IDA Hub

The IDA Hub Film and Multimedia Innovation Centre is an environment where domestic and international film productions can be better served and looked after in the Ida-Viru region, helping develop the audiovisual creative industry more broadly in Estonia

Concept

Our mission is to contribute to the development of an innovative film industry ecosystem in the Ida-Viru region. The concept includes empowering companies with support services, establishing a physical infrastructure, fostering cross-sector collaboration for service development, and creating a network of background workforce that offer services to the film industry locally.

Our goal is to support the growth of film talent and future innovators. Establishing the center in Ida-Viru County contributes to the objectives of the Just Transition Fund by diversifying the region’s economic model and supporting the growth of small businesses. Our strength lies in providing complex solutions and integrating technological advancements with the needs of the film industry.

The physical establishment, design, and management of the center—incubators and studio complex—are overseen by the Ida-Viru Investment Agency (IVIA). The Ida-Viru Business Center (IVEK), in collaboration with Tehnopol Science and Business Park (Tehnopol) create content that integrates the community, supports local economic life, and implements innovative incubation programmes:

  • Film and Multimedia Accelerator

    focuses on multimedia, virtual, and augmented reality, and develops startups in these fields, promoting innovations that make the film industry more efficient, environmentally friendly, and innovative.

  • Film Industry Incubation Programme

    supports both established and starting creative industry entrepreneurs and individuals who wish to engage in developments within the audiovisual field.

Uniq Concept
100+ Rental workplaces
The largest studio complex in the Baltics
Diverse outdoor shooting locations

Background

Estonia is on the path to climate neutrality, with the transition affecting the Ida-Viru region the most, where there are challenges such as low wages, high unemployment, a declining and aging population, etc.

On a regional level, just transition means restructuring the carbon-intensive economy, diversifying the economic and business environment, developing workforce skills, and improving the living environment. There are few modern, attractive jobs and business opportunities for young people in the county.

To support the transition process, the Ministry of Finance, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, began designing measures for the European Union-funded Just Transition Fund (JTF) in 2021.

In January 2024, the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications signed an official decree establishing conditions for supporting the creation and development of the Ida-Viru Incubation Services Programme, with IVEK as the implementer and IVIA and Tehnopol as partners. Ida-Viru is an economically and strategically significant region in Estonia, where various regional and national partners collaborate to address developmental challenges.

To boost the development of a carbon-free economy in Ida-Viru, the public sector is expanding its range of business and support infrastructure, stimulating the growth of technology startups and creative industry companies in the CO₂-neutral audiovisual field.

In April 2024, Tehnopol and IVEK launched the first test cohorts for the film and multimedia accelerator and the film industry incubation pilot programme, respectively.

In August and October 2024, the Minister of Economy and Industry signed an official decree establishing conditions for supporting the construction of a digital and multimedia incubator, along with a creative industry incubator with a studio complex in Jõhvi Business Park. The activities are implemented by IVIA. The incubators with studios will be ready in August 2026.

To bring life to both small and large dreams in the film world

Sustainability

We are committed to creating and developing an environmentally friendly and sustainable environment.

Directions for reducing the CO₂ footprint and enhancing the green footprint – this approach enhances the attractiveness of the production infrastructure for both Estonian and international film producers, increasing competitiveness in obtaining support and finding co-productions with similar green values:

  • Ensuring easy physical access via public transport, light mobility vehicles, and walking
  • Organizing waste management by sorting by type
  • Promoting reuse (using recycled materials in workshop processes where possible, following circular economy principles)
  • Concentrating all participants in the film production process chain in or near the infrastructure (green direction for the entire value chain)
  • Establishing shaded green islands in parking lots
  • Creating electric vehicle charging stations
  • Setting up a bicycle parking area
  • Utilizing green energy from solar panels installed on rooftops
  • Location away from urban environments, on riverside forestland—preserving natural habitats in floodplains
  • Creating outdoor relaxation/work areas

Design Requirements for Buildings and Rooms:

  • High energy efficiency, use of environmentally friendly energy supply technologies (solar panels on rooftops, LED lighting indoors and outdoors)
  • Automation and smart management of utility and energy resources
  • Electronic access control system for room entry and zoned usage
  • Central heating system
Developed by Ballers