How do you know where the road surface needs maintenance? A few years ago, Breda tested a new way of investigating this. Sensors were installed underneath vehicles that were already driving through the city. An algorithm analysed the measurements and helped to map the quality of the road surface. 

Technically, the experiment worked. Even so, the application did not immediately become part of everyday practice. The people responsible for maintenance were involved in the development too late, and the added value for their work was not yet clear enough. 

That, in particular, provided an important lesson. Good technology is not automatically a good solution. The people who have to work with it must be able to contribute their ideas from the outset. 

Breda is also exploring how AI can help with policymaking. Take digital inclusion policy: how do you ensure that online services also work for people who struggle with digital forms and applications? 

Bredata spoke to residents who get stuck when using digital services and to people who support them. Together with Parai, their experiences were translated into eight digital voices. Each voice represents a different perspective from the city. 

When developing new policy, the municipality can use these voices to investigate what is still missing. Which situations have not been sufficiently taken into account? Is the language easy to understand? And does a proposed solution reflect what residents experience in practice? 

The digital voices do not replace conversations with residents. They complement them and help to include more perspectives. 

This way of working is part of Bredata, the programme through which Breda City Council is working towards responsible digitalisation. Three questions are always central when introducing new applications: is it technically possible, is it legally permitted and do we actually want it? 

This approach received national recognition in 2025. Following a public vote, Bredata was named the Most Positive Government Organisation of the Year. Jury chair Mark Frequin praised its focus on digital inclusion and its commitment to considering residents’ needs and capabilities. 

In 2025, Breda also joined the City Deal on AI. Through this initiative, public authorities, knowledge institutions, businesses and civil society organisations work together on responsible AI solutions for urban challenges. Within this partnership, Breda serves as the administrative ambassador and chairs the Supervisory Board. 

Young people in Breda are also discovering what they can create with AI. During the Junior AI League, pupils come up with solutions to a problem at school or in their local area. 

Pupils from De Rietvink primary school won the Breda final in 2025 with an idea for an exercise app. The app encourages children to do short exercises during the school day. During the presentation, the team also got those present moving. 

The example shows that working with AI does not start with complicated technology. It starts with taking a good look at a problem, coming up with an idea and exploring how technology can contribute to the solution. 

From 23 to 25 September 2026, Breda will focus on the opportunities and choices surrounding AI during AI in de Stad. Researchers, entrepreneurs, professionals, policymakers and residents will share applications and discuss how AI can add value to cities. 

People from Breda can also have their say. On the evening of Thursday 24 September, Bredata is organising a special Talk of the Town at De Avenue with techno-philosopher Rens van der Vorst. You need to register separately for this evening. 

The examples from Breda differ, but they all start with the same question: what problem do we want to solve, and who are we doing it for? 

AI can recognise patterns, make different perspectives visible and help develop new ideas. The choices remain with the people who shape, use and experience the city every day. This is how Breda is working step by step towards AI that is not only smart, but also genuinely delivers something. 

Want to know more? Explore the projects by Bredata and the programme by AI in de Stad.