In Istanbul as a special guest of Avea, Kent Larson, the director for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab/Changing Places research group held a press conference along with fellow guest Mobile Experience Lab Director Federico Casalegno.

MIT, a prestigious technology university located in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, is known for its success in the subjects of science, engineering and economy. During the meeting, Larson and Casalegno discussed the costs of implementing smart city programs as well as creating potential solutions to the traffic congestion issues faced by mega metropolises such as Istanbul.

Noting that the rate of urbanization is on the rise all over the world, Larson stated, "300 million individuals will be flocking to the cities within the next 15 years. In this environment, we are concerned with benefitting from mobile techniques based on the construction and management of these areas."

Larson went on to state, "As MIT, we are focused on developing new city models and are placing prominence on mass transport. Tramway, metro, boat and bicycle routes are all important. We also have opinions in regards to Istanbul. This city has hills, therefore it may not be ideal for bicycles, however it could be ideal for electric bicycles," said Larson.