Brazilian cities Niterói and Maringá win Smart City awards for safety and inclusion projects

Niterói's Municipal Integrated Management Office was honored with the "Best Public Management Practices" prize for its Operação Asfixia program, which combines intelligence, technology and coordinated institutional action to combat property crimes. Since its launch in 2025, the operation has carried out 21 raids, seizing gambling machines, copper wire, gas cylinders and other contraband, resulting in 18 arrests, 21 interdictions and numerous fines.

Maringá's Secretary of People with Disabilities and Sicredi Dexis received the top award for the itinerant Multisensory Room, part of the Espectro em Movimento project. Housed in a container, the space offers adapted lighting, tactile elements and calming features to support people with autism and other neurodivergent conditions at large public events. More than 1,500 families used the room, reporting improved comfort and longer participation.

Both initiatives were recognized at the 13th Smart City Business Brazil Congress 2026 in São Paulo, highlighting innovative approaches to public safety and inclusive urban design.