High-Tech City Walk: Discover Innovation in the Streets of Breda
Say hi to the Bredants
As soon as you leave the central station, you'll be greeted by 800 red ants crawling through Willemstraat… if you scan the QR code on the lamppost with your phone. The depicted red ants on the pavement tiles come to life through augmented reality (AR) and walk with you towards Valkenberg Park.
Unique in Europe: Smart City Lights
The same Willemstraat where you find the Bredants is also cleverly illuminated! The smart light project by Eindhoven's Lux Lab ensures that the street lighting is adjusted based on the current situation. At one moment, an intimate setting can be created, and at another, the street lighting has a festive appearance. The lighting is remotely controlled, works with sensors, and, for example, moves along with the seasons.
Cloud cooling system that keeps the city of the future cool
In 2025, the Nieuwe Mark was realized. The renovated green quays are not only a beautiful natural place to relax and meet, but they also include a smart misting system! When temperatures rise, this system activates and disperses a fine mist. This ensures that the city remains wonderfully cool. A perfect example of how tech & nature collaborate for the well-being of residents.
An old story in a new AI jacket
Applying AI is nothing new for Breda. When you walk past the Oranje Zuid parking garage, you'll see a life-sized mural on the facade, just not in the traditional sense. The mural is based on the famous Garden of Earthly Delights by Jheronimus Bosch, but completely reimagined in a modern style using AI. Visit it yourself and admire the 53-meter-wide artwork, where you will see a new detail each time!
Photo: Edwin Wiekens
Challenge yourself with the smartmove system
Along the Singels, strange mushrooms emerge from the ground. These special poles are called SmartStones and follow your movement. Scan the QR code on site and discover Breda in a playful way. The SmartStones challenge you to puzzle, quiz, or even go for a jog around the area.
Turn your ideas into reality at Makersbase in Nieuwe Veste
Got a cool idea but not the tech to make it happen? Then come to Makersbase in Nieuwe Veste. Here, you have access to 3D printers, design programs, sticker cutters, and more! The perfect place to experiment or just to check out what’s being created.
Discover much more tech from then and now in Breda
Have these examples prompted you to explore the city in search of tangible high tech? Through the Walk of the Town route by Bredata, you can discover even more applied technology. View the entire walk here.
