HEVinnovations
HEVinnovations, or HEVi, is a joint innovation programme of the Cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa that strengthens the innovation activities and networks in the area and accelerates innovation-driven entrepreneurship. The programme aims to develop solutions that respond to the challenges identified in the cities and develop the business activities of local companies.
The programme is based on an innovation ecosystem agreement made with the government, under which the cities will create a significant project portfolio during the years 2021–2027, particularly through ERDF funding calls. The projects selected for the programme are innovative and respond to emerging trends, unexpected changes and new growth areas that are harder to predict.
The future innovation portfolio will be established around four key themes in 2021-2027. The goal is to create a EUR 30 million project portfolio that focuses on strengthening knowledge hubs, developing experimental environments, fostering innovative procurement, and creating new business services.
Projects are classified according to the following themes:
- Smart and sustainable urban solutions
- Wellbeing and Health technology
- Learning environments and Edtech solutions
- Ecosystem development and new ventures
HEVi launches 1–2 funding call rounds annually on themes that are strategically important to cities. HEVi coordination supports the refinement of project ideas and project preparation. Contact details and current information about the project funding call are available on the hevinnovations.fi website.
The HEVi programme is co-funded by the European Union between 1 May 2024 and 31 December 2027. The project budget is EUR 1.6 million, of which 60 per cent (EUR 988,000) is funded by the ERDF. HEVi activities were funded in the period between June 2021 and April 2024 by the Uusimaa Sustainable Growth and Vitality Support (UKKE) funding.
More information is available at hevinnovations.fi(external link, opens in a new window).