In a world where climate change and rapid urbanization challenge the future of our cities, LAB ICT (Innovation, Cities, and Technology Laboratory) is pioneering the integration of science, technology, and planning to create resilient, sustainable, and intelligent urban ecosystems.
Founded by Dr. Claudia Vicentelo, a Chilean architect and researcher whose Knowledge Planning theory emerged from her doctoral work at the University of Illinois, LAB ICT designs SaaS solutions that convert complex data into actionable knowledge for smarter decision-making. Her early research visits to Dubai and Abu Dhabi—during the early development of Masdar City—deeply influenced her vision and the creation of LAB ICT’s methodologies.
Today, LAB ICT operates globally, bridging urban innovation, climate adaptation, and digital transformation, with a growing focus on collaboration in the Gulf region, where the UAE’s vision aligns perfectly with the laboratory’s mission.
How do your SaaS platforms help cities adapt to climate change?
At LAB ICT, we focus on transforming cities through technological innovation and advanced knowledge, with the goal of developing resilient and sustainable cyber-environments.
Our approach is rooted in the Knowledge Planning theory, which I developed during my Ph.D. at the University of Illinois. While conducting research on smart cities, I visited Dubai and Abu Dhabi during the early stages of Masdar City—an experience that profoundly shaped the foundation of Knowledge Planning.
Our SaaS solutions integrate diverse data sources and transform them into actionable knowledge, enabling governments, companies, and developers to make more strategic decisions, reduce risks, and strengthen resilience.
What potential do you see for using AI and AR in urban development and smart-city projects in the Gulf?
For us, Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality are no longer potential tools—they are already transforming how urban development is managed. Cities are inherently dynamic, and these technologies are key to accelerating both the adaptation of existing cities and the design of new smart districts.
However, technology alone is not enough. What cities need is a guiding engine based not only on big data but on what I call “big knowledge.” The Gulf region, especially the United Arab Emirates, offers a unique ecosystem capable of attracting and retaining both talent and knowledge—an essential foundation for building the next generation of sustainable and resilient cities.
Can you share a case study where your technology improved resilience in a real-world project?
Resilience has been central to our mission from the beginning. We have tested and refined our solutions in extreme environments—from the winters of Illinois and Helsinki to the Atacama Desert in Chile, one of the driest places on Earth, as well as in regions exposed to earthquakes and tsunamis.
A notable case is Arica, in northern Chile, a region simultaneously exposed to major seismic activity and extreme water scarcity. There, we implemented our AgroDATARI solution to measure and enhance agricultural practices, improving sustainability and food-supply quality.
This project demonstrated how our knowledge-based approach can generate new methodologies for resilient and smart agro-ecosystems, directly linking climate adaptation, agriculture, and food security.
Are you planning near-term collaborations with government or private-sector entities in the UAE on infrastructure planning?
Yes. LAB ICT is present in the UAE precisely to explore short-term collaborations that can evolve into long-term partnerships. I am convinced that our knowledge-driven capacity can contribute meaningfully to this powerful ecosystem.
Both the public and private sectors in the UAE are pursuing ambitious goals with a forward-looking vision for cities. Urban and regional planning must be capable of responding to those missions. I would be honored to collaborate—sharing expertise, co-creating pilots, and pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Are you seeking partnerships with technology integrators, urban planners, or municipalities in the region?
Absolutely. We are open to partnerships with local governments, urban planners, developers, and technology integrators. Our expertise can help shape cities that are not only smarter but also more resilient and sustainable.
At LAB ICT, we believe that the future of cities will be built through partnerships that unite knowledge, technology, and vision, and we are eager to contribute to that transformation in the Gulf region and beyond.
Leadership – Dr. Claudia Vicentelo
Founder & CEO, LAB ICT
Dr. Vicentelo is an expert in smart cities and urban innovation. She holds a Ph.D. in Regional Planning from the University of Illinois, a Master in Urban Planning from the Politecnico di Milano, and a Degree in Architecture from the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso. Her Knowledge Planning theory for developing and fostering smart cities and cyber-urban environments has become a reference in the field. Her research experiences in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were pivotal in shaping her vision of resilient, intelligent, and sustainable cities.
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