Helsinki’s Strategic Innovation Partner

pormestari Sazonov

Forum Virium Helsinki is a non-profit innovation company fully owned by the City of Helsinki. We transform the city’s development challenges and international knowledge into concrete solutions, experiments, and expert services. Our mission is to create future urban solutions by bringing together the city, businesses, and the research community.

We act as an accelerator and bridge-builder, bringing the world’s best practices and solutions directly to the benefit of the City of Helsinki.

Concrete Benefits for the City of Helsinki

We produce value for the city on multiple levels:

  • Implementing City Strategy: We put Helsinki’s strategic goals into practice through innovation. For example, Kalasatama was developed into a world-class smart district, and we are now applying those lessons to other neighborhoods to prevent segregation.
  • Increasing the Impact of Innovation: We test new solutions and bear the development risks on behalf of the city by utilizing external funding. For example, electric vehicle charging solutions were piloted through us before their wider implementation.
  • Building City Capacity: We produce tested data, enhance staff expertise, and implement best practices. Logistics solutions, such as automated delivery and drones, streamline traffic and reduce emissions.
  • Strengthening International Reputation: We promote Helsinki’s visibility as a global pioneer and build international networks. We lead Europe-wide projects and host numerous international expert visits every year.
  • Securing External Funding: We have brought tens of millions of euros in EU innovation funding to Helsinki. With this funding, we have been able to test, for example, autonomous vehicles without the city bearing the financial risk alone.

Our Services for City Divisions

We offer our expertise and tools for various city needs:

  • Preparation and Implementation of RDI Projects: We solve city challenges through multidisciplinary development projects.
  • Facilitating Experiments: We test technologies quickly and impartially, helping the city avoid unsuitable procurements.
  • Foresight and Knowledge Production: We identify future trends and simulate solutions using data and digital twins.
  • Support for EU Funding Applications: We consult and train city units in international funding calls.
  • Expert Services to Support Procurement: We provide market insight and technical support, especially in procurements related to data and digitalization.

Solving City Challenges Together

Do you have a challenge in your division that requires new solutions, or are you looking for a partner for a development project? We help turn needs into impactful solutions.

Contact us to discuss cooperation! Helsinki thrives on innovation!