The Urban Farmer Pilot by Viikki Food Design Factory, the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry (MMTDK), and Blokgarden brings urban food production closer to students and communities in Viikki. It offers MMTDK students the opportunity to experiment with micro-entrepreneurship as urban farmers. The pilot simulates a model where students act as food producers on the Viikki campus using Blokgarden's vertical farming equipment and guidance, selling the harvest to local buyers. In the pilot, students run a small-scale farming unit that produces lettuce, herbs and cucumbers. The harvest is sold directly to Viikki residents (restaurants and/or households). The pilot tests a completely new type of business model aimed at creating a foundation for sustainable urban vegetable production and its local sales.
Apply for the Urban Farmer Pilot Project in Viikki, offered by Viikki Food Design Factory and Blokgarden. This project allows students to engage in urban food production, earn money, and gain study credits while acting as food producers on the Viikki campus using vertical farming equipment.
Products: Grow lettuce, herbs, cucumbers.
Study Credits: Earn 5-15 study credits (Course Code: AGRI-295) through planning, a learning diary, and a final report. the number of study credits depends on the amount of time you spend on the project.
Sales: The products are sold directly to local restaurants (Unicafe Viikuna August-September) and households.
Duration: From April to September, about 10 hours per week starting mid-May, with 2-4 students participating.
Support: Blokgarden provides equipment and guidance, Viikki Food Design Factory offers workshops throughout the pilot, while the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry offers the production site & study credits.
Construction, Plan writing & Kick Off Workshop (April-May 2025): Build cultivation units and start initial growing. Write a plan for the project to be approved by the responsible teacher.
Cultivation & Learning diary (May-September 2025): Weekly tasks include care, harvesting, and sales, with ongoing support.
Final Report (September 2025): Assess outcomes, learning experiences, and business viability, and report on potential expansion.
Application process: Apply as an Urban Farmer by 23rd of March by filling out the application form (includes 1-page motivation letter), at the application link below.
Info Session: Since this is a new initiative, we are organizing an info session where we will show the timeline of the project, main tasks, and there will be an opportunity for questions. Sign up and get the link to the info session on March 17th below.
In case you have any questions, contact:
Isa Stucki
Pilot Project Manager
Viikki Food Design Factory, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
isa.stucki@helsinki.fi