Join us in making a change in the built environment construction sector!

KIRA-digi offers funding for trials that promote the digitalisation of the built environment and construction. The aim of the experiments is to 1) accelerate change in the sector’s operating practices, 2) enable the testing of various models and development paths and 3) apply the solutions of standards in practice. A total of approximately EUR 4 million in funding will be allocated for trials between 2016 and 2018.

Seeking fast and concrete experiments

The projects must focus on special experimental development related to the digitalisation of the built environment or construction as well as processes related to organisation and innovation activities. An experiment means the limited practical testing of an idea or solution, which quickly shows whether or not it is prudent to continue its development or adopt it on a wider scale.

“An experiment means the limited practical testing of an idea or solution, which quickly shows whether or not it is prudent to continue its development or adopt it on a wider scale.”

Experimental development can include obtaining, combining, modifying and using scientific, technological, business-related and other relevant knowledge and skills with the aim of developing new and improved products, processes and services. Experimental development may also comprise the prototyping, piloting and testing of new or improved products, processes or services in pilot environments. 

Because the objective is to support new solutions, aid can only be granted beforehand and for new projects. Experiments can be conducted by both companies and communities.

Themes of experimental projects

The scope of the experiment programme encompasses the built environment and construction, including planning, zoning, permit processes, construction, built heritage, building engineering, real estate management, real estate business and property management, links to infrastructure and energy efficiency, and service providers. The parties implementing the projects need not operate in these fields, but the results must pertain to the digitalisation of the built environment and construction.

The project must implement one of the five themes/perspectives:

Information: New life cycle opportunities and removal of obstacles related to opening, providing access to, refining or utilising information, for example, through linking data or opening data.
Services: Increasing customer value and streamlining processes in the sector’s ecosystems with the help of new and existing digital services.
Standardisation: Life cycle opportunities offered by compatible standards, information models, lexicons, nomenclatures or task lists, for example, in the development of processes, methods, services and products.
Internet of Things (IoT): The experiments combine life cycle stages, devices, movement, information sources, virtual reality and service solutions in a new way.
Operating model: Experiments that shake up life cycle operating models and seek new solutions and practices, using the means and principles of the digital age.

Maximum aid amount and aid period

The aid will be granted within the KIRA-digi aid scheme. Aid may be granted provided that the Parliament includes an appropriation for this purpose in the 2018 Budget.

Experimental projects may receive a maximum of 40% in aid of the project’s eligible costs. The costs of an individual project may be approved after the award decision. The earliest possible starting date of the projects will be in May.

Evaluation of the applications

The applications are evaluated by an independent evaluation group consisting of experts from numerous organisations and the KIRA-digi programme’s steering group. The decisions on aid recipients will be made with consideration to the following evaluation criteria, in addition to the basic requirements set for the projects:

Feasibility: The project can be implemented as planned, on schedule and with the resources available.
Impact: The project tackles a key challenge related to the digitalisation of the built environment and construction or enables other effective solutions; the project supports the use of the national service channel.
Accessibility, openness: Where applicable, the experimental activities utilise existing open environments, open source solutions and data that is already available, and the key solutions of the project are available online, for example, on avoindata.fi or kokeilevasuomi.fi.
Originality, innovation and creativeness: The project or a solution presented within the project is new and special or made in an original way, or features novel and special elements.

Lodging an application for an experimental project

1. Read the more specific criteria of the aid scheme (>> suomeksi | >> på svenska | >> in English)

2. View the frequently asked questions  (>> UKK suomeksi | >> FAQ på svenska | >> FAQ in English)

3. If you wish, you can post your experimental idea on the open idea wall to find partners | View the idea wall >

4. Fill in the form online | >> suomeksi | >> på svenska | >> in English

MORE INFORMATION

Questions related to the project funding, the aid scheme and reporting of the experiments:
Soila Salonen, Coordinator, Ministry of the Environment, tel. +358 50 468 4233   Email. soila.salonen(at)ym.fi