>> Watch the recording of the Innovation Program’s kick-off to learn more about the opportunity!

What kinds of solutions are we looking for? 

The HEKA Innovation Program will focus on piloting solutions that advance low carbon housing. These solutions can be products or services or a combination thereof. The Innovation Program is open to solutions that are innovative, pilot-ready and scalable, and most importantly, provide the potential to reduce emissions from housing/building management, for example through: 

• energy efficiency/lower energy consumption 
• local renewable or low carbon energy (building integrated) 
• low carbon construction/circular economy 
• others such as engaging residents in lower carbon living 

What’s in it for participating teams? 

Participating teams will be able to work with Finland’s largest property owner and public-sector housing company, matchmake with like-minded companies, receive mentoring and collect data and feedback from a living lab phase. 

• Establish a connection with Finland’s largest lessor and public-sector housing company. 
• Collect data, market insight and feedback from a living lab pilot. 
• The possibility to continue collaborating and scaling the solution with HEKA after the program. 
• Expert mentoring and coaching on business development and commercialization of your solutions.  
• Matchmaking with other innovative solutions and their representative teams for cross-pollination of ideas and experiences in low carbon housing.  
• A valuable reference for new and emerging organizations. 
• Visibility within the Innovation Program and HEKA’s, KIRAHub’s and Gaia Consulting Oy’s channels. 

What is required of the solutions?

The solutions can be products, services, or a combination thereof that help reduce emissions from housing. The solutions must be at a stage where they could be piloted in March-April 2022. This means solutions should be technologically ready for implementation and validated in a working environment (corresponding roughly to EU TRL 5). For example, teams might have a working technology solution that they are looking to scale or test in Finland’s climate conditions or in a public-housing context.  

The Program selections will be made based on their ability to address HEKA’s needs, low carbon potential, potential for pilot execution, innovativeness, and matchmaking potential with other solutions. 

What are we NOT looking for this project?

We are not looking for products or services that are still in development or in the concept phase.  

What will happen during the Program?

The program advances in three stages: an initial matchmaking and mentoring period, during which time the selected teams will be able to share ideas with other teams, meet with HEKA to assess fit and possible pilots or future collaboration, and receive business development mentoring from experts at Gaia Consulting Oy. During this time, teams where a fit is found with HEKA for an immediate pilot will prep for the piloting stage. The second stage will focus on carrying out these pilots in a living lab environment. Finally, the program wraps up with a focus on feedback and impact assessments.  

Intellectual property

The intellectual property rights reside with the applicant team. If the team is made up of more than one member, members must agree in advance of the program how intellectual property rights will be split among them.  

All applicants are responsible for ensuring that their proposed solution does not violate others’ rights.  

Adherence to the contents of the Innovation Program

By applying to the program, the applicants agree to the Program schedule and terms and conditions as outlined above and certify that they own the rights to the proposed solution.   

Application period

Applications must be received by 5.12.2021 at 23:59 EET.  

By submitting your application, you agree to having your name and the name of your proposal made public within the organizing parties’ channels. 

MARCH

Piloting

Piloting starts in March and is set to end in May, with feedback sessions organised for each team.

The sole responsibility for the content of this webpage lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union. Neither the European Investment Bank nor the European Commission are responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

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