Access rights, access tokens and key control on Otaniemi campus
On this page you will find instructions to access control, access to buildings and key control on Otaniemi campus.
Mobile phone as the key to campus
On campus, a mobile phone serves as an access token for both Aalto students and staff. In collaboration between the university, Aalto University Properties, and the service provider Bitwards, the mobile ID system has been under development for several years.
As a part of renewing the access control operations over the campus, Aalto University and Aalto University Properties Ltd (ACRE) have updated access control system in collaboration with technology company Bitwards Ltd. The aim is to introduce invisible access control and gradually transition from traditional physical access cards to mobile IDs, taking into account the readiness of campus users.
The Otaniemi campus is extensive, with more than 2,000 access-controlled doors, around 15,000 students and 4,000 staff members. As mobile IDs become the standard, the number of users may reach nearly 20,000.
Mobile ID allows flexible updates and modifications to the access control system. In the future, the technology could also be extended to other resources on campus, such as storage lockers or various types of equipment.
“Access control is a central element of the campus experience and security. Every member of the Aalto community should be able to move as effortlessly as possible, while ensuring that doors meant to remain closed do stay closed. Today, many people already have a smartphone with a calendar, wallet and all essential applications - so why not also a key for moving around campus,” says Ville Jokela, Managing Director of Aalto University Properties Ltd.
Working together for a better campus experience
Collaboration between the university, ACRE and Bitwards has been refined over several years. The mobile ID pilot was launched in 2019 in the coworking facilities of the university, spanning five different campus buildings. The system was tested, developed and adapted to the campus environment and to the needs of a very broad user base. The starting point was to simplify access control processes, improve security and enhance cost efficiency. The joint development work is still ongoing.
"We are committed to a safe and modern campus. The spirit of Aalto includes piloting new practices and being a pioneer. We have received positive feedback on mobile ID, but of course, also development ideas. We recognise potential problem situations which will all be individually reviewed", Jokela continues.
The technology behind Bitwards' mobile ID solution stems from Nokia's former research centre, which has historically closely collaborated with Aalto University as well. "Security is at the core of Bitwards' operations. The system is based on distributed intelligence, allowing locks to evaluate the validity of encrypted mobile identifiers. The Bitwards solution offers almost unlimited scalability for different applications and use cases", says Eljas Saastamoinen, CEO of Bitwards Ltd.
Currently, Aalto recommends mobile identifiers for all Aalto members, both students and staff. By autumn 2025, there will be over ten thousand users.
Registration and activation of the Bitwards Mobile ID for students and staff
When you start studying at Aalto University, you will need an access pass to move around the campus.
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