Riga Invests In Innovation: 5 New Projects Supported By The Innovation Fund For Smart City Development
The Innovation Fund of Riga Municipality continues to support innovative projects in 2026 that contribute to the development of Riga as a smart city and the modernisation of municipal services.
Fund objectives and priorities
The main objective of the Innovation Fund is to promote the development of Riga as a smart city by supporting projects that improve services provided to residents and introduce new digital solutions in municipal operations.
Priorities for 2026:
✓Pilot projects for innovative data collection, processing and automation solutions (e.g. sensors, remote sensing, monitoring and control);
✓Pilot projects for innovative environmental technology solutions to support the sustainability of Riga’s urban environment;
✓Development and implementation of extended reality (XR) pilot projects;
✓Innovative solutions for improving the learning environment and education processes.
The maximum funding per project is EUR 25,000, and funding must be spent by the end of 2026. The total available budget for 2026 is EUR 131,000.
Project submission and evaluation
In this year’s call, 9 project applications were submitted by various municipal institutions. Following evaluation by the commission, funding was granted to 5 projects that most closely aligned with the defined priorities and demonstrated clear innovation value in improving municipal services.
Approved projects in 2026
Project applicant: Riga Municipal Police
Objective: To strengthen the operational capabilities and professional preparedness of the municipal police by introducing a virtual reality training system for shooting and tactical scenario simulations.
Description: The project provides for the implementation of a virtual reality training system that allows police officers to train their responses in various operational situations in a safe, controlled and repeatable environment, improve decision-making skills and enhance practical competencies. The solution increases training quality and efficiency while reducing the costs of traditional training methods.
Augmented reality pilot project in the Great Cemetery in Riga
Project applicant: Riga Monuments Agency
Objective: To improve access to cultural heritage and public awareness of historical sites through augmented reality (AR) solutions.
Description: The project will implement an augmented reality guided route in the Great Cemetery, featuring 10 cultural heritage objects with 3D models, an interactive map and digital access to information about each site. The solution promotes cultural heritage in a modern way and provides a foundation for implementing similar solutions in other locations.
Project applicant: Social Care Centre “Mežciems”
Objective: To create a digital 3D environment that allows clients, their relatives and partners to remotely explore the premises, environment and services of the social care centre.
Description: The project will develop an interactive 3D virtual tour that improves service accessibility and transparency, allowing users to explore the centre remotely before visiting in person. The solution helps reduce uncertainty and emotional stress, particularly for new clients and their families, supports better understanding of the care environment and facilitates decision-making regarding service use.
Project applicant: Education, Culture and Sports Department
Objective: To improve the learning environment and promote students’ physical activity by integrating movement and learning into a single digital solution.
Description: Interactive movement and learning walls will be introduced in two schools, enabling both lessons and breaks to incorporate active learning experiences. The project supports language acquisition, engagement and physical activity, while creating a scalable model for other educational institutions.
Project applicant: Social Care Centre “Gaiļezers”
Objective: To improve social rehabilitation opportunities for clients with severe functional impairments, especially bedridden patients, by introducing digital and interactive solutions.
Description: The project will provide interactive projectors and digital platforms that enable clients to participate in virtual excursions, educational activities and cognitive exercises without leaving their rooms. The solution significantly improves access to rehabilitation services and enhances emotional well-being, particularly for those with limited mobility.