Simulation-based teaching in virtual environments offers unique advantages over traditional methods and is already widely used. However, challenges such as high costs, technological management issues, pedagogical concerns, lack of standards, ethical considerations, and difficulties in collaboration and network-building hinder the development of companies in the field. Educational institutions often tackle these challenges independently, complicating operations for companies. Collaboration, sharing, and building a network for simulation-based learning in the Helsinki metropolitan area help companies scale to the market faster, invest in RDI activities, develop the commercialization of innovations, and create new products and services for the market. The project primarily targets simulation and learning technology companies, including startups, SMEs, and established enterprises working with virtual environments, augmented reality, and simulation or oter edtech solutions. Companies involved in edtech, physical learning environments, construction, circular economy, tourism, and customer service will also benefit from events, innovation challenges, and ecosystem development. Indirectly, the project supports teaching staff, students, and city experts through co-development and testing of new innovations. Prepared in collaboration with the City of Helsinki, Haaga-Helia, Laurea, Stadin AO, Varia, and Omnia, the project positions educational institutions as testbeds for developing and testing simulation-based learning solutions. Three major innovation challenges, dismantling intact, tourism, and customer service, will focus on scalable learning technology solutions. These challenges will create new simulation content for sectors such as construction (in collaboration with circular economy projects), tourism (using AR/VR technologies), and customer service training (using AI). The project will implement also several smaller pilots focused on developing scalable learning technology solutions in collaboration with companies, educational institutions, teaching staff, and students. The project will also develop a movable immersive simulation learning environment, along with supporting software and content for vocational education. This initiative aims to enhance cooperation between technology companies and educational institutions, as well as their staff, while removing barriers to the use of immersive learning. In the immersive learning environment, companies can efficiently test and develop their products with users. The active role of cities and educational institutions, such as reference practices and long-term product testing, supports the growth of companies in the sector. Strengthening networks across secondary and higher vocational education in the Helsinki metropolitan area, the project fosters innovation and expertise in digital learning while transcending city boundaries. It promotes regional networking, RDI collaboration, and the establishment of a simulation-based teaching and edtech ecosystem connecting edtech developers, public sector actors, educational experts, and students. Companies in circular economy, tourism, and customer service sectors will also benefit. The culture of experimentation offers companies and educational institutions the ability to meet the needs of evolving learning, leading to the creation of new knowledge and radical innovations. Knowledge and expertise sharing in the metropolitan area have improved, and collaboration between companies and innovation cooperation with educational and research organizations has increased and strengthened. Key project outcomes include new simulation-based learning content, an immersive teaching toolkit, developed technical and operational model of the mobile immersive space, a shared material library, and a talent pool. These deliverables strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and enable companies to develop next-generation learning environments, expanding the innovation ecosystem's international reach. The project lays the groundwork for broader regional development and future EU-level initiatives, aligning with smart specialization strategies. Project activities by work package (WPs): WP1 – Foundation Building and Needs Assessment (10/2025–2/2026) Laying the groundwork for project actions and ecosystem development: Establish a collaboration framework for edtech and simulation-based learning in HEV cities. Create a pedagogical vision, identify user needs and development targets for company cooperation. Define pilot platforms and document findings to support further planning. WP2 – Innovative Pilots, Experiments, and Solutions for Advancing Simulation-Based Learning (2/2026–8/2027) This work package focuses on developing and piloting innovative simulation-based learning solutions through practical experimentation. Key components include: Three innovation challenges: Selective Demolition (construction sector), Virtual Tourism (tourism sector) and