Riga Invests in Innovation: Seven New Projects Receive Support from the Innovation Fund to Advance the Smart City

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The Riga City Municipality Innovation Fund continues to support innovative projects that promote the development of Riga as a smart city. The 2025 Innovation Fund budget enables municipal institutions to implement solutions that improve service quality, foster digitalization, and introduce modern technologies into everyday operations.

Fund Objective and Priorities

The main goal of the Innovation Fund is to support the smart city development of Riga and the implementation of innovative projects. Funding is allocated to projects that improve services for residents, introduce new digital solutions, or pilot innovative technologies.

The 2025 priorities include:

  • Implementation of artificial intelligence solutions to improve work processes;
  • Pilot projects for innovative data collection technologies (e.g., sensors, remote sensing);
  • Trials of extended reality (XR) technologies;
  • Environmental technology solutions for urban greening (e.g., rainwater reuse);
  • Social innovation projects (with additional evaluation points).

The maximum amount allocated per project is EUR 25,000, and funds must be used by the end of 2025.

Project Submission and Evaluation

This year, 14 project applications were submitted by 8 municipal institutions, with a total requested funding of over EUR 350,000. Seven projects were approved, with a total budget of EUR 170,969.31.

Approved Projects for 2025

Real-Time Environmental Noise Monitoring in Riga
Applicant: Housing and Environment Department
Funding Granted: EUR 25,000
Objective: To identify and evaluate technologies, methods, and locations for the development of a noise monitoring system in Riga to support future noise reduction measures.
Description: A pilot monitoring system will be created to measure environmental noise levels in real-time at various city locations. The sensors will be adapted to withstand harsh urban environments and will function independently. Noise sensors will be installed on Brīvības Street (from TC “Alfa” to Ropažu Street), where many noise complaints have been received. The data will support urban planning and the creation of noise reduction action plans.

Acquisition of Drone Detection Sensors
Applicant: Riga Municipal Police
Funding Granted: EUR 25,000
Objective: To protect public spaces and critical infrastructure from unauthorized drone flights.
Description: Sensors will be purchased and installed in three strategic locations – the Kurzemes District Office, the Central District Office, and the Unified Control Center. The system will monitor airspace, identify unauthorized drone flights, and enable rapid response to potential threats, enhancing Riga’s security infrastructure during public events and daily operations.

Automated Public Event Calendar and Impact Zone Generation
Applicant: Department of Outdoor Space and Mobility
Funding Granted: EUR 24,200
Objective: To develop an AI-powered tool for visualizing the calendar of public events and their impact zones to improve traffic management.
Description: The project will develop a tool that uses AI to generate maps of events happening in Riga, forecast attendance, and identify changes in traffic flow. The goal is to adjust traffic light settings and plan municipal services accordingly. The tool will collect information on event times, locations, expected attendees, and movement patterns, enabling real-time infrastructure adjustments.

Traffic Incident Monitoring Using AI Solutions
Applicant: Department of Outdoor Space and Mobility
Funding Granted: EUR 22,990
Objective: To enable near real-time traffic monitoring for the municipality using AI and external data sources.
Description: A system will be created to analyze data from app users (e.g., Waze) and identify unusual traffic disruptions—such as accidents, flooded roads, or slippery areas—using AI. The system will provide visual information via maps and tables and generate alerts for municipal services, allowing quicker responses and improved safety.

Remote Monitoring and Control System for Shelters and Safe Spaces
Applicant: Civil Protection and Operational Information Administration
Funding Granted: EUR 25,000
Objective: To ensure 24/7 remote supervision and accessibility of shelter infrastructure in Riga.
Description: A centralized system will be developed to remotely monitor municipal shelters and designated safe spaces. Using advanced 5G sensors, the system will control microclimate, lighting, energy, and security. This solution will be crucial for strengthening civil protection in crisis situations.

“To Health Through the Senses”
Applicant: Riga Social Care Center “Gaiļezers”
Funding Granted: EUR 24,939.31
Objective: To improve the emotional well-being and health of clients using a multisensory environment.
Description: A multisensory room will be created with modern technologies—including audiovisual materials, aromatherapy, lighting, and sound controls—to reduce stress, boost mood, and promote relaxation. This environment is especially important for clients with mental disorders or age-related dementia. The approach is evidence-based and incorporates digital tools into daily care routines.

Development and Implementation of a Virtual Assistant in the GEO RĪGA Spatial Data Platform
Applicant: Geospatial Data Division, Geomatics Administration, City Development Department
Funding Granted: EUR 23,840.00
Objective: To enhance the usability and accessibility of the GEO RĪGA platform by implementing a virtual assistant for information search and user guidance.
Description: An AI-powered virtual assistant will be developed and integrated into the GEO RĪGA data platform. It will help users find necessary spatial data, answer questions, and provide tips on using tools and maps. The assistant will improve data accessibility for a wider audience, including professionals in urban planning, research, and business.

Summary and Future Challenges

This year’s approved projects cover a broad range of topics: safety and civil protection, social welfare, environmental monitoring, the use of artificial intelligence, data accessibility, and urban mobility. They reflect a modern municipal perspective on digitalization, practical innovation, and awareness of residents’ needs. Due to budget constraints, several high-quality projects could not be supported. This highlights a growing interest in innovative solutions within Riga Municipality operations.