The CREATIVITY X TECH X CITY initiative is back with its second installment this May (15.5.2025 at 9:00-14:00), continuing its mission to showcase the innovative potential of creative expertise within a broader Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) ecosystem. This upcoming event will specifically focus on spatial solutions in urban environments. Launched in January, the series kicked off a bold, cross-sector collaboration that aims to break down traditional industry barriers.
Cities and businesses will introduce new, tailored challenges designed to spark RDI projects in partnership with professionals from the creative industries as well as startups in the fields of science, art, and technology. These challenges will be further explored and developed in co-creation workshops during and after the event.
The event is tailored for researchers, companies, urban developers, higher education institutions, and anyone interested in the intersection of creativity, technology, and urban development.
The inaugural challenge is brought to you by the City of Helsinki. Located in Pitäjänmäki, a charming red brick building dating back to 1925 is poised for a new beginning. Once a kindergarten, this space will be vacated in June and offers approximately 500 square meters, including a kitchen, a hall, and several versatile rooms. The challenge is to breathe new life into this space.
This building has the potential to become a hub where creativity, entrepreneurship, and everyday connections can flourish side by side. We seek to explore the opportunities that could arise when creative industries, cutting-edge technologies, and local community needs converge under one roof. Imagine a café opening its doors, a studio taking shape upstairs, and yoga classes or immersive evening events taking place. From these diverse initiatives, a cohesive and vibrant concept could emerge that benefits everyone and enriches the entire neighborhood.
The city is looking for a new concept of use for the space. The activities can be varied and evolve over time, but the primary goal is to activate the building and integrate it meaningfully into the local community. We are on the lookout for original ideas and visionaries who see potential in an empty space and are ready to respond with bold creativity.
The event will also feature an inspiring talk by Päivi Raivio, a designer and recipient of the 2022 Helsinki Design Award and Urban Tech Helsinki incubator alumni. Throughout her career, Raivio has committed herself to enhancing public spaces. By collaborating closely with citizens and diverse communities, she has played a pivotal role in creating more vibrant urban squares, greener daycare yards, and a variety of innovative urban space experiments.
CREATIVITY X TECH X CITY is part of the Digital Creative Industries & Beyond project, which aims to support sustainable business growth and expertise within the creative industries. The project fosters the development, application, and adoption of new practices and solutions in businesses. It is implemented by the City of Helsinki, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, and Aalto University, and is co-funded by the EU.
Taina Seitsara
Project Manager
Business Helsinki
taina.seitsara@hel.fi
Sinna Marjamaa
Project Specialist
Business Helsinki
sinna.marjamaa@hel.fi
