About the Conference
Learn more about the Conference on Technologies for Future Cities, its purpose, and the organizing institutions.
Conference Overview
Cities in developing countries are rapidly expanding. India has 438 cities with a population of more than 100,000 people, accounting for 11% of the world’s cities. It is expected that the urban population will be doubled in next 25 years. Unfortunately, the development is unplanned and chaotic, resulting in inequitable distribution of public services, costly housing, a lack of adequate streets and roads, and insufficient open spaces. Scientists and engineers all over the world are looking for technological solutions to problems such as poor urban planning, non-availability of affordable housing, deficiency in water supply or electricity, unorganized traffic, poor quality public transport and parking facilities, poor healthcare system, waste management, air and water pollution, etc.
Pillai College of Engineering has proactively initiated a series of conferences on “Technologies for Future Cities” to address the challenges outlined above. The inaugural conference took place on January 8-9, 2019, followed by an alternating cycle of a one-day consortium and a full conference each year. Now in its seventh edition, the upcoming two-day conference is scheduled for December 12-13, 2025, with an expected participation of approximately 250 scientists and engineers.
About PCE
Pillai College of Engineering (PCE), formerly known as Pillai Institute of Information Technology until April 2016, was established in 1999 under the esteemed leadership of Dr. K. M. Vasudevan Pillai. Located in Navi Mumbai, PCE is a renowned engineering institution affiliated with the University of Mumbai. It is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi, and recognized by the Government of Maharashtra. PCE is also an approved research center of Mumbai University, offering PhD programs in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Information Technology.
The institute is accredited with an A+ grade by NAAC and has received NBA accreditation for three of its departments. PCE is committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities that foster effective teaching, learning, research, and consultancy. It places significant emphasis on promoting environmental awareness among its students.
The faculty at PCE is highly active in research and development, having completed projects for prominent government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRNS), Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), and the University Grants Commission (UGC). Additionally, PCE has conducted urbanization studies for the United Nations Office on the 'Urban Expansion' project in collaboration with New York University and continues to provide consultancy services to organizations such as Tata Consultancy Engineering (TCE) and CIDCO.
Visit PCE WebsiteAbout Panvel
Panvel, the first Municipal Corporation of Raigad, is a historic town known for its lakes, temples, forts, and proximity to a wildlife sanctuary. Strategically located on the outskirts of Mumbai, it is emerging as Maharashtra’s key transportation hub, well-connected by road, rail, and air. The conference venue, Pillai College of Engineering, New Panvel, is easily accessible via direct local trains from major Mumbai stations and is approximately 90 minutes from Mumbai airport. Travelers can reach the venue from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, with both domestic and international terminals offering convenient access.
The conference venue, Pillai College of Engineering, New Panvel, is easily accessible via direct local trains from major Mumbai stations and is approximately 90 minutes from Mumbai airport.
Ways to Reach
By Train
Panvel is well-connected by the Mumbai suburban railway network, with direct trains from major stations:
- CSTM – Kurla – Vashi – Panvel
- Thane – Nerul – Panvel
- Diva – Kalamboli – Panvel
- Vasai – Kopar – Kalamboli – Panvel
- Karjat – Kalyan – Diva – Kalamboli – Panvel
- Kasara – Kalyan – Diva – Kalamboli – Panvel
By Air
The venue is approximately 1 hour from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai.
- Terminal 1: Handles domestic flights.
- Terminal 2: Handles both international and domestic flights.
By Road
Panvel is well-connected to Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra via major highways and expressways. Taxis, buses, and private vehicles can be used for convenient travel.
Conference Tracks
Future Urban Infrastructure
Digital Transformation in Cities
Environmental and Social Impacts
Conference History
CTFC 2019
The first edition of the conference, held from January 8th to 9th, 2019, marked the beginning of this important series, bringing together experts to discuss the role of emerging technologies in addressing urban challenges. Over 250 participants attended, with key sessions focusing on smart city solutions and sustainable urban development.
CTFC 2021
The second edition of the conference was held from October 8th to 9th, 2021, building on the momentum of the first event. It featured deeper discussions on the integration of software and hardware technologies for smarter urban environments. The conference also expanded its focus on urban mobility and healthcare, attracting a broader international audience.
CTFC 2023
The third edition, CTFC 2023, further advanced the dialogue by addressing critical issues such as climate-resilient infrastructure, energy-efficient urban systems, and innovative healthcare technologies for future cities. The event attracted industry leaders and researchers, fostering collaboration on solutions for sustainable urban growth.
CTFC 2024
In the fourth edition, CTFC 2024, held in October, the conference delved into the role of digital transformation in urban planning, including discussions on data-driven solutions for urban management, sustainable resource use, and improving public transportation systems. The conference continued to draw significant global participation, reflecting the growing interest in tech-driven urban solutions.