In autumn 2023, the City of Helsinki, in cooperation with Aalto University, the University of Helsinki and the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce, will organise the Heart of Helsinki student competition to strengthen the vitality of the city centre. The competition is aimed at students and is striving to find inspiring proposals that support Helsinki’s strategic goals for the development of the city centre. The competition seeks new views and ideas on the role of the city centre, as well as its strengths and development areas.  
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In brief
‍The competition starts on 13 September 2023 and entries must be submitted by 16 January 2024. We encourage participants to look broadly at the city centre and come up with creative ideas for solving its key challenges. We would like to see a bold take on things and willingness to create a dialogue.

Competition area
The competition area is the heart of Helsinki, and its focal point is in front of Helsinki Central Railway Station. The competition examines the area within a radius of approximately one kilometre from the railway station. However, the competition area is not clear-cut. Participants may also submit proposals that extend beyond the indicated competition area. The competition area includes thecity centre blocks between the railway station and the Esplanadi streets, Senate Square and its surroundings, Kaisaniemi, Kamppi and the Töölönlahti area.

‍Who can take part?
All participants must be university students studying a bachelor’s or master’s degree or students at universities of applied sciences on the day they submit their competition proposal. A team submitting a proposal may consist of an individual student or a group of students. There is no restriction on the size of the team. The team may consist of a student or students from one or several study programmes. We encourage participants to form diverse teams across study programmes and educational institutions.

‍Competitionassignment
The main competition assignment is to analyse the vitality and appeal of Helsinki city centre and to prepare a proposal aimed at increasing the number of visitors to the city centre and the time spent there.  

Prizes
EUR 25,000 will be awarded as prizes to the best ideas as follows:
First prize: EUR 15,000
Second prize: EUR 6,000
Third prize: EUR 4,000

‍Jury
Juhana Vartiainen, City of Helsinki, Mayor, Chairman of the panel of judges
Janne Prokkola, City of Helsinki, Unit Manager, Detailed Planning
Pia Pakarinen, Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce, CEO
Aija Staffans, Aalto University, Senior Research Fellow
Sami Moisio, University of Helsinki, Professor of Spatial Planning and Policy
Mari Männistö, City of Helsinki, Culture Director
Mirkku Kullberg, Glasshouse Helsinki, CEO
Sanna Puutonen, Ylva Palvelut Oy, Communications & Marketing Manager

Further information about the competition can be found in the competition programme.
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Competition programme

Register your team here
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Submit your competition entry here