Unlocking local innovation, impact, and economic opportunity.
Despite occupying just 3% of the world’s land, urban areas account for two-thirds of global energy demand and 70% of CO₂ emissions.
As cities around the world prepare for continued growth — with an estimated 2.5 billion new residents by 2050 — they must ensure sustainable urban development while also delivering improved quality of life and economic opportunities for all residents.
Yes/Cities brings together governments, innovators, investors, and leading companies to unlock economic opportunity and improve quality of life.

We connect local innovation ecosystems through the Yes/Cities Global Network to align resources, expertise, and leadership around city priorities, accelerating innovation-led growth at the local level.

Through UpLink, the World Economic Forum’s early-stage innovation engine, we identify high-potential ventures and connect them with the capital, partners, and technical support needed to pilot locally and scale globally.

We bring public and private investment together to align private capital with public-sector strategies, helping accelerate delivery, de-risk innovation, and fast-track local economic growth.

We support the growth of new businesses and sectors that create local jobs, strengthen communities, and enhance quality of life—building the foundations for long-term economic resilience.
Yes/Cities provides a pathway for world-leading companies to invest in innovation ecosystems across the globe—driving local growth, improving quality of life, forging new cross-sector partnerships, and seeding solutions to pressing global challenges.

Connect with leading ventures and innovations from around the world.

Move from idea to implementation faster by aligning public and private sector agendas.

Attract funding and investment to catalyze and help scale game-changing solutions.

Boost your city's visibility and influence on the global stage.

Learn, collaborate, and scale alongside global changemakers.

Deliver tangible impact for residents and local economies.
Videos, media highlights, podcasts, and articles from Yes/Cities featuring partners, innovators, and its Global Network.
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Yes/Boston
June 2026
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Yes/San Francisco
Jan 2026
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Yes/Bengaluru
Sept 2025
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Yes/San Francisco
Dec 2025
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Yes/San Francisco
May 2025
Innovation for Impact
A World Economic Forum Initiative