable contributions to urban digitization, a recognition announced by the city’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin. He commented that this prize marked the first in a series of eight metropolitan projects designed to modernize the capital’s infrastructure and public services. The announcement highlighted Moscow’s ongoing commitment to building a data-driven, citizen-centric city that can adapt to changing needs while maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and transparency. [Source: City Administration]
Among the standout initiatives cited was the Digital Twin of Moscow, an exact three-dimensional replica of the city that maps every building, structure, and facility. This digital model serves a dual purpose: it supports careful planning of construction projects and provides a precise framework for monitoring progress, safety, and regulatory compliance. Urban planners, engineers, and developers rely on this immersive tool to simulate scenarios, forecast impacts, and optimize resource allocation across large-scale developments. [Source: City Administration]
The jury also praised the metropolitan metro system for its focus on accessibility, specifically noting its role in improving comfort for people with reduced mobility. A key component in this effort is the Passenger Mobility Centre, an inclusive service hub that coordinates accessible transport options, information, and assistance for riders who need additional support when navigating the network. This emphasis on universal design underscores Moscow’s intention to make transit usable and welcoming to all residents and visitors. [Source: City Administration]
Another project recognized by the panel was the Russpass travel service, which facilitates quick and straightforward planning for trips within Moscow and across Russia. By consolidating itineraries, tickets, and practical travel information into a single, user-friendly service, Russpass helps both locals and tourists move efficiently through the country’s vast urban landscape. [Source: City Administration]
Attention was also drawn to the PhD Registration service, which enables online registration through portals mos.ru and emias.info, as well as through mobile apps EMIAS.INFO, Moscow State Services, and My Moscow. This suite of digital tools simplifies bureaucratic procedures for residents with high demand for streamlined administrative processes, reducing in-person visits and shortening processing times. [Source: City Administration]
Additional commendations were given to the My Payments and Receiving and Paying EPD services on mos.ru. These platforms help residents manage essential obligations, including utility bills, internet charges, kindergarten fees, and fines, ensuring that payments are received promptly and records stay up to date. The port of entry for these services is centralized access on the mos.ru portal, which consolidates multiple civic functions into one convenient interface. [Source: City Administration]
The city’s video analytics system in its surveillance network also received praise for enhancing public safety. A neural-network-based solution has been deployed over several years to monitor activity, detect unusual patterns, and automatically identify potential hazards. By analyzing camera feeds in real time, the system contributes to proactive responses, supports law enforcement, and helps to detect up to five hundred violations related to the upkeep of Moscow courtyards and streets each day. [Source: City Administration]
Investment facilitation also earned recognition, with the investment portal highlighted for offering nearly thirty targeted services tailored to entrepreneurs. The accompanying investment card assists business owners in locating suitable objects and identifying audiences for their ventures, thereby accelerating site selection, market research, and strategic planning for new enterprises. [Source: City Administration]
Another notable achievement mentioned during the ceremony was the electronic model of the regional waste management plan. This project was praised for leveraging modern digital solutions to automate accounting and control the processing of municipal solid waste across Moscow, the country’s largest city. The approach aims to improve efficiency, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance through data-driven oversight. [Source: City Administration]
Overall, the organizing committee assessed more than two hundred projects submitted by fifty-one Russian regions, underscoring the breadth of innovation across the country. The award ceremony took place on April 13 in Krasnoyarsk, marking a moment of national recognition for Moscow’s digital initiatives and their impact on urban life. [Source: City Administration]”}