We are pleased to share that THE TECH, in partnership with CAEDMI, has been selected as a Semi-Finalist for the prestigious 2026 Seoul Smart City Prize in the Tech-InnovaCity category for its AI-Powered Smart Crosswalk System.
The Seoul Smart City Prize, now in its fourth edition, received 210 submissions from 142 cities across 56 countries worldwide. After a thorough evaluation process, 46 semi-finalists were selected, with the Kyrgyzstan-based project earning a place among the top contenders.
Addressing a Critical Urban Challenge
The AI-Powered Smart Crosswalk System was developed to address Kyrgyzstan’s pressing road safety challenges. According to the World Health Organization, in 2017 alone, there were over 6,000 road crashes in the country, resulting in 907 fatalities, including 104 children. The system targets the fact that 42% of all traffic incidents in Kyrgyzstan involve pedestrians.
The Smart Crosswalk is an intelligent pedestrian crossing system that uses renewable energy sources and AI-powered computer vision technology. The system is activated by sensors to instantly notify drivers of pedestrians on the road, using LEDs, strobe lights, and gobo projections. The AI integration enables real-time accident detection and emergency service notification, representing a significant advancement over conventional crossing systems.
Proven Impact
Since the project’s inception in 2022, the system has been successfully deployed at multiple locations across Kyrgyzstan, with installations in 2 locations in Bishkek and 4 locations in Kant. The project has already demonstrated tangible results, reducing pedestrian accidents by 48% between 2023 and 2024 in Bishkek.
The initiative began with sponsorship support from the Gyeonggi Provincial Government in Korea and was implemented by THE TECH in cooperation with CAEDMI, with students from local universities actively participating in the development and installation process.
International Recognition
The Seoul Smart City Prize recognizes innovative and impactful smart city initiatives that promote digital innovation, inclusive urban governance, sustainability, and citizen-centered services. The core mission of the Prize is to promote a smart city model that is both human-centric and technology-centric, rather than merely centered around the advancement of technology.
This international recognition reaffirms that our AI-Powered Smart Crosswalk System is not only a technological solution but also a meaningful step toward safer, more inclusive urban environments. As we advance to the next stage of the evaluation process, we remain committed to developing innovations that place people at the center of smart city development – proving that technology serves its highest purpose when it protects and empowers communities.
For more information about the Seoul Smart City Prize and to view the full list of semi-finalists, please visit the official website.