Vantaa innovation competition—open to everybody—searches for urban innovations of all sizes

The City of Vantaa invites all residents, businesses, educational institutions, associations, organizations, and city employees to participate in developing the city. 

“The name of the competition—Urban Innovations of All Sizes—tells that we are looking for ideas, both big and small, to build an even better Vantaa. We hope that actors in myriad fields will participate in the competition,” says mayor Ritva Viljanen. 

The sum allocated as prizes for the suggestions totals €300 000. The recipients of financing must implement their ideas in Vantaa during 2022 or 2023.

The themes of the competition consist of: good everyday services, thriving city centers, and combating climate change. 

“These are all important questions as regards the future. How can we boost community togetherness and prevent inequality and discrimination? Could we increase urban food production? How could we promote circular economy?"

A jury of experts—consisting of representatives of higher education institutions and the city—will assess the applications and choose the finalists. 

The city decided to arrange the innovation competition with the money related to the recognition Vantaa gained last November. The European Innovation Council (EIC) chose Vantaa as a European Rising Innovative City. The recognition was given in November at the iCapital Awards ceremony arranged in Brussels. 

The innovation competition will reach its climax at the Innovation Festival on October 24-28, during which the chosen suggestions will be published. Vantaa innovations will be introduced to international spectators at the Festival. 

The innovation competition will open on April 14, and proposals will be accepted till August 15. More information is available on the city's website at: vantaa.fi/innovation-competition