LifeHack Valmiera
City planning & Innovation Hackathon | 13/05 - 17/05

LifeHack Valmiera

About LifeHack Valmiera

The LifeHack Valmiera Hackathon is a dynamic, hybrid event focused on developing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for climate adaptation in Valmiera, incorporating innovative sensor technologies and approaches. Scheduled from May 13th to May 16th Online and May 17th in Valmiera, this hackathon aims to engage students and industry professionals from prestigious institutions across the Baltics, including architects, landscape architects, hydraulic engineers, IOT experts and city planners.

By uniting technology and nature, this event aims to produce viable, innovative solutions for the city of Valmiera and serves as an educational platform. Participants are given a unique opportunity to learn from experts, apply cutting-edge technologies in real-world scenarios, and develop teamwork and creative problem-solving skills. This immersive experience is designed to inspire a new generation of thinkers ready to contribute to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, making LifeHack Valmiera an essential event for those committed to making a tangible impact in climate adaptation.

Objective and Impact

The hackathon is designed to stimulate creativity and generate actionable inputs for the LIFE project, aiming to significantly impact climate adaptation efforts in Valmiera. By bringing together a diverse group of participants, the LifeHack Valmiera Hackathon is set to be a melting pot of ideas, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and paving the way for sustainable, community-focused environmental solutions.

Registration

Registration till 12/05/2024 23:59

Who is Invited to Participate in the LifeHack Valmiera Hackathon?

LifeHack Valmiera invites a diverse group of thinkers and doers to address pressing environmental challenges and create sustainable urban solutions. We are particularly looking for:

Students: Whether studying environmental science, urban planning, engineering, information technology, or any related field, your fresh perspectives and innovative ideas can make a significant difference. Students are encouraged to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical, real-world setting and gain valuable hands-on experience.

Technology Experts and Innovators: If you have skills in sensor technology, software development, or any tech-driven field contributing to monitoring and improving environmental conditions, your participation can bridge the gap between nature-based solutions and technological implementation.

Subject Professionals: Experts in environmental management, civil engineering, architecture, data science, and sustainability are invited to contribute their deep knowledge and professional skills. Your expertise will be crucial in mentoring teams, refining ideas, and ensuring practical and impactful solutions.

This hackathon is an excellent opportunity for participants to collaborate on interdisciplinary teams, learn from experienced mentors, and contribute to significant environmental improvements in Valmiera. Whether you're a student eager to apply your learning or a professional looking to make a difference, LifeHack Valmiera welcomes your enthusiasm and expertise.

Join us in creating innovative solutions that enhance urban resilience and ecological sustainability!

Partners

Prize Fund

The LifeHack Valmiera Hackathon proudly announces a total prize fund of 5000 EUR. This substantial prize pool is designed to reward the ingenuity and hard work of the participating teams. Prizes will be awarded to teams that deliver the most innovative, effective, and impactful solutions to the challenges presented. Based on the opinion of judges from Valmiera city representatives, academia, and industry experts, the prize money will be distributed to top-performing teams, recognizing and rewarding their contributions to environmental solutions and urban development in Valmiera.

Challenges

At the LifeHack Valmiera Hackathon, teams are invited to choose one of six distinct challenges, each focusing on integrating Nature Based Solutions (NBS) for enhancing environmental and urban resilience in Valmiera. These challenges offer the opportunity to tackle real-world problems with innovative approaches in different urban areas.

Each challenge encourages participants to propose solutions that address specific environmental issues and enhance public spaces, biodiversity, and educational opportunities.

Valmiera City, Riga Technical University, and other experts will provide detailed information, data sets, visual materials, and continuous support to ensure all participants have the tools and insights to develop their solutions effectively. These resources empower participants, helping them understand the local context deeply and apply their innovations more effectively.

1. Nature Based Solutions for flood resilience in the “Depo” district

Territory and problem description:

The area is located on the right bank of river Gauja, between Valmiera town centre and Valmiera ring road, along Matīšu šoseja Street. It is a rapidly developing area featuring DIY store “Depo” and other sales/service buildings, family houses, low rise apartment blocks. Large part of the area is undeveloped but will be developed within next 5-10 years, adding more residential, commercial and industrial projects in the area.

Two major drainage ditches, draining the area of approximately 280 ha and 250 ha respectively, cross the area and confluence at the corner of Matīšu Šoseja street and Sporta Street. These main ditches may be a source of flooding during intensive spring melt events as well as heavy summer rains. In the figure below, the flooded areas are shown with dashed red lines.

The capacity of the system will be further compromised by increasing runoff as a result of climate change and property development, connecting runoff from newly developed properties to the municipal drainage system.

Hackathon task:

  • Propose Nature Based Solutions to solve existing flooding problems, focusing on properties owned by the municipality. 
  • Propose nature-based solutions (both for addressing the municipal drainage system capacity and local NBS solutions)
  • Propose development and runoff restriction/NBS requirements for the future development
  • The concept could include use of innovative sensor technology for data provision and communication on NBS performance (water level, water quality, treatment efficiency) etc. as well as real time control.
  • Proposed solutions should preferably address not only hydraulic performance but also other functions like attractive public space, biodiversity etc.

2. Nature Based Solutions for attractive public space and urban heat island effect mitigation in the Vidzeme Olympic Centre area

Territory and problem description:

Vidzeme Olympic Centre is an active recreation area near Valmiera town centre between Rīgas, Vaidavas and Ausekļa streets. The area features multifunctional sports arena, indoor swimming pool, BMX track, football pitch, extensive parking areas as well as green areas. Presently the site, especially the parking lot, is distinctive urban heat island, with temperatures in the parking lot exceeding surrounding areas by … degrees C. Wind comfort too is a problem at the site.

The area has extensive hard surfaces, resulting in large runoff, due to increase with more development and climate change. Main sewer D.., collecting storm water from a wider area of … ha runs along Vaidavas street. All or the above, together with the large open areas, provide great potential for storm water use on site, both coming from the site itself and the surrounding areas.

Municipality has created landscaping concept for the area, however storm water management and urban cooling elements are not implemented explicitly in the concept.

The stormwater collected in site, among other things, can be used to water BMX track.

Hackathon task:

  • Propose landscape concept for the site (Safe pedestrian access, Areas used for recreation, etc.)
  • The concept could include use of innovative sensor technology for data provision and communication on NBS performance (water level, water quality, treatment efficiency)
  • The solution should take into account water balance throughout the year

3. Innovative sensor technology and Nature Based Solutions for solving water quality challenges in Rātes river

Territory and problem description:

Rātes river is a small river / creek originating in the agricultural areas North-West of Valmiera town and flowing in South-Eastern direction through the town and entering Gauja river in the town centre. The catchment area of the river is around 45 km2 and part of modified (straightened). In the lower part of the catchment (Valmiera town centre) theflow of the river has been regulated by dams and lakes, including Dzirnavu lake, which forms the central part of a very attractive park intensively used for recreation.

There are perceived water quality issues in the river and Dzirnavu lake made visible in the form as water foaming after snow melt and rain events. Even though it may be a natural phenomenon, it is likely to be caused by higher nutrient or pollutant concentrations in the lake water from agricultural, residential and industrial areas in the river catchment and thus needs to be investigated and addressed.

Area along Rātes river between Rubenes and Beātes street and between Lāčplēša street and river Gauja are not used for recreation at the moment but offer high recreation potential, to be taken into account in NBS concept for the area.

Hackathon task:

  • Propose solution including innovative use of monitoring and sensor technology to continuously monitor water quality and identify possible sources of pollution (chronic and acute pollution problems, including agricultural pollution, illegal foul sewer connection, discharge of untreated industrial effluent etc.) 
  • Propose pollution-agnostic Nature Based Solutions (i.e. versatile) for water quality improvement in Dzirnavu lake and Rātes river before its entry to river Gauja. 
  • The proposed NBS solutions should be located in in municipal properties and ideally be aesthetically pleasing and include elements of environmental education. 

4. Innovative sensor technology and Nature Based Solutions for solving water quality challenges in Gaides river

Territory and problem description:

Gaides river is a small river / creek originating in the agricultural areas South of Valmiera town and flowing in Northern direction through the industrial area of the town and entering Gauja river upstream of the town centre. The catchment area of the river is around 7.5 km2 and the upstream part is heavily modified (straightened).

There are perceived water quality issues in the river due to potential presence of agricultural and industrial pollution (storm sewers and wastewater treatment plants of industrial facilities in the region discharge to the river), presence of historic polluted sites (for example heavy oil storage facility with polluted soil next to the river) as well as illegal foul sewer connections in the catchment. The problem needs to be investigated and addressed through deployment of smart sensor technology and nature based solutions. There are extensive municipal properties available for nature-based solutions in the downstream part of the river before entering Gauja river.

Hackathon task:

  • Propose solution including innovative use of monitoring and sensor technology to continuously monitor water quality and identify possible sources of pollution (chronic and acute pollution problems, including agricultural pollution, illegal foul sewer connection, discharge of untreated industrial effluent etc.)
  • Sensor and monitoring platform could include elements of community monitoring (e.g. use of social networks) as well as make use of existing municipal CCTV cameras.
  • Propose pollution-agnostic Nature Based Solutions (i.e. versatile) for water quality improvement in Gaides river before its entry to river Gauja.
  • The proposed NBS solutions should be located in in municipal properties and ideally be aesthetically pleasing and include elements of environmental education.

5. Nature based solutions for climate adaptation, education and recreation along Gauja river left bank promenade

Territory and problem description:

Gauja left bank in Valmiera town centre is a complex of largerly greenfield and brownfield areas that is currently used sparsely for recreation. Multuple largely untreated storm water drains enter river Gauja in this stretch. The area offers a great potential for use as recreation area, closing the circle of promenades along Gauja river in Valmiera town centre

Hackathon task:

  • Propose an integrated landscaping concept for the Gauja left bank promenade between Suspension Bridge and Iron Bridge, combining the functions of pedestrian and cycling paths, rest and picnic areas, educational activities, stormwater treatment and use for landscaping.
  • The concept could provide typical nature based solution for the treatment of storm sewer discharges connected directly to Gauja river, integrated into the public space. 
  • The concept could include use of innovative sensor technology for data provision and communication on water level, water quality, status of NBS etc. 
  • The proposed solutions should be located in in municipal properties and ideally be aesthetically pleasing and include elements of environmental education.  

6. Nature based solutions for treatment of stormwater runoff in industrial areas

Territory and problem description:

Valmiera industrial park is planned to be developed in two stages to the South of Valmiera ring road. The detailed plan and party construction project for the first stage is prepared. Traditional (sewer and ditch based) stormwater system is planned for the first stage, however the municipality would like to explore the possibility implementing nature based solution for the second stage.

Hackathon task:

  • Propose a concept for integrating Nature Based Solutions into storm water management of Valmiera industrial park.
  • The concept should be based on the first stage construction design, suggesting possible changes to design.
  •  Conceptual solutions could be provided for the second stage, considering site specifics.
  • The concept could include use of innovative sensor technology for data provision and communication on water level, water quality, status of NBS etc. 

Registration till 12/05/2024 23:59

Hackathon Format and Schedule

LifeHack Valmiera Hackathon is a dynamic five-day event, blending online collaboration with an exciting onsite finale in Valmiera. Participants will have an engaging experience focused on developing innovative solutions and concepts for climate adaptation in Valmiera city. Throughout the event, you will receive support and guidance from experts.

Pre-event Participants onboarding - 08/05, Online

An informative session will be organized on May 8th via Zoom, offering participants an overview of the hackathon's challenges, practical information, and an opportunity for Q&A. This session will also facilitate team pitches, allowing participants to present their initial ideas. This will be followed by team formation and matchmaking, ensuring a cohesive start to the hackathon.

Schedule:

  • 18:00 - 18:30 Info about Hackathon / Challenges / Practical info / Q&A
  • 18:30 - 19:00 Team formation/matchmaking

Day 1 - 13/05, Online

The event begins with an opening ceremony, team pitches, and last-minute matchmaking to finalise team formations. . Participants will benefit from masterclasses focused on data gathering, analysis, and calculating rainwater volumes and balance, followed by the first checkpoint and a comprehensive Q&A session. The event will be organised on Zoom.

Schedule:

  • 17:00 - 17:30 Opening
  • 17:30 - 18:00 Master class - Ecosystems services mapping and greening plan of Valmiera
  • 18:00 - 18:30 Master class - on data gathering and analysis
  • 18:30 - 19:00 Master class - How to calculate rainwater volumes and balance
  • 19:00 - 19:10 Break
  • 19:10 - 20:00 Last-minute matchmaking and Team gathering
  • 20:00 - 21:00 1st Checkpoint + Q&A Session for all teams 

Day 2, 3 and 4 - from14/05 to 16/05, Online

These days are structured around idea development and prototyping, meetings with experts, and daily checkpoints to ensure progress and guidance. All events will be organised on Zoom

Schedule:

  • 17:00 - 19:00 Teamwork + Meet Experts
  • 19:00 - 20:00 Checkpoints
  • 20:00 - 21:00 Masterclass (15/05 and 16/05)

Day 5 - 17/05, In person at Valmiera

The final day features a Demo Day, transitioning to a face-to-face format. Activities include hackathon challenge site visits, intensive group work sessions, expert consultations, and final presentations. The event concludes with jury evaluations and an award ceremony to celebrate the teams' innovative solutions and contributions to climate adaptation strategies in Valmiera.

Location addres: Valmieras tehnikums, Vadu iela 3, Valmiera, LV-4201

Schedule:

  • 9:30 - 10:00 Arrival at Valmiera and registration
  • 10:00 - 11:00 Visit to Locations with challenges experts
  • 11:00 - 12:00 Teamwork + Meet Experts
  • 12:00 - 13:00 Checkpoint
  • 13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
  • 14:00 - 15:00 Teamwork + Meet Experts
  • 15:00 - 16:00 Teamwork
  • 16:00 - 17:30 Presentations / Final
  • 17.30 - 18.30 Jury evaluation and Award ceremony

Registration till 12/05/2024 23:59

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the LifeHack Valmiera Hackathon?

The LifeHack Valmiera Hackathon is a five-day event focused on developing innovative solutions for climate adaptation in Valmiera. It blends online collaboration with an onsite finale, involving participants from various backgrounds to address environmental and urban challenges using Nature-Based Solutions. A hackathon is an event where participants team up and create solutions to real-life challenges in an intense period of time. Using creativity, technology, and mentoring, the event results in prototypes, fresh new concepts, and innovative tech usages.

2. Who can participate in the hackathon?

The hackathon welcomes students, technology experts, innovators, and professionals from environmental science, urban planning, engineering, and related areas. If you have expertise or interest in developing sustainable solutions for environmental challenges, this hackathon is for you.

3. What kind of support will participants receive?

Throughout the event, participants will receive detailed information, datasets, visual materials, and expert guidance from Valmiera city experts. This support is designed to help teams fully understand the challenges and develop effective solutions.

4. What are the hackathon challenges?

Participants can choose from six challenges, each focusing on a specific area in Valmiera that requires innovative environmental solutions. These include flood resilience, urban heat mitigation, and water quality improvement.

5. What is the prize fund for the hackathon?

The total prize fund for the hackathon is 5000 EUR, which will be awarded to teams that present the most innovative and effective solutions.

6. How will the prize money be distributed?

Details on the prize money distribution will be provided during the event. Prizes reward creativity, practicality, and impact in addressing the given challenges.

7. What are the dates and format of the event?

The hackathon starts with a pre-event onboarding session on May 8th, online via Zoom. The main event runs from May 13th to May 17th, with the first four days online and the final day onsite in Valmiera.

8. How can I register for the hackathon?

Registration details will be provided on the official LifeHack Valmiera Hackathon website. To participate in this exciting event, register by May 12, 23:59.

9. What should I bring to the hackathon?

For the online sessions, ensure you have a reliable internet connection, a computer capable of handling video conferencing and data analysis, and any specific software tools recommended in the registration pack. For the onsite day in Valmiera, bring all necessary personal items for a full day of activities, including any tech equipment you may need for presentations.

10. How team will be formed?

Participants who already have a team before the hackathon are welcome to register and add team info on the hackathon platform. Those who do not have a team will have the opportunity to join other teams or form new ones during the initial team formation and Matchmaking phase. This ensures that everyone has a chance to participate fully and contribute to a team's success. Participants are encouraged to form teams that blend different skills and backgrounds to enhance the innovation potential.

11. What to see, do and stay at Valmiera?

Please visit Valmiera Toursim Info cente home page for more information - https://visit.valmiera.lv/en

Contact info

Jurijs Kondratenko, Riga Technical University, [email protected]

Karlis Skuja, Riga Technical University, [email protected]