Urban Wellbeing Lab
Companies and RDI actors promoting wellbeing and physical activity: Become part of an inspiring network where wellbeing‑enhancing solutions are tested and developed together with end users and the city.
The wellbeing of city residents is a key part of building a vibrant and sustainable city. Solutions that support wellbeing, health, and physical activity can improve everyday services and strengthen community life. The urban environment offers a natural platform for these innovations. Its diverse spaces, people, and daily situations make it possible to test and develop solutions together with residents.
Urban Wellbeing Lab is a joint initiative by Business Helsinki, Forum Virium Helsinki, and Laurea University of Applied Sciences. It aims to improve operating conditions for companies and to promote the wellbeing and physical activity of city residents. The project runs for two years and is co‑funded by the EU.
Project Objectives
The main objective of the project is to strengthen companies’ innovation activities as well as their research and development capabilities in the fields of wellbeing, health, and physical activity promotion. This will be achieved through three key components:
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Effective utilisation of wellbeing data
The local wellbeing data ecosystem is built on existing wellbeing data and the stakeholders operating around it. Companies are offered access to a comprehensive set of wellbeing data and supported in using it for product development, strengthening customer insight, and creating new solutions.
Practical actions:
Co‑creation workshops
Mapping and compiling existing wellbeing data -
Building a collaboration model
A collaborative operating model will be created to strengthen cooperation between companies, the city, and RDI actors. The model supports companies in areas such as product development, data utilisation, deepening customer understanding, as well as internationalisation and funding applications.
Practical actions:
Workshop series
Webinars and networking events -
Testing innovative solutions
Companies can test and pilot new wellbeing‑ and physical activity‑related solutions together with end users and local stakeholders. The urban environment of Helsinki serves as a practical testbed, accelerating company growth and competitiveness.
Practical actions:
Local workshops with stakeholders
Two pilot programmes in Postipuisto and Pasila, with approximately €100,000 available for testing
Open call for pilots; non‑compensated pilots in Helsinki areas
What kind of solutions are we looking for?
We are seeking a wide range of companies, which do not need to fall under traditional health or wellbeing technology sectors. The scope includes companies developing solutions such as:
– Innovative solutions that encourage physical activity
– Smart technologies and sensor‑based solutions for monitoring mobility and key wellbeing and comfort factors
– Temporary or modular urban environment solutions for emerging residential areas
– Digital, experiential, or gamified solutions that enrich the urban environment
– Activities that support community building, as well as innovations that enhance safety or comfort
Photos: Maija Astikainen
