Yes/Cities

Unlocking local innovation, impact, and economic opportunity.

Cities are home to a growing majority of the world’s population and generate more than 80% of global GDP.

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.

Explore cities

Slide header “Yes/Bengaluru” over a hazy city skyline photo at sunrise.
Yes/Bengaluru

A call for innovative solutions to help reimagine and transform the city of Bengaluru.

Slide header “Yes/Boston” over a Boston waterfront skyline photo in daylight.
Yes/Boston

A call for innovative solutions to strengthen urban food systems in Boston.

es/San Francisco” over a photo of the San Francisco skyline at sunset.
Yes/Detroit

A call for innovative solutions to make infrastuture more affordable, reliable, safe, and sustainable

Slide header “Yes/San Francisco” over a photo of the San Francisco skyline at sunset.
Yes/San Francisco

A growing ecosystem of  partners accelerating innovation for the revitalization of San Francisco.

What we do

Yes/Cities brings together governments, innovators, investors, and leading companies to unlock economic opportunity and improve quality of life. 

Building bridges between 
innovation ecosystems

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.

Uncovering and scaling innovative solutions to urban issues

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.

Aligning public and private investment to deliver shared outcomes

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.

Contributing to progress towards more resilient local economies

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.

How we drive impact

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.

Sourcing breakthrough solutions

Connect with leading ventures and innovations from around the world.

Accelerating real world deployment

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

Mobilizing capital for impact

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

Boosting global visibility

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

Connecting with global leaders

Learn, collaborate, and scale alongside global changemakers.

Driving local transformation and growth

Deliver tangible impact for residents and local economies.

Featured insights

Videos, media highlights, podcasts, and articles from Yes/Cities featuring partners, innovators, and its Global Network.

VIDEO

Yes/Boston Cohort Announcement 

Yes/Boston

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June 2026

VIDEO

Innovation and collaboration are building a sustainable future for San Francisco. This is how.

Yes/San Francisco

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Jan 2026

VIDEO

Yes/Bengaluru 
Urban Innovation Challenge

Yes/Bengaluru

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Sept 2025

VIDEO

This parking system charges 14 electric cars at once

Yes/San Francisco

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Dec 2025

VIDEO

These innovators are making San Francisco more sustainable

Yes/San Francisco

|

May 2025

Curated publications