The Toyota Mobility Foundation announced the 10 semi-finalists for its Sustainable Cities Challenge in Varanasi’s old city. Developed in partnership with the Municipal Corporation of Varanasi, Challenge Works and World Resources Institute, the Challenge sought global innovators to create scalable, data-driven solutions to reimagine crowd management in the city.
Located in northern India along the Ganges River, Varanasi, originally known as Kashi, is thought to be one of the oldest cities in the world and is an incredibly important religious and cultural site. Large volumes of people visit Varanasi’s historical section (commonly referred to as Varanasi’s old city or Kashi) every year: In 2022, the annual floating population (which includes people who move between places such as tourists, migrant workers and students) was estimated to be 35 times larger than the local population. Comprised of narrow, winding lanes, it is difficult to build infrastructure able to accommodate the influx of people in Kashi.
As part of the two-stage, three-year $9 million global Challenge, Sustainable Cities Varanasi launched in June 2024 and attracted more than 80 innovator entries from around the world.
The semi-finalists are:
- CITYDATA, Inc.: CITYDATA.ai is a Silicon Valley-based big data and artificial intelligence (AI) company that creates a data platform called CITYFLOW, which predicts and mitigates overcrowding scenarios for cities and districts worldwide.
- Fractal Analytics Ltd.: Fractal is a global provider of AI and advanced analytics solutions to Fortune 500 companies. The team’s solution integrates behavioral science, data-science and human-centered design to tackle overcrowding in Varanasi.
- Graymatics Inc.: Graymatics is an emerging global leader in vision AI and video analytics. Its solution involves using a multimedia processing platform, which leverages deep AI, to pioneer real-time crowd and safety insights to democratize public infrastructure, mobility and connectivity for residents and tourists.
- Arcadis: Arcadis is the world’s leading company delivering intelligence-driven sustainable design, engineering and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. The team will use SANKALP, an integrated solution for crowd management, combining spatial analytics, real time monitoring and actionable intelligence.
- Intpixel Labs Pvt. Ltd. (VOGIC AI): VOGIC AI is dedicated to transforming physical spaces into safer, smarter and more efficient environments by harnessing the power of visual data. The team’s solution will use video analytics, vision language, generative AI models, dynamic signage, public announcements and multilingual WhatsApp communication to better manage crowds in Kashi.
- Prameya Consulting Pvt. Ltd.: Prameya Consulting is an urban planning and strategy firm that drives urban transformation through collaborative problem-solving and strategic planning. The team will use NayiChaal, a data-driven ecosystem, to facilitate information exchange between various stakeholders in Varanasi and empower them to make informed decisions by having access to real-time, actionable data.
- SmartViz Ltd.: SmartViz is a pioneering technology firm reshaping the landscape of data-driven and human-centric environments in buildings and cities. The team’s solution leverages three-dimensional light detection, ranging sensors and machine learning for real-time pedestrian monitoring which informs predictive modelling and scenario planning to help city authorities make proactive decisions around effective crowd management.
- Steer Davies & Gleave Ltd.: Steer is an employee-owned consultancy, working worldwide in planning and design for transportation and movement. The team’s solution includes developing a crowd dynamics model for Varanasi for better insights into crowd movements, helping city officials and partner agencies plan for upcoming events.
- The Urbanizer: The Urbanizer is a pioneering urban design, landscape design and architecture firm based in India. The team’s solution uses JanJaatra, a color-coding system paired with real-time digital navigation, to revolutionize crowd management in Varanasi.
- Tiami Networks Inc.: Tiami Networks is a business-to-business and business-to-government deep-tech startup that addresses complex challenges in dynamic environments. The team’s solution uses PolyEdge, which leverages signals of opportunity, such as 5G and Wi-Fi, to provide real-time detection, tracking and analytics to monitor and manage large-scale pedestrian and vehicular movements in real time.
The Challenge evaluated entries based on their scalability and ability to better manage overcrowding, enhance residents’ decision-making and provide vital services for vulnerable groups in Varanasi.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the 10 semi-finalists to reimagine crowd management for Toyota Mobility Foundation’s Sustainable Cities Challenge in Varanasi,” said Akshat Verma, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) municipal commissioner and Varanasi Municipal Corporation CEO. “Being the spiritual heart of India, Varanasi draws countless visitors each year to experience its rich traditions, sacred rituals and vibrant culture. We understand that this Challenge offers us an opportunity to manage the crowds in ways that preserve the city’s unique spirit for generations to come while strengthening the city’s tapestry of faith and culture.”
Each semi-finalist will receive a $50,000 implementation grant to help the teams refine and localize their solutions to reimagine a safer and more accessible Varanasi. They will also participate in the Challenge’s Innovator Academy, providing them with resources and guidance for their solutions. In July, up to five finalists will be selected for a $130,000 implementation grant in the finalist stage. Then, in early 2026, up to three winners will equally share $1.5 million in implementation funds.
“At Toyota Mobility Foundation, we look forward to collaborating with the semi-finalists to explore innovative data driven solutions that leverage technology and human-centric design to enhance safety and accessibility in the historic city of Kashi. The hope for this Challenge is to develop scalable solutions that can serve as a blueprint for other global cities to reimagine their crowd flow and management,” said Pras Ganesh, executive program director of Toyota Mobility Foundation Asia.
Kathy Nothstine, director of cities and societies at Challenge Works, added, “The 10 semi-finalists for the Varanasi Challenge offer a significant step forward. As cities become more interconnected and welcoming to global visitors, it’s our responsibility to protect the well-being of local communities and residents. Striking the right balance between safety and accessibility is key. This global Challenge invites innovators to test their ideas in real-world contexts, seeking effective solutions for better crowd management, reducing congestion and improving the experience for both residents and visitors.”
“The innovations developed through this challenge will have a direct impact on the people of Varanasi,” said Ben Welle, Director of Integrated Transport and Innovation at WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities. “We hope these solutions can be adapted to other cities around the globe, enhancing urban mobility on a global scale.”
For more, visit SustainableCitiesChallenge.org
