The role of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in infrastructure construction has grown significantly. Tampere-based Vektor.io’s 3D platform is widely used in Finland’s tramway projects. In the Helsinki metropolitan area, key projects include the Kruunusillat bridges and the upcoming Vantaa light rail line. “Our platform integrates data and designs from multiple sources well before the first shovel hits the ground. That means fewer surprises, less extra work, and even tens of percent in cost savings,” says Eero Lyytikäinen, Vektor.io’s Head of Sales. COO Matti Turunen emphasizes the importance of the Tampere region for the company—especially in terms of access to skilled labor. Minttu Hottinen, Teemu Nivell and Eero Lyytikäinen from Vektor.io, a company specialized in tools for model-based (BIM) design. BIM Can Save Tens of Percent in Planning Costs “Vektor.io is a browser-based software that combines 2D plans, 3D BIM models, geospatial data, photogrammetry, and point clouds into one unified view. The software is built for everyone working on construction projects,” the company explains. Comparative studies conducted for the Norwegian Public Roads Administration have shown that BIM-based planning is significantly more effective than traditional 2D and paper-based methods. Two road infrastructure projects in Norway were compared using traditional design methods and BIM-based 3D modeling. The report found that BIM projects contained significantly fewer errors (an average of 7.5%) compared to traditional projects (average of 19%). This translates into fewer change requirements during construction, lower costs, and better overall project quality. In Finland, similar benefits are seen. For example, in the construction of the Pirkkala tramline, underground piping can be identified and potentially relocated already in the planning phase. “This is not just software. It’s a comprehensive tool that merges design, existing infrastructure, and construction stages into one digital interface,” Lyytikäinen summarizes.“What matters most is that when, say, a track possession window opens at night and digging starts, the plan has to be crystal clear.” From Tampere’s Testbed to the World Infrastructure construction projects in Tampere also serve as a reference platform for Vektor.io. The company’s solution plays a central role in integrating alliance-based project delivery. The platform has attracted interest from other parts of Finland and abroad. The Pirkkala–Linnainmaa tramway alliance in Tampere is responsible for planning the new phase of the tramline, including streets, stops, and traffic arrangements from Hatanpään valtatie to Suuppa in Pirkkala and from Tays hospital to Linnainmaa. The first phase involves constructing tram sections from Sorin aukio to Partola and from the Kauppi campus to Ruotula. The goal is to begin operations to these interim terminal stops by August 2028. “Finnish clients are demanding. We’ve had the opportunity to develop our solutions to a very high standard here. Now we’re taking them to the world,” Lyytikäinen says. Internationalization is a key theme for the growing company. Vektor.io is currently involved in a $3 billion bridge project near the Norfolk naval base in the United States. Pilot runs and sales negotiations with some of the world’s largest construction companies are now part of its daily business. The Tampere Tramway extension to Lentävänniemi was completed at the start of 2025. Partnerships and Competitive Advantage Vektor.io collaborates closely with other players such as M-Files. Integrating with clients’ own systems is a key competitive advantage. “There are similar solutions globally that can do roughly the same as Vektor.io, but often clients want to integrate their systems into Vektor.io. That says a lot about our efficiency and technological edge,” Lyytikäinen concludes. Internationalization Boost from Scaleup Launchpad To support its international growth, Vektor.io has joined the Scaleup Launchpad program coordinated by Business Tampere. The program has helped the company refine its product for export, for example through scaleup workshops involving advisors and peer companies from Sweden and Estonia. infrarakentaminen scaleup startup tietomallinnus Vektorio vienti