In conversation with Vivek Krishnatray, Project Manager at T-Systems

An exclusive interview by Silicon Valley Europe

In times of increasing urbanization and growing demands for citizen-centric services, cities and municipalities face enormous pressure to change. How can digitalization not only be conceptualized but actually implemented in local government reality? How can processes be simplified, access to administration be made easier – all while ensuring data sovereignty, security, and a citizen-centric approach?

We discuss these questions with Vivek Krishnatray, one of the most influential minds behind Citykey, the Deutsche Telekom’s innovative smart city platform.

Citykey is more than just a city app – it is a strategic tool for digital sovereignty, efficient administrative services, and genuine citizen proximity. From digital application submission and defect reporting to appointment scheduling, waste calendars, or surveys: Citykey consolidates numerous services into an intuitive app that is directly connected to municipal structures.

Our interviewee, Vivek Krishnatray, is an expert at T-Systems and has been working at the interface of technology, administration, and urban life for many years. In this interview, he provides deep insights into the development, vision, and application possibilities of the platform. He explains how Citykey is being developed in collaboration with municipalities in Germany, why open standards and scalable infrastructure are essential for future-proof cities – and how the new partnership with Silicon Valley Europe enables the next step toward pan-European smart municipal services. Vivek Krishnatray is convinced: “Citykey is a tool for digital sovereignty, citizen proximity, and an open smart city infrastructure.”
As a strategic thought leader and implementer, he develops digital products for the public space – with the goal of making cities not only more efficient but also more livable. Citykey was developed under the umbrella of T-Systems.

With around 26,000 employees worldwide and annual revenue of approximately 4 billion euros (2024), T-Systems is one of Europe’s leading companies for ICT and digitalization solutions. As a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, T-Systems stands for end-to-end solutions, the highest security standards, and comprehensive industry expertise – including in public administration.

Silicon Valley Europe: Mr. Krishnatray, you have been working for many years at the intersection of technology, administration, and urban life. What personally drives you when it comes to the digitalization of our cities?

Vivek Krishnatray: I am convinced that digital tools create the greatest value when they make everyday life easier for people. I am fascinated by the idea of a city where digital services are not isolated but interlock – reusable, replicable, and scalable. For me, Citykey is the key to this: a platform that empowers cities to function better and be more livable.
Silicon Valley Europe: Citykey is often described as more than just an app. What is, in your view, the fundamental goal of this platform – and what sets it apart from other solutions on the market?

Vivek Krishnatray: Citykey is not another digitalization project – it is a foundation. From the very beginning, our goal has been to create an open, adaptable, and future-proof platform on which digital services can be built modularly. Unlike proprietary single solutions, Citykey stands for transparency, reusability, and active co-creation. With our open-source approach, we are setting a sign for digital sovereignty in the public space.
Silicon Valley Europe: What exactly can citizens already do with Citykey today – and what is planned for the future?

Vivek Krishnatray: Today, Citykey already covers many commonly used features: defect reporting, waste calendar, online appointment scheduling, surveys, and registration office integration – all in an intuitive app. For the future, we are working on integrating digital twins to make urban processes like mobility or environmental data visible in real time. This makes the city more transparent and tangible for citizens.
Silicon Valley Europe: How easy is it for cities and municipalities to integrate Citykey into their existing administrative processes, and more importantly, why is it so easy?

Vivek Krishnatray: Because we rely on standards and Citykey is designed modularly. Our service portal enables municipalities to centrally manage content and services – updated once, current everywhere. This eliminates duplicate work and manual updates between web and app. At the same time, a well-thought-out role and rights concept ensures clarity and efficiency in administration.

Silicon Valley Europe: What specific advantages do mayors have when introducing Citykey in their municipality – politically, strategically, and in their contact with citizens?

Vivek Krishnatray: Citykey is visible digitalization – a tool with which mayors can show: “We take the needs of citizens seriously.” At the same time, it offers a strategic platform to efficiently design administrative processes and quickly integrate new digital offerings. And politically? A modern, service-oriented approach builds trust – especially at the local level.

Silicon Valley Europe: How can Citykey help strengthen trust in local government while also serving as a visible sign of modern, future-oriented urban leadership?