Smart city solutions deployed in the districts of Jätkäsaari and Kalasatama in Helsinki are being rolled out in other communities in the Finnish capital to make the lives of citizens and the planning of services more diverse and efficient, while promoting carbon-neutral living.

A number of development projects will be launched in Malmi, Pasila, Mellunkylä and Malminkartano-Kannelmäki, in which residents will also be invited to participate.

Collaboration

The Helsinki Innovation Districts project is being carried out collaboratively by the City’s innovation organisation, Forum Virium Helsinki, the City of Helsinki Economic Development Division and the City Executive Office’s Area Construction unit.

Forum Virium has implemented various smart energy, mobility and everyday services in the two districts. Kalasatama, in particular, is becoming internationally renowned as an innovation platform, trying out new technologies, methods and services in real-life environments.

The project, which will run until December 2023, seeks to implement the best solutions in multiple areas. It will focus on the following four themes in each of the districts:

• Malmi: smart lighting, street space analytics and resident experience
• Pasila: 5G technology and city information model, logistics during construction and guidance
• Malminkartano-Kannelmäki: the sharing economy of facilities, lighting, food and green infrastructure
• Mellunkylä: wood construction, cost-effective carbon neutrality, smart housing solutions and cooperation with housing companies.

Helsinki wants to create “the preconditions” for the realisation of smart city solutions, particularly in older city districts. It also wants to increase the know-how of City of Helsinki personnel in terms of innovation activities and the utilisation of solutions, helping to build its skills base.

As well as citizens and staff, the project will also involve local businesses, various city units focusing on urban development, and research institutions.

The aim is to increase the city’s, companies’ and residents’ understanding of new technologies, such as smart and clean solutions that facilitate carbon neutrality, that have notable scaling and business potential, especially in older city districts.

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