SENSE – Secure Digital Twins for the Cities of Tomorrow

Developing and Securely Scaling the CitiVERSE for European Smart Cities

Project Overview

Imagine rush hour traffic in a major European city: roads are congested, alternative routes are overloaded, and city authorities must respond to rapidly changing conditions. What if such scenarios could be anticipated, simulated, and managed in real time through connected, data-driven, and transparent digital environments?

This is the vision behind SENSE (Strengthening Cities and Enhancing Neighbourhood Sense of Belonging). As part of a European consortium, Drees & Sommer is contributing to the development of the CitiVERSE, an immersive digital twin of real-world cities. The project aims to enable data-driven, resilient, and citizen-centric urban development while creating new opportunities for collaboration between public authorities, planners, and local communities.

Cities are increasingly confronted with complex challenges such as climate change, traffic congestion, environmental pressures, and resource scarcity. SENSE leverages virtual reality, real-time data, and interactive 3D environments to visualize urban dynamics, simulate future scenarios, and support informed decision-making for sustainable and livable cities. 

At the heart of the initiative is the

CitiVERSE, a secure digital platform for analysis, simulation, and stakeholder engagement. The platform enables citizens, municipal authorities, and planning professionals to explore urban systems interactively, evaluate development options, and collaborate on future solutions. At the same time, it provides a trusted digital foundation for the deployment of innovative smart city applications.

During the initial project phase, two pilot cities implemented concrete use cases: 

• Cartagena (Spain): Real-time traffic and air-quality data are used to promote sustainable mobility and active transportation while supporting evidence-based urban planning decisions.
• Kiel (Germany): Interactive digital experiences connect people with the city’s cultural heritage and marine environment, fostering engagement, knowledge exchange, and public participation. 

Drees & Sommer is responsible for key cybersecurity workstreams and supports the secure and scalable development of the CitiVERSE platform. This includes securing the cloud infrastructure, developing a comprehensive Cybersecurity Master Manual, and providing training and coaching programs for relevant stakeholders. The team also supports knowledge transfer activities as well as the adoption and implementation of the platform across participating cities.

Building on the insights and lessons learned from Kiel and Cartagena, the project has produced a practical implementation framework that enables the transfer of solutions to additional urban environments. In 2026, the cities of Arezzo, Murcia, Ulm, and Valongo will join the initiative, supporting the large-scale deployment and long-term adoption of the CitiVERSE approach across Europe.

Added value

• Established a secure and scalable foundation for urban digital twins
• Enabled data-driven and participatory decision-making processes
• Enhanced urban planning through immersive virtual 3D environments
• Facilitated knowledge transfer and capacity building across municipalities
• Developed a transferable model for deployment in additional European cities
• Supported the adoption and acceptance of innovative smart city technologies 

Services

• Cybersecurity consulting
• Cloud infrastructure security
• Development of a Cybersecurity Master Manual
• Stakeholder training and coaching
• Knowledge transfer and implementation support
• Contribution to scaling and deployment strategies
• Support for the secure development, adoption, and implementation of the CitiVERSE across participating cities