The SOLMU project develops mobility services in cooperation with businesses, focusing on mobility hubs and launching an ecosystem for regional transport service development.
The project focuses on the business development of mobility services, particularly those at mobility hubs and their commercial offerings. It also aims to create a regional ecosystem for transport service development. The project seeks to enhance the appeal and functionality of mobility services like public transport and travel chains, while promoting equal access to mobility.
The project offers SMEs the opportunity to develop and test their products and services in a real urban environment with real users. At the same time, the city and public transport operators receive valuable information on what mobility hubs should be like and where they should be located. 1-2 test environments will be offered from travel nodes in Helsinki and Espoo.
Goals
- Enhance the product and service development of SME actors in the target group, particularly towards gaining competitiveness in foreign markets.
- Create a regional smart transport operator ecosystem.
- Boost the operations of SMEs in the target group, particularly in international networking and collaboration, commercial and RDI cooperation, the development of accessible solutions, and data-driven decision-making.
The project engages 50 mobility service companies in the Helsinki metropolitan area to co-develop new products and services. The goal is to generate 15-20 new product and service innovations and implement 8-12 mobility services.
Indirect benefits include increased attractiveness, functionality, and accessibility of mobility services, public transport, and travel chains. This will reduce private car usage, leading to lower traffic emissions, congestion, and safety risks.
Duration, partners and funding
- Duration: 1.10.2024 – 30.9.2026
- Project Partners: City of Helsinki (Business Helsinki), City of Espoo, Forum Virium Helsinki
- Funding: European Union and Uusimaa Regional Council (ERDF). The total project budget is €854,133, of which Forum Virium Helsinki’s share is €252,987.
Better mobility services through cooperation and the role of Forum Virium Helsinki
The SOLMU project enables cities in the Helsinki metropolitan area to jointly develop regional services related to the movement of people and goods more efficiently.
The City of Helsinki acts as the main implementer of the SOLMU project and coordinates the activities of the group project. In its own sub-project, Helsinki is particularly responsible for measures related to the growth conditions and business of the target group companies, as well as business cooperation.
Forum Virium acts as a co-implementer of the project, contributing its expertise in long-term RDI and pilot initiatives within the City of Helsinki. Forum Virium is specifically responsible for conducting services at selected hubs and managing communication efforts.
Forum Virium has strong experience in RDI project communication and facilitating cooperation between the city, residents, and businesses. This enables smoother cooperation between different groups and the development of new solutions.
The City of Espoo is committed to developing the transport services in its area. The Otaniemi startup community and the area’s large network of small and medium-sized enterprises are also involved in the project, jointly seeking new solutions to traffic challenges.
Enter Espoo, Espoo’s business services, is involved in the project, creating a network of mobility service companies that leverage expertise and development from across Finland.
Benefits for Helsinki
Through testing and cooperation, Helsinki can better meet the needs of residents and businesses and improve service levels at mobility hubs. The project will strengthen Helsinki’s vitality and competitiveness through new business opportunities and a more efficient transport system. International cooperation and networking will bring visibility and recognition to Helsinki as an innovative city.
Sustainability
The project supports the development and testing of new mobility services, improving the ease and attractiveness of mobility for residents, promoting sustainable modes of transport, and reducing private car usage.
Improving service offerings is widely seen as one of the most significant ways to make public transport and travel chains more attractive, promote equal access to mobility, and reduce mobility poverty. Mobility poverty refers to the lack of suitable mobility solutions for everyone.
Channels
- Follow SOLMU on LinkedIn.
Contact
Business Helsinki (coordinator)
Jari Honkonen, Project Manager, jari.honkonen@hel.fi
City of Espoo
Katja Ojala, Project Manager, katja.ojala@espoo.fi
Sasu Nuokkola, Senior Specialist, sasu.nuokkola@espoo.fi
You can find the contact information for Forum Virium Helsinki’s project team on the left or the bottom side of the page.
Photo: Kuvatoimisto Kuvio Oy