Cities Call for Change: 'REBUS 2025' Forum to Bring Together Experts in Digitalization and Infrastructure
In August, Kazan will become a hub for innovation as it hosts the international forum 'REBUS 2025: Digitalization. Infrastructure.' This year, special attention will be paid to innovations in construction, and the event will debut the 'Battle of Artificial Intelligences' — a unique combination of a practical session and workshop that is not just about showcasing technology but also about shaping the future of education, where AI becomes an integral part of the learning process.
AI as a Tool for Building and Living
The practical segment of the 'Battle' will unite more than 200 universities competing for participation in the ArchiTECH camp. The camp’s theme, 'The City as Code: Programmable Urbanism,' challenges participants to work on the strategic project 'The Code of Urban Happiness: Creating Smart Public Spaces.' Participants will compare AI tools in real-world tasks such as cost estimation, scheduling, and creating 2D drawings. These cases not only test the technology but also demonstrate how it can be integrated into educational processes.
The workshop will focus on creating roadmaps for implementing AI in architecture, construction, and education. Representatives from universities, government agencies, and IT companies will collaborate to develop strategic approaches to the digital transformation of the sector and workforce training.
Learning Through Challenge
ArchiTECH 2025 is more than a competition — it is a full-fledged educational platform uniting over 100 students from Russian and international universities. Participants work on smart city concepts, applying advanced technologies and AI tools. This challenge-based learning format combines theory and practice, with students executing ideas in real conditions while mastering BIM modeling, digital platforms, cost calculation, and document management.
This hands-on approach is critical for mastering digital tools. Collaboration with government agencies and IT developers fosters new formats of university-industry partnerships, including academic incubators and R&D projects. The development of roadmaps and AI prototypes enriches programs with practical methods and nurtures strategic thinking, enabling students to create technologies and participate in the sector’s digital transformation.
From Pilots to Education
Digitalization in the construction industry has evolved from isolated experiments to large-scale educational initiatives. According to the World Bank, the global AI in construction market will exceed $3.3 billion by 2027, driven by the potential to use AI at every stage — from concept development to project completion.
Russia already has successful examples of digital projects in this sector. In 2019, Yakutia began digitalizing housing and utilities management using AI, while Moscow launched AI integration programs in urban infrastructure. Today, these initiatives are part of educational programs and forums such as TACC and REBUS.
Educational campuses like ArchiTECH excel in training students through practice, working at the intersection of architecture, technology, and management. 'REBUS 2025' connects universities, industry, and government, making AI a tool for learning, design, and decision-making.
More Than a Tech Show
The 'Battle of Artificial Intelligences' is more than just a tech show — it is a powerful educational instrument. Students, faculty, and young professionals gain access to best practices, participate in real-world cases, and engage with industry on equal footing.
In the coming years, AI and digital technologies will become part of academic curricula. Courses will be tailored to industry needs, and students will gain in-demand skills. Camps and competitions like ArchiTECH will expand, uniting universities, businesses, and government. Particular focus will be placed on cooperation among educational institutions, IT, and the public sector. Joint research and technology deployment will form the basis for new projects, with AI-driven tasks integrated into learning.
'REBUS 2025' opens new horizons for education. Students and faculty get hands-on experience with AI tools, opportunities to work at the intersection of technology and architecture, and teaching methods enriched by real-world industry cases.
