Uncategorized - Vidzemes plānošanas reģions

BSSSC Board meeting in Gdynia marks a strong start to 2026 and sets strategic priorities for the Baltic Sea Region cooperation

Baiba Šelkovska — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:30:45 +0000

On 10–11 March 2026, the first Baltic Sea States Subregional Cooperation (BSSSC) Board Meeting of the year took place in Gdynia, Poland, bringing together representatives of regions, municipalities, experts, and youth organisations from across the Baltic Sea Region. The meeting was hosted by the City of Gdynia and the Pomorskie Region and marked the first Board session led by the Vidzeme Planning Region in its new role as the BSSSC Chair for 2026–2027.

*Photo by Mr Łukasz Tokarczyk, Pomorskie Marshal’s Office

Gdynia, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, provided an inspiring backdrop for the discussions. The first day of the programme offered insights into the city’s development vision, its approach to sustainable urban planning, and its dynamic creative and cultural ecosystem. This understanding set the stage for the strategic conversations that followed.

In the evening, during an official meeting with the leadership of Gdynia and the Pomorskie Region, Inese Suija‑Markova delivered her first address as BSSSC Chair. She highlighted the human dimension of cooperation and the strength of regional partnerships, noting: “When we cooperate across borders, cultures, and perspectives, we learn to listen, to understand, and to trust.” This message resonated strongly throughout the next day’s deliberations.

The Board Meeting on 11 March, held at Gdynia City Hall, focused on the key challenges and priorities shaping the Baltic Sea Region. The session opened with welcoming remarks from the BSSSC Chair, the Mayor of Gdynia, and representatives of the Pomorskie Region. The Board adopted the BSSSC Working Plan for 2026–2027, placing particular emphasis on societal resilience, civil preparedness, countering hybrid threats, and protecting critical infrastructure. The discussions also highlighted the importance of a green and secure energy transition, including offshore wind development, resilient energy grids, and locally anchored energy solutions.

Sustainable transport and connectivity emerged as another core priority, with attention given to TEN‑T, Rail Baltica, and maritime policy. The Board also stressed the need to integrate youth participation and talent development across all policy areas, as well as to strengthen the role of culture and identity in fostering social cohesion — including through initiatives such as the BSR Cultural Pearls.

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to the role of regions and cities in shaping European policies. BSSSC partners were unanimous that local and regional authorities must be present at the decision‑making table whenever policies are designed that directly affect people’s lives. The Board confirmed its commitment to actively defending regional interests in the upcoming negotiations on the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework, stressing that the next budget must reflect the needs and realities of the local and regional municipalities of the Baltic Sea Region. Participants also underlined that cooperation at Baltic Sea level is not only a driver of development but also a source of security — it builds mutual trust, strengthens resilience, and ensures that partners can support one another when crises arise.

The meeting also included reports from other Baltic Sea regional organizations, such as the Council of the Baltic Sea States, the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference, the CPMR Baltic Sea Commission, and Euroregion Baltic, demonstrating strong alignment and cooperation across the macro‑region.

Throughout all discussions, one message remained constant: unwavering support for Ukraine. Participants expressed hope that Ukrainian partners will soon be able to join the BSSSC table in one form or another.

The meeting in Gdynia marked a confident and purposeful start to the BSSSC’s work in 2026. With a clear strategic direction, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to strengthening the region’s security, resilience, and sustainable development, the BSSSC continues to serve as a vital cooperation network in the Baltic Sea Region.

About BSSSC

The Baltic Sea States Subregional Cooperation (BSSSC) is a political network representing regions, cities, and sub‑regional authorities around the Baltic Sea. It strengthens the voice of local and regional authorities in Baltic Sea cooperation and at the European level. For the next two years – 2026 and 2027 – the network is chaired by the Vidzeme Planning Region. More information: https://www.bsssc.com/

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Vidzeme Planning Region launches the improvement of regional policy in the field of social care

Alise Seile — Fri, 30 May 2025 12:23:11 +0000

To gain knowledge and improve the development of regional policy in the field of social care, the Vidzeme Planning Region (VPR) has joined the international project “Promoting Technical Standards for Assistive Technologies in European Social Care Services” (TechSocialcare). The project aims to enhance policy instruments in partner countries by supporting the development of unified technical standards for the use of assistive technologies and information and communication technologies (ICT) in the care sector.

From May 20 to 21, the first interregional event of the project took place in Prague, bringing together project partners from eight European countries. Alongside VPR, representatives from the National Rehabilitation Centre “Vaivari” and the deputy director of the care home “Valmiera” also participated in the event, representing stakeholders involved in the project – organizations that provide social care services in the region on a daily basis.

Lienīte Priedāja-Klepere, a representative of the Vidzeme Planning Region (VPR), introduced the “Vidzeme Planning Region Development Programme 2022–2027”. During her presentation, one of the programme’s priorities was highlighted: improving the quality of life for residents.

She also emphasized the region’s previous experience in the field of deinstitutionalisation, particularly through the implementation of the project “Vidzeme Includes”, which, even before this initiative, served as a foundation for building cooperation between the region, municipalities, and service providers.

The next part of the event program focused on exploring best practices in the Czech Republic. Partners and stakeholders listened to several expert presentations on the use of assistive technologies in social and healthcare, offering insights at both the policy and practical solution levels.

One example demonstrated how video games and telerehabilitation tools are being used in social care for individuals with various health conditions. The positive impact of such approaches was emphasized—particularly in boosting motivation for rehabilitation and improving indicators such as balance, cognitive abilities, and self-confidence.

On the second day of the exchange visit, participants visited care and technology centers. They toured the Smart Care center, where they learned about 24/7 remote care services, a compensatory assistive equipment rental system, and specialized therapy rooms.

At the TELMED assistive technology demonstration room, various technological solutions designed to support seniors in their daily lives were showcased. One such solution included sensors that monitor movement within the home without disrupting the user’s routine. Another was a smart device that reminds users to take their medications, performs health measurements, and provides access to entertainment and communication features.

A particular highlight was a social robot developed as an emotional support tool. The robot can talk, sing, dance, respond to human emotions, and monitor health indicators. Its purpose is not to replace caregivers but to offer a positive emotional experience, reduce loneliness, and help maintain cognitive abilities.

These examples demonstrated that technologies in social care are being used with the aim of strengthening individual independence, improving safety, and ensuring a dignified daily life—while also reducing the burden on the care system.

During the exchange, it was repeatedly emphasized that a well-thought-out and sustainable social and healthcare policy cannot be developed without a comprehensive perspective in which all involved parties are equally represented—residents, service recipients, care professionals, and policymakers alike.

Only by understanding the needs of each group and fostering close collaboration is it possible to build a care system that meets the needs and values of today’s society.

The next steps in the project will focus on exploring the local context. The aim is to identify the main needs and challenges in the field of social care within the Vidzeme Planning Region, with particular attention to the use of assistive technologies and information and communication technologies.

This research will include both policy document analysis and close cooperation with industry professionals and service providers in order to identify specific areas for improvement.

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The story about Stora Enso hackathon

Marta Riekstiņa — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 14:07:38 +0000

On December 5th and 6th, companies and research institutes from Latvia, Finland, Ukraine, Turkey, and Sweden gathered in Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences in Valmiera, Latvia and online to address Stora Enso’s challenges of sustainability and circularity. The hackathon focused on developing innovative, eco-friendly solutions to combat blue stain in sawn logs and wood-damaging insects — all while ensuring water conservation. With ambitious goals to enhance water stewardship and reduce process water discharges, Stora Enso reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the forestry sector for a more sustainable future.

About Stora Enso

Stora Enso, a leader in renewable packaging, biomaterials, and wooden construction, operates across Europe, Asia, and the USA, focusing on sustainability and the circular bioeconomy. By leveraging renewable resources like wood, the company drives innovation while promoting responsible forestry and reducing carbon emissions.

In Latvia, Stora Enso runs the Launkalne Sawmill in Smiltene municipality, processing 500,000 m³ of logs annually into sawn timber, ThermoWood, granules, and biomass. Half of its production of sawn timber remains in the Baltic region, with the rest exported globally.

Accelerating the transition to a circular bioeconomy

Circularity is central to Stora Enso’s sustainability efforts, focusing on waste reduction, resource efficiency, and recycling. The company champions a circular bioeconomy through sustainable forestry, a reduced environmental footprint, and improved recycling infrastructure.

Water stewardship is a key priority, with goals to reduce process water discharges per saleable ton by 17% by 2030 (2019 baseline) and further cut total water withdrawal (2016 baseline). These efforts aim to minimize environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency and lowering costs.

Stora Enso faces two key challenges during the summer to maintain wood quality: preventing blue stain caused by fungi and combating wood-boring insects. Blue stain damages the appearance and quality of wood, with watering logs as the primary solution – a process that accounted for over half of Launkalne Sawmill’s water usage in recent years (76% in 2023). The company is exploring environmentally friendly alternatives to reduce water consumption while preventing blue stain. Additionally, wood-boring insects increase significantly in warmer months, degrading wood quality and doubling the amount of low-grade logs. Stora Enso aims to address both issues with sustainable, eco-friendly solutions to protect wood, reduce water use, and manage pest damage effectively.

Collaborative Solutions

A total of nine companies applied to participate in the hackathon, but only six were selected, each bringing a unique perspective to solving the challenges.

Good Bugs (Latvia): Proposed using beneficial insects and fungi that are natural enemies of bark beetles.
State Forest Resources Agency (Ukraine): Offered an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy combining biological control methods, such as natural predators and beneficial insects, with early detection and monitoring systems.
Woolherd (Finland): Presented Woolherd Biowool, an innovative product made from surplus wool, which enhances water efficiency in wood manufacturing processes.
KAGON (Sweden): Offered ProLog 3, a weather-controlled irrigation system designed to optimize water use in sawmills and pulp industries.
SLU & Silava (Latvia and Sweden): Proposed using field and sawmill studies to determine where insects primarily colonize harvested wood by monitoring log yards, both in forests and sawmills, using traps and visual inspections to assess insect activity levels and patterns.
Crop Genius (Turkey): Introduced the Kemursgen Mapping & Monitoring System, an AI-driven solution to safeguard storage areas from wood-boring pests.

A Win-Win Outcome

For Stora Enso, the hackathon offered more than innovative solutions – it was an eye-opening experience. “Receiving the invitation to join the hackathon was a fantastic opportunity to expand our knowledge and gain fresh ideas,” said Uldis Deisons, Director of Stora Enso Wood Products at Launkalne Mill. “We’re inspired not just to implement the winning team’s idea but to explore concepts from other teams as well. The outcome exceeded our expectations. I really encourage other companies to participate in similar events.”

The hackathon concluded with KAGON AB emerging as the winner. Their ProLog 3.0 system offers a professional, weather-adapted, and demand-controlled irrigation solution for sawmills, timber terminals, and pulp industries. This cutting-edge technology, developed through years of collaboration with the sawmill and pulp sectors, ensures both environmental sustainability and effective raw material protection.

ProLog 3.0 is recognized by environmental authorities as a sustainable technology for sawmills and pulp mills, making monitoring flexible and user-friendly. “Participating in the hackathon as a supplier is a valuable experience,” said Daniel Otterbeck of KAGON AB. “It provides an opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers, explore diverse solutions, and broaden perspectives. Coming prepared with a well-tested idea is crucial to making an impact.”

Importance for the Vidzeme planning region

The Stora Enso Hackathon also underscored the pivotal role of the forest-based industry in the Vidzeme region’s economy. “This sector is the cornerstone of prosperity for our residents, industries, and SMEs,” said Laila Gercāne, Head of the Development and Projects Department in Vidzeme Planning Region. “Its growth and development are vital for the well-being and economic sustainability of our community.”

“This marks the 2nd year of implementing the BioBoosters Model Hackathons in Latvia and Vidzeme, and we are pleased to see that they are steadily gaining recognition and credibility among both the Challenge Providers and the teams that participate. The growing interest from international teams in addressing the challenges faced by the Vidzeme planning region is particularly encouraging. Notably, this year’s challenge from Stora Enso has proven to be significant to the broader wood industry, drawing considerable anticipation for its outcomes,” Inguna Kucina, an expert of the BioBoosters project in the Vidzeme planning region, revealed. “Organizing this year’s hackathons was notably smoother, thanks to the valuable experience gained from the nine successful events held last year, which delivered tangible results and greatly expanded our network of collaborators. However, each year presents a unique set of challenges for the organizers, as the conditions and dynamics shift with every new sector and problem addressed”.

By fostering collaboration and innovation, the Stora Enso Hackathon has set a benchmark for sustainable practices in forestry, offering transformative solutions that promise lasting benefits for both the industry and the environment.

BioBoosters Hackathon: Reflections on Year Two and Key Developments

Organizing the BioBoosters Hackathon for the 2nd consecutive year has proven more efficient, thanks to analysis of last year’s outcomes and improvements made based on participant feedback. Last year’s focus was on the food industry, this year’s attention turned to the wood industry – while the sectors are quite different, it was confirmed that the BioBoosters hackathon model works well across diverse fields. What sets this year apart is the nature of the challenge itself. It quickly became evident that the need for a solution in the wood industry is urgent and widespread. Conversations with companies and research institutes revealed a consistent message: they were eager to find that “unicorn”—an innovative solution that could solve a longstanding problem.

The success of the BioBoosters model hinges on strong partnerships and an extensive network of collaborators, who play a critical role in identifying potential solution providers. Without their support, reaching international companies, like this year’s winning team (who had successfully tested their product in Scandinavia but was less known in the Baltics), would have been challenging. This year also brought new experiences, particularly in the realm of active scouting. It allowed to attract participants beyond the Baltic Sea region, increasing the overall quality of collaboration. Partners were more strategic in their search for potential solutions, ensuring a more targeted approach. Unlike previous hackathons where the focus was primarily on engaging management and decision-makers, this year it was crucial to connect with individual researchers or company representatives directly working on the specific challenges. This proved to be more difficult but ultimately more valuable.

A major change this year was how we structured the relationship between mentors and teams. Unlike last year, when teams were supported by a pair of mentors, we gave each team a dedicated time with one mentor for more focused guidance. Additionally, while the teams remained highly international, the mentors this year were predominantly local. This setup proved beneficial, as mentors with expertise in the local wood industry provided more tailored, context-specific guidance, especially regarding the Latvian market.

Vidzeme Planning Region has been organizing hackathons in various formats and for different target audiences. While not all elements of the BioBoosters model have been replicated, many aspects have inspired other initiatives. One key takeaway from the past two years is that the hackathon format excels at quickly connecting companies with solution providers and ready-to-market products. It also provides a platform for innovative ideas that may need further data and testing before they can be implemented. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the BioBoosters partner network, as it remains integral to the ongoing success of this model.

Stora Enso Hackathon

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Fight against wood blueing and insects: Kagon AB company wins at the Stora Enso hackathon

Marta Riekstiņa — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 13:44:05 +0000

This week, on December 5th and 6th, six teams from Latvia, Sweden, Finland, Ukraine, and Turkey gathered to participate in the Stora Enso hackathon organized by the Vidzeme Planning Region. This time, the victory was claimed by the team Kagon AB from Sweden.

The main task of the teams was to seek innovative, eco-friendly solutions to combat the dual threats of blue stain in sawn logs and wood-damaging insects without increasing water consumption

“Participating in the hackathon as a supplier is a valuable experience. It provides an opportunity to explore diverse solutions in various markets, engage directly with decision-makers, and gain unique perspectives on your own offerings. Seeing innovative approaches from others broadens your understanding and highlights areas for growth. Most importantly, coming prepared with a well-tested idea is crucial to making a meaningful impact,” says the winning teams’ representative Daniel Otterbeck.

“Receiving the invitation to join the hackathon was a fantastic opportunity to expand our knowledge and gain fresh ideas. Our goal was to explore sustainable solutions, and this event opened our eyes to perspectives we hadn’t even considered before. We’re now inspired to implement not just the winning teams’ idea, but also some of the innovative concepts we discovered from other teams. The outcome was better than expected,” emphasizes Uldis Deisons, Stora Enso Wood Products, Launkalne Mill Director.

In total, nine teams applied to participate in the Stora Enso hackathon, of which six were selected – one from Finland (Woolherd), Ukraine (State Forest Resources Agency), Turkey (Crop Genius), Sweden (Kagon AB), Latvia (Good Bugs) and one team with participants from Latvia and Sweden (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences & Latvian State forest research institute “Silava”).

Stora Enso hackathon is part of the international BioBoosters project co-funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme. The project brings together nine innovation networks in the bioeconomy sector from countries around the Baltic Sea: Finland, Sweden, the Baltic States, Poland, and Germany. The project organizes 18 Hackathons to support responsible business practices and the transition to a circular economy for bioeconomy companies.

More information about the Stora Enso hackathon: https://www.vidzeme.lv/en/join-the-stora-enso-hackathon/

The “BioBoosters” project was launched in January 2023, it is implemented by partners from Finland, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The project will last three years and its total budget is 2.8 million euros. The project is co-financed by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Program.

More information about the project: https://www.vidzeme.lv/en/projects/boosting-the-circular-transition-bsr-bioboosters/

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The “Aloja Starkelsen” hackathon successfully ends with the victory of the Finnish company “Pinja”!

vidzeme — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 09:12:00 +0000

From November 30 to December 1, as part of the Baltic Sea region project “BioBoosters”, the final stage of the Latvian pilot hackathon “Aloja Starkelsen” took place – a team competition in the development of a solution, in which the Finnish, Internationally operating software company “Pinja” won with the most suitable offer.

For two days, in cooperation with mentors, five internationally selected teams, both in person and remotely, actively worked on solving the challenge, and also visited the production facilities of “Aloja Starkelsen” Ltd to get to know the company, its operating principles and needs for the CMMS system. All the selected teams showed excellent results by developing suitable offers for the needs of “Aloja Starkelsen” Ltd, but in active discussions, involving the hackathon jury and mentors, the offer of “Pinja” was recognized as the most suitable – this team was declared the winners of the “Aloja Starkelsen” hackathon.

“First I would like to thank great professional mentors for their feedback and help during hackathlon. We know that we can offer “Aloja Starkelsen” a great product based solution to solve their challenges as well as partnership with their leadership for building state-of-the art maintenance operations. It seems that they have very ambitious, skilled and co-creative people working in the company, which is a good start for common successful CMMS journey. We feel glad for winning the Hackathon and honoured onboarding “Aloja Starkelsen” among our group of international customers already served in 30 countries accross the world said Eppu Kuusela, Sales and Key Account Manager of “Pinja”.

The authors of the challenge and technical director of “Aloja Starkelsen” Ltd, Jānis Blaumanis did not hide the satisfaction with the positive experience, the progress of the hackathon and the solution obtained: “The hackathon, where CMMS system solutions were sought, was very successful. The participants came up with really good solutions and creative ideas. The event was a great opportunity for everyone to learn new things and network with other industry professionals. The winning team “Pinja” presented the most complete and, in our opinion, the most suitable solution for us – it was well thought out and demonstrated a deep understanding of the problem. They were able to offer a solution that was both practical and innovative. Overall, the hackathon was a great success and we hope that all participants and mentors gained a lot of new perspectives for the future.”

In total, nine teams applied to participate in the “Aloja Starkelsen” hackathon, of which five were selected – three from Latvia (VITCAKE Ltd., SIA 7Lines, AllDevice official representative in Latvia SIA Filter) and one each from Germany (Fraunhofer IGP) and Finland (Pinja).

“Aloja Starkelsen” hackathon is part of the international BioBoosters project co-funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme. The project brings together nine innovation networks in the bioeconomy sector from countries around the Baltic Sea: Finland, Sweden, the Baltic States, Poland, and Germany. The project organizes 18 Hackathons to support responsible business practices and the transition to a circular economy for bioeconomy companies.

More information about the “Aloja Starkelsen” hackathon: https://ej.uz/d5k8

Hackathon is organized in cooperation with:

More information about the project: http://www.vidzeme.lv/lv/projekti/pareja_uz_aprites_ekonomiku_baltijas_juras_regiona_bsr_bioboosters

Information was prepared by: Krista Blūma, Public Relations Specialist at Vidzeme Planning Region, krista.bluma@vidzeme.lv, 26673396

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Participate in Aloja Starkelsen hackathon to find the best solution and innovations in improving the operation of the CMMS system!

vidzeme — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:19:00 +0000

If you are a technology company, IT product manager, warehouse and production equipment service specialist, student or researcher – join Aloja Starkelsen in solving the hackathon challenge to develop an efficient equipment service and spare parts warehouse maintenance system and fight for the opportunity to sign a system supply contract with “Aloja Starkelsen” Ltd.

Aloja Starselsen also wants to include the company’ s building and infrastructure objects in the new system, link equipment with external service providers and spare parts suppliers, ensure fast response time and solutions for specific service tasks, as well as collect statistics and visualizations of various processes.

Participants who submit their solution and compete for the main prize will not only have the opportunity to create new collaborations and contacts, but also present their solution internationally, gain recognition as well as develop the commercialization potential of their idea.

A hackathon is a method of events during which selected teams will develop proposals for the technical specification for the creation of the Aloja Starkelsen CMMS system.

Hurry up and register your team by November 9, as the number of participants is limited: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/8054CF9B22F44F43

During the hackathon, the teams will work with professional local and foreign mentors who will give advice, share their experience, give feedback and encourage the participants.

Hackathon mentors:

Ville Pahlsten

Senior Lecturer, Logistics Engineering Degree Program, Jamk University of Applied Sciences

Specialized in Intralogistics, Process improvement, Leadership and Management. Pahlsten has been a senior lecturer on the mentioned topics for the last nine years, following a 10-year career in the industry.

Anna Hintikka

Senior Lecturer, Logistics Engineering Degree Program, Jamk University of Applied Sciences

Anna is specialized in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Intra-logistics, Quality & Risk Management, and Project Management. Hintikka has former work experience in Global Supply Chain and Manufacturing Management in automotive industry over 10 years.

Aleksandrs Ļubinskis

Deputy head of the Cēsis Digital Center

Aleksandrs shows and talks widely on various channels about the value and possibilities of using digital technologies. At the hackathon, the teams will be advised directly on the functionality and convenience of the systems from the user’ s point of view.

The list of mentors will be updated.

Mentors of “Aloja Starkelsen” Ltd. will also be available during the hackathon, who will be able to answer specific questions about the needs of the system.

Timeline of the hackathon:

NOVEMBER 9: Deadline for submission of team applications, register here: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/8054CF9B22F44F43
NOVEMBER 10 – 15: Team selection
NOVEMBER 16: Kick-off event where the representatives of the participating teams and the challenge provider representatives, Aloja Starkelsen, will meet. During the event, the selected teams will receive more detailed information about the challenge and will be able to start preparations.
NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 1: Hackathon days (2-day event). At the end of the day, the winning team(s) will be selected.

Hackathon challenge:

On October 12, the Aloja Starkelsen hackathon challenge launch webinar took place, during which the company manager Jānis Garančs presented the current operation of the CMMS system, its applications and the challenge, as a result of which it is necessary to obtain a working, easy to use system that would allow saving natural, material and human resources, thus making Aloja Starkelsen products more competitive and greener.

“The company has taken a step in the direction of change and we are increasing our range of products, and also the volume of production, which is the core of this challenge. Considering that Aloja Starkelsen is not a large, global company, there is currently no opportunity to afford internationally developed and expensive IT solutions, but at the same time, we are not a small local company that can work with the current system. With the help of the challenge, we want to find a way to have a predictable and preventive maintenance system for spare parts, tools and production equipment that would work according to our company’ s guidelines, cooperate with other structural units – accounting, production linesand warehouse system, as well as be able to predict the necessary line maintenance and repair needs,” reveals J. Garančs.

Solutions that Aloja Starkelsen wants to get as a result of the hackathon:

Scheduled equipment maintenance system;
Statistics on equipment downtime and reasons;
Optimum maintenance of balance of spare parts with automatic ordering tasks;
Categorizing tasks by priority and group;
Scope of work with the required number of people, expected time consumption, tools to be used;
Tasks and distribution of employees according to the competencies required to perform the work;
Defined system user roles and access levels.

Recording of the challenge webinar: https://youtu.be/ac9L4ZXVsQY?si=sHC7WnddIof-LrdC

More about the hackathon and the challenge: https://ej.uz/uhq4

More information about participating in the hackathon and clarifying questions about the challenge:

Inguna Kucina, inguna.kucina@vidzeme.lv, contact phone: +371 26598678

Hackathon is organized in cooperation with:

More information about the project:

http://www.vidzeme.lv/lv/projekti/pareja_uz_aprites_ekonomiku_baltijas_juras_regiona_bsr_bioboosters

Information was prepared by: Krista Blūma, Public Relations Specialist at Vidzeme Planning Region, krista.bluma@vidzeme.lv, 26673396

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Help Aloja Starkelsen develop an easy to use equipment and spare parts warehouse maintenance system!

vidzeme — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 11:52:00 +0000

The registration is now open to develop the best solution and innovations in improving the operation of the CMMS system for the Aloja Starkelsen hackathon challenge.

Current world trends and research prove that investment in innovation, which allows predicting potential equipment maintenance and daily maintenance work, is one of the aspects that contribute to the growth of companies.

We invite you to participate in Aloja Starkelsen hackathon to solve the challenge and develop an efficient and innovative equipment servicing and spare parts warehouse maintenance system!

Submit your team by November 9: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/8054CF9B22F44F43

Aloja Starkelsen also wants to include the company’ s buildings and infrastructure objects in the new system, link equipment with external service providers and spare parts suppliers, ensure fast response time and solutions for specific service tasks, as well as collect statistics and visualizations of various processes.

Solutions that Aloja Starkelsen wants to get as a result of the hackathon:

Scheduled equipment maintenance system;
Statistics on equipment downtime and reasons;
Optimum maintenance of balance of spare parts with automatic ordering tasks;
Categorizing tasks by priority and group;
Scope of work with the required number of people, expected time consumption, tools to be used;
Tasks and distribution of employees according to the competencies required to perform the work;
Defined system user roles and access levels.

Learn more about the challenge by watching the webinar recording: https://youtu.be/ac9L4ZXVsQY?si=J4lZ15TDaIzhF7Z6

Registration for the hackathon is open until November 9. Application using the link: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/8054CF9B22F44F43

Timeline of the hackathon:

NOVEMBER 9: Deadline for submission of team applications
NOVEMBER 10 – 15: Team selection
NOVEMBER 16: Kick-off event where the representatives of the participating teams and the challenge provider representatives, Aloja Starkelsen, will meet. During the event, the selected teams will receive more detailed information about the challenge and will be able to start preparations.
NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 1: Hackathon days (2-day event). At the end of the day, the winning team(s) will be selected.

What is Aloja Starkelsen?

Aloja Starkelsen Ltd. is engaged in the production of food raw materials, with an emphasis on legume protein, starch and potato starch raw materials of various specifications, as well as the development of food (forage) solutions based on ingredients obtained through sustainable agricultural practices and gentle processing, reducing the impact on the environment and maximally preserving the natural properties of the raw material in the final product.

More about the company: https://alojas.lv

Hackathon participants

All interested teams are invited to participate in the hackathon: technology companies, IT product managers and planners, logistics, warehouse and production equipment service and planning specialists, student teams and researchers.

Why participate in the Aloja Starkelsen hackathon?

The winning team of the hackathon will get the right to sign a system supply contract with Aloja Starkelsen Ltd. In addition, it will be possible to:

create cooperation and contacts with other companies and specialists who are interested in this field;
establish international contacts and connections in your field of interest;
test your idea with direct feedback from a potential client and learn how to adapt your solution idea to the needs of end users;
develop the commercialization potential of your idea and discover new business opportunities with the support of expert mentors;
gain international recognition and recognition.

More information about participating in the hackathon and clarifying questions about the challenge:

Inguna Kucina, inguna.kucina@vidzeme.lv, contact phone: +371 26598678

Hackathon is organized in cooperation with:

More information about the project:

http://www.vidzeme.lv/lv/projekti/pareja_uz_aprites_ekonomiku_baltijas_juras_regiona_bsr_bioboosters

Information was prepared by: Krista Blūma, Public Relations Specialist at Vidzeme Planning Region, krista.bluma@vidzeme.lv, 26673396

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We invite you to apply for the Latvian pilot hackathon “Aloja Starkelsen” challenge call webinar!

vidzeme — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:30:00 +0000

As part of the Baltic Sea region project “BioBoosters”, Vidzeme Planning region in cooperation with “Aloja Starkelsen”Ltd. invites technology companies, IT product managers and planners, logistics, warehouse and production facilities service and planning specialists, student teams and researchers to participate in the informative webinar of hackathon challenge call, which will take place on October 12.

Join the introduction webinar and learn about the challenge to solve it and develop an efficient system for servicing equipment and maintaining a spare parts warehouse!

During the webinar, “Aloja Starkelsen” will introduce to the company and the challenge “Development of CMMS system improvements, more efficient equipment servicing and maintenance of spare parts warehouse”. The goal of the challenge is to streamline and ensure a sustainable production process, providing it with a planned and logical equipment service strategy or plan, at the same time creating a rational and easy-to-operate spare part, warehouse of production materials, thus saving natural, material and human resources, making the product competitive and greener.

As a result of the hackathon, the company wants to get a technical specification, or terms of reference, for a software developer to work together to create a working, easy-to-use system. The winning team of the hackathon will be entitled to sign a system supply contract with “Aloja Starkelsen”.

Webinar date: October 12, from: 13:00 – 15:00 (EEST / UTC+3)

Venue: Online, Zoom

Webinar registration link: https://forms.office.com/e/xg7Db77zhn

Hackathon dates: November 30 and December 1, 2023

Program:

13:00 – 13:20 Opening and introduction, Vidzeme Planning Region, Jamk University of Applied Sciences

13:20 – 13:45 Intra-logistics, Quality & Risk Management, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, and Procurement, Senior Lecturer Anna Hintikka, Jamk University of Applied Sciences

13:45 – 14:05 Warehouse planning and maintenance, EDIC support, speaker will be specified

14:05 – 14:35 Aloja Starkelsen challenge for hackathon – CMMS system improvements, Jānis Blaumanis, technical director

14:35 Q&A closing words

More information about the “Aloja Starkelsen” hackathon here.

More information about participation in the hackathon: Laima Engere-Levina, Laima.Engere@vidzeme.lv, phone number: +371 28376912

All project partners will implement the hackathons using a common methodology, based on the experience of the 12 hackathons of the project’ s lead partner, the JAMK University of Applied Sciences (JAMK).

Project “BioBoosters” started in January 2023 and is implemented by partners from Finland, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The project will run for three years and has a total budget of €2.8 million. The project is co-funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme.

More information about the project: http://www.vidzeme.lv/lv/projekti/pareja_uz_aprites_ekonomiku_baltijas_juras_regiona_bsr_bioboosters

Information was prepared by: Krista Blūma, Public Relations Specialist at Vidzeme Planning Region, krista.bluma@vidzeme.lv, 26673396

The post We invite you to apply for the Latvian pilot hackathon “Aloja Starkelsen” challenge call webinar! appeared first on Vidzemes plānošanas reģions.

Aloja Starkelsen Hackathon challenge – CMMS system improvements

vidzeme — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:08:00 +0000

“Aloja Starkelsen” Ltd invites you to find solutions for a more efficient and sustainable production process through a planned CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management System) system and a logical strategy for equipment servicing and spare parts warehouse maintenance, while creating a streamlined and easy-to-operate programme.

Join the event to solve the challenge and develop an efficient system for servicing equipment and maintaining a spare parts warehouse!

What is it about?

The aim of the CMMS system improvement development, more efficient equipment servicing and spare parts warehouse maintenance is to obtain a technical specification or terms of reference for a software developer who will work together to create a working, easy-to-use system and save natural, material and human resources, making the product more competitive and greener.

#AlojaStarkelsen #BioBoosters #AlojaHackathon #MadewithInterreg #boostyourbusiness

Welcome to solve the challenge!

What is Aloja Starkelsen looking for?

The challenge is looking for an easy-to-use electronic tool to keep track of:

Scheduled maintenance of equipment;
Collect statistics on equipment downtime and reasons;
Maintain an optimal spare parts balance with automatic ordering tasks depending on the balance;
Link equipment to outsourcers and spare parts suppliers;
Ensure fast response times and solutions for specific service tasks;
Allocate tasks and workers according to the competencies required to perform the work;
Defining the scope of work with the number of people required, estimated time consumption, tools to be used;
Establishing the roles and access levels of system users;
Categorisation of tasks by priority and group;
Connection of company buildings and infrastructure objects to the system (currently only equipment);
Integration of the repair and improvement work plan into a single system with the production plan to reflect the availability of equipment to meet production plan targets;
Statistics, process visualisations;
Other options that could be used to achieve the above objectives.

The solutions developed will be evaluated mainly on the basis of the following criterion: the efficiency of the solution, comparing the resources required (natural, human and financial) with the performance of the system.

What is “Aloja Starkelsen”?

“Aloja Starkelsen” Ltd. is a food raw materials producer, focusing on raw materials of different specifications of legume protein, starch and potato starch, as well as the development of food (animal nutrition) solutions based on ingredients obtained through sustainable agricultural practices and gentle processing, minimising environmental impact and maximising the natural properties of the raw material in the final product.

More about the company: https://alojas.lv

Hackathon participants

The hackathon is open to all interested teams: technology companies, IT product managers and planners, logistics, warehouse and production facilities service and planning specialists, student teams and researchers.

The Hackathon challenge is international and the working language of the events is English. Participation in the hackathon is free. International teams from the Baltic Sea region (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) will also be offered travel reimbursements.

Read more about the rules here: BioBoosters hackathon rules

Hackathon jury

The jury consists of representatives of “Aloja Starkelsen” Ltd, that are supported by representatives of the organiser.

Why shoud You participate in the Aloja Starkelsen Hackathon?

As the winning team of the hackathon, you will be entitled to sign a system supply contract with “Aloja Starkelsen” Ltd. In addition, you will have the opportunity to:

network with other companies and professionals interested in this field;
establish international contacts and networking in your field of interest;
test your idea with direct feedback from a potential customer and learn how to adapt your solution idea to the needs of end-users;
develop the commercialisation potential of your idea and discover new business opportunities with the support of expert mentors;
gain international recognition and visibility.

Timetable

12 OCTOBER: Launch webinar
9 NOVEMBER: Deadline for team applications
10 – 15 NOVEMBER: Team selection
16 NOVEMBER: Kick-off event where participating teams and representatives of the Challenge sponsor company will meet. Company representatives will tell the teams more about the challenge.
30 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER: Hackathon Days (2-day event). At the end of the day the winning team(s) will be selected.

More information: Laima Engere-Levina, Laima.Engere@vidzeme.lv, phone: +371 28376912

Organizer: Vidzeme Planning region

More information about the project: http://www.vidzeme.lv/lv/projekti/pareja_uz_aprites_ekonomiku_baltijas_juras_regiona_bsr_bioboosters

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