Business Networks and Partners

Photonics Joensuu  offers companies access to one of Europe’s strongest photonics innovation ecosystems, where research, education, technology, and business converge. Joensuu is Finland’s leading city for photonics research and education and a globally recognised centre of expertise where companies collaborate closely with research organisations and top professionals. 

The region is home to the University of Eastern Finland’s Centre for Photonics Sciences and the Photonics Center, which provides companies with facilities, shared equipment, cleanrooms, specialist expertise, and product development environments under one roof. This enables faster prototyping, more efficient product development, and a shorter path from idea to market. 

The Photonics Joensuu network combines skilled talent, international partnerships, and world-class research infrastructure in an environment where new solutions are developed in optics, micro- and nanophotonics, sensor technology, and imaging.

For businesses, Photonics Joensuu provides direct access to a growing photonics ecosystem, international networks, and technological expertise that accelerate innovation and global business growth. Solutions developed in Joensuu are shaping the future of industries ranging from manufacturing and health technology to security solutions.

Explore world-class photonics expertise in Joensuu

Contact:

Leena Lehikoinen
Development Manager
Photonics investments, services for investing and relocating companies, plots and premises

+358 50 350 3415
+358 10 419 8039
leena.lehikoinen@businessjoensuu.fi

Forest Joensuu provides your company with a unique environment to develop, pilot, and scale forest bioeconomy solutions for international markets. Joensuu is a globally significant forestry hub where research, education, and business form a tightly integrated innovation ecosystem.

The Forest Joensuu network brings together leading companies, research institutes, educational institutions, and development organisations that create new solutions in sustainable forestry, wood-based products, digital forestry, and the circular economy.

More than 600 forest bioeconomy companies and approximately 6,000 industry jobs are located in the Joensuu region, creating a strong foundation for new investments and partnerships.

Explore world-class forest expertise in Joensuu

Contact:

Jarno Hämäläinen
Key Account Manager, Green Transition
Services for investing and relocating companies

+358 50 306 7254
+358 10 419 8019
jarno.hamalainen@businessjoensuu.fi

Looking for a place where your technology can scale from laboratory testing to global markets? Outokumpu Mining Hub (OMH), coordinated by Business Joensuu, has been built alongside the globally unique GTK Mintec facility. 

We offer more than facilities—we provide direct access to some of the mining sector’s most critical expertise and testing resources.

• Direct access to world-class research infrastructure: OMH is your gateway to GTK Mintec’s mineral processing pilot plant and laboratories.

• Connections with global industry leaders: Become part of an ecosystem visited by the world’s largest mining companies and most innovative equipment suppliers.

• Fast-track growth support: Business Joensuu experts help you identify funding opportunities, internationalise your business, and build strategic partnerships.

• Tested and scaled: Refine your technology in a real industrial environment recognised and respected worldwide.

Join Outokumpu Mining Hub and discover new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and business growth within North Karelia’s unique mining ecosystem.

Explore world-class mining expertise, networks, and business opportunities in North Karelia

Contact: 

Mervi Kontturi
Key Account Manager, mining industry
Services for investing and relocating companies

+358 50 597 2876
+358 10 419 8004
mervi.kontturi@businessjoensuu.fi

Borderland Europe brings together companies, research organizations, public authorities, and innovation partners to advance digital border security, security technologies, dual-use innovations, and cross-authority cooperation. The network provides businesses with opportunities for research and development collaboration, as well as for testing and piloting new technologies and concepts in real operational environments.

Borderland Europe is part of the NATO Innovation Range (NIR) testing network in Finland, alongside Business Turku, the DEFINE innovation environment in Riihimäki, and Business Oulu with OuluZone. Through this ecosystem, companies gain access to national and international collaboration opportunities in the fields of security, defence technology, and dual-use innovation.

Explore opportunities in digital border security and security technology in the Joensuu region.

Contact: 

Heikki Heliste
Project Manager
Borderland Europe, digital border security

+358 50 448 5010
heikki.heliste@businessjoensuu.fi

The green transition in the Joensuu region is driven by a broad collaboration network of companies, research organisations, energy providers, and municipalities. 

Energy Joensuu ecosystem brings together organisations developing technologies, solutions, and business opportunities related to renewable energy, the hydrogen economy, Power-to-X solutions, and low-carbon industry. 

The network creates opportunities for collaboration, RDI activities, investment projects, and the development of new technologies and solutions. Its goal is to build competitive value chains in Eastern Finland, ranging from renewable energy production to green hydrogen and synthetic fuel manufacturing. 

Contact:

Rami Alfasfos
Development Manager, Hydrogen Economy
Services for investing and relocating companies

+358 50 573 1477
+358 10 419 8030
rami.alfasfos@businessjoensuu.fi

Joensuu is one of Finland’s Innokaupunki (Innovation City) regions, where companies, universities, and research organisations collaborate to create new innovations and business opportunities. Innokaupunki Joensuu strengthens regional competitiveness and international attractiveness by building strong centres of expertise in future growth industries. 

The region’s key sectors include photonics, forest bioeconomy, the green transition, and startup entrepreneurship. The internationally recognised ecosystems built around these strengths – Photonics Joensuu, Forest Joensuu, Energy Joensuu and Startup Joensuu – connect businesses, researchers, and public-sector organisations in research, development and innovation activities, the creation of solutions for global challenges, and international growth acceleration. At the same time, they generate growth, jobs, and investment across Eastern Finland.

Contact: 

Pauliina Pikkujämsä
Director, Business Services
Services for investing and relocating companies, customer relations and network cooperation

+358 40 743 4362
+358 10 419 8024
pauliina.pikkujamsa@businessjoensuu.fi

 Companies in the Joensuu region collaborate closely with the University of Eastern Finland, Karelia University of Applied Sciences and Riveria. These institutions provide businesses with talent, research collaboration opportunities, and practical support for developing products, services, and business operations.

Joensuu is a major student city with more than 20,000 students across all levels of education. The city was also selected as Finland’s Best Student City in the Studentum comparison in 2026.

Research, development, and innovation (RDI) activities offer companies opportunities to renew, grow, and develop solutions to future challenges in cooperation with higher education institutions. Businesses can utilise research expertise, laboratories, pilot environments, and student projects to strengthen competitiveness and accelerate growth.

Contact: 

Mikko Järvilehto
Senior Business Advisor, R&D and Start-Ups
Services for investing and relocating companies

+358 50 346 9206
+358 10 419 8025
mikko.jarvilehto@businessjoensuu.fi

Startup Joensuu connects your startup with a broad business community, investors, mentors, and growth-focused collaboration networks. Companies benefit from mentoring, growth coaching, and expert services designed to accelerate scalable business development.

Joensuu is an exceptionally dynamic and approachable startup and innovation environment where the city, businesses, investors, universities, research organisations, and stakeholders work together to support company growth.

The University of Eastern Finland, Finland’s most multidisciplinary university, provides startups with internationally recognised research expertise, advanced technologies, and expert networks. Collaboration creates opportunities for innovation development, research commercialisation, and sustainable competitive advantage.

Karelia University of Applied Sciences and Riveria support startup growth by connecting companies with talent, student collaboration, development projects, and RDI activities.

Strong RDI capabilities, internationally recognised centres of expertise, and accessible networks make Joensuu an excellent platform for commercialising innovations, securing funding, building partnerships, and expanding internationally.

Contact: 

Mikko Järvilehto
Senior Business Advisor, R&D and Start-Ups
Services for investing and relocating companies

+358 50 346 9206
+358 10 419 8025
mikko.jarvilehto@businessjoensuu.fi

Susicorn Startup -kilpailu accelerates scalable startup growth by providing visibility, mentoring, expert services, funding opportunities, and connections to investors, partners, and innovation networks.

Susicorn combines the determination of a wolf with the ambition of a unicorn, reflecting startups from the Joensuu region aiming for international growth. Organised by Business Joensuu, Finland’s longest-running business idea competition has supported startup growth and innovation for more than 25 years. The competition was previously known as the Start Me Up Business Idea Competition.

Explore the winner and finalists of Susicorn Startup 2026.

The next Susicorn Startup Competition will take place in 2028.

Contact: 

Kari Pulkkinen

Susicorn Startup Competition
Competition submission inquiries, Head of Business Joensuu’s Competition Jury and Evaluation
+358 50 406 8716
kari.pulkkinen@businessjoensuu.fi

Joensuu Entrepreneurship Society (JoES) brings together students interested in entrepreneurship, startups, investors, and businesses. Through events, workshops, and networking opportunities, the community helps startups find talent, develop business ideas, and build partnerships from an early stage. 

Contact: 

Pinja Konttinen
Business Specialist (Joensuu)
Services for startups and new entrepreneurs

+358 50 452 1597
+358 10 419 8009 
pinja.konttinen@businessjoensuu.fi

Growth Capital, Investor Networks and Business Coaching

Redstone brings international investment expertise and growth company experience into the Startup Joensuu ecosystem. Companies receive support for fundraising rounds, investor introductions, and strategic coaching for scaling and international expansion.

Contact Business Joensuu Fund Manager Kari Pulkkinen for more information.

Kari Pulkkinen
Fund Manager & Growth Coach
Start-up Fund Joensuu, corporate financing, business development, development of board work

+358 50 406 8716
+358 10 419 8038
kari.pulkkinen@businessjoensuu.fi

Business Joensuu is a partner of Finnish Business Angels Networkin (FiBAN).

FiBAN is one of the world’s largest and most active angel investor networks, connecting growth companies with investors and supporting startup funding and growth. 

The City of Joensuu and Business Joensuu support company establishment, business relocation, growth, and investment projects while strengthening the competitiveness of the region. For businesses, this means a trusted partner, seamless services, and a business environment that creates favourable conditions for development, renewal, and sustainable growth. All our services are free of charge. 

Climate Joensuu brings together companies and organisations committed to advancing low-carbon solutions, sustainability, and responsible business practices. The network helps companies identify new opportunities related to climate action, strengthen competitiveness, and benefit from the business opportunities created by the green transition.

Joensuu is one of Finland’s leading cities in climate action and is committed to achieving carbon neutrality. Climate initiatives create new opportunities for businesses in innovation, cost efficiency, sustainability development, and long-term growth.

In addition to Joensuu, Business Joensuu provides business, relocation, and investment services in Heinävesi, Ilomantsi, Kitee, Liperi, Outokumpu, Polvijärvi, Rääkkylä, and Tohmajärvi. Each municipality has a dedicated  Business Joensuun business advisor who can support and coach your company in business development. Companies also benefit from Business Joensuu growth programmes, expert services, and extensive business networks.

Collaboration with municipalities creates opportunities for business growth, investments, new jobs, and regional vitality.

Learn more on the municipalities’ own websites:

Heinävesi
Ilomantsi
Kitee
Liperi
Outokumpu
Polvijärvi
Rääkkylä
Tohmajärvi

Luotsi Pohjois-Karjala helps companies with recruitment, talent acquisition, workforce development, and business transition and growth situations. Luotsi experts help identify the most suitable services, solutions, and support instruments for your company’s development needs.

This collaboration strengthens business competitiveness, growth opportunities, and workforce availability throughout North Karelia.

Luotsi service points are available in all municipalities across North Karelia.

The Job Market Finland platform serves as a digital service channel for employers, enabling recruitment, job postings, and access to employer services. 

Virta – Joensuun kaupunkikeskustayhdistys ry (Joensuu City Centre Association) enhances the attractiveness of Joensuu city centre, supports events, and improves business operating conditions through collaboration between companies, property owners, and the city.

The network provides businesses with visibility, collaboration opportunities, and the possibility to participate in the development of the city centre.

The Regional Council of North Karelia promotes regional vitality, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.

The council finances regional development, innovation, and collaboration projects that support business renewal, internationalisation, research, development and innovation (RDI) activities, and the creation of new business opportunities.

Itä-Suomen elinvoimakeskus ( Eastern Finland Economic Development Centre) strengthens the economic vitality of South Savo, North Karelia, and North Savo while supporting business growth, renewal, and internationalisation. 

For businesses, the centre provides advisory services, development services, and funding opportunities for business development, investments, and growth. It also promotes employment, access to skilled talent, and favourable business conditions in collaboration with regional partners. 

Through the Chamber of Commerce, companies gain access to current business information, training programmes, networking opportunities, and a channel to influence the development of the business environment.

North Karelia Entrepreneurs and local entrepreneur associations strengthen business operating conditions, advocacy, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Members can benefit from training programmes, events, peer support, and networking opportunities while participating in local and regional business advocacy.

Local entrepreneur associations operating within the Business Joensuu region include:

Joensuun Yrittäjät ry, Heinäveden Yrittäjät ry, Ilomantsin Yrittäjät ry, Kiteen Yrittäjät ry, Liperin Yrittäjät ry, Outokummun Yrittäjät ry, Polvijärven Yrittäjät ry, Rääkkylän Yrittäjät ry and Tohmajärven Yrittäjät ry.

The Business Mentors network consists of experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry professionals who provide free mentoring services to entrepreneur-led micro and small businesses across Finland. Through confidential, practical guidance, Business Mentors support companies in business development, growth, and overcoming a wide range of entrepreneurial challenges. 

Mentoring is free of charge and available to businesses of all sizes, industries, and stages of development. 

In addition to mentoring services, North Karelia Business Mentors deliver the national Entrepreneur Financial Help service (Yrittäjän talousapu), providing confidential support and practical guidance to entrepreneurs facing financial challenges or seeking advice on business finances. 

Hallituspartnerit Eastern Finland - Board Professionals helps SMEs and startups strengthen growth, strategic leadership, and board governance.

The network connects businesses with qualified board members and actively promotes board expertise among companies throughout the region.

For its members, Hallituspartnerit provides opportunities for board-level networking, competence development, and professional connections.

The Finnish Enterprise Agencies (Suomen Uusyrityskeskukset ry) is a nationwide entrepreneurship advisory network providing free, confidential, and accessible business counselling for individuals planning to start a business.

Every year, more than 6,000 new companies are established with the support of NewCo Finland advisory services, and approximately 80% of businesses that have used the service remain operational five years after establishment.

Business Joensuu is a member of NewCo Finland and serves as a certified regional business advisory centre. 
Start – Business Startup Services provides free expert business counselling and entrepreneurship training for individuals planning to start a business in Heinävesi, Ilomantsi, Joensuu, Kitee, Outokumpu, Polvijärvi, Rääkkylä, and Tohmajärvi. 

Finnish Association of Business Brokers and Ownership Transfer Experts (Suomen Yritysvälittäjäin ja Omistajanvaihdosasiantuntijain Liitto ry, SYVL) is a national network of business brokers and ownership transfer specialists promoting successful business acquisitions, ownership transfers, and succession planning. The association strengthens cooperation, expertise, and professional standards within the sector.

Business Joensuu is a corporate and community member of SYVL and supports regional businesses in planning and implementing acquisitions, ownership transfers, and succession processes.

Business Joensuu is a member of RAKLI through its Science Park business operations.

Finnish Association of Development Agencies – SEKES is the national network of Finnish economic development organisations, focused on improving business services and strengthening regional collaboration.

Through the network, Business Joensuu benefits from national expertise, operating models, and cooperation networks to enhance business services and support regional business growth.

Business Finland and Team Finland support company growth, internationalisation, exports, research, development and innovation (RDI), and investment activities.

Companies can utilise expert services, funding opportunities, and international networks to enter new markets, develop business operations, and accelerate growth.

Team Finland brings together Finland’s internationalisation and export promotion services, helping companies identify international partners, access new markets, and implement export and growth strategies.

Business Joensuu's funding advisory services help companies identify suitable services, funding opportunities, and international growth pathways while connecting them with the right Business Finland and Team Finland networks. 

Business Joensuu works closely with educational institutions in entrepreneurship education and industry collaboration.

We connect students and companies through practical projects, events, and development assignments that strengthen student competencies, improve working-life connections, and help businesses find future talent.

We support and coach educational institutions and companies in planning and implementing joint student projects, including hackathons and pitching competitions.

Our educational partners include the University of Eastern Finland, Karelia University of Applied Sciences, Riveria Vocational Education and Training, and the Eastern Finland Sports Institute.

Contact: 

Mikko Järvilehto
Senior Business Advisor, R&D and Start-Ups
Services for investing and relocating companies

+358 50 346 9206
+358 10 419 8025
mikko.jarvilehto@businessjoensuu.fi

Lasse Immonen
Business Coach (Joensuu)
Assessment of business ideas, services and coaching for start-up entrepreneurs,
Procurement advisory and public procurement services

+358 50 514 9791
lasse.immonen@businessjoensuu.fi

We support entrepreneurship education in comprehensive schools, upper secondary schools, vocational education, and higher education institutions in collaboration with educational partners. The objective is to increase young people’s understanding of entrepreneurship as a career path while encouraging them to develop their skills, employability, and entrepreneurial mindset.

If you would like Business Joensuu to participate as a coach, mentor, trainer, or speaker in educational programmes, entrepreneurship studies, or events, please contact us.

Lasse Immonen
Business Coach (Joensuu)
Assessment of business ideas, services and coaching for start-up entrepreneurs,
Procurement advisory and public procurement services

+358 50 514 9791
lasse.immonen@businessjoensuu.fi

Heli Saario
Business Coach
Assessment of business ideas, services and coaching for start-up entrepreneurs, student entrepreneurship

+358 45 880 0343
heli.saario@businessjoensuu.fi

Pinja Konttinen
Business Specialist (Joensuu)
Services for startups and new entrepreneurs

+358 50 452 1597 
pinja.konttinen@businessjoensuu.fi

Business Joensuu offers students opportunities for internships and thesis projects within a wide range of expert and development assignments. Internships provide valuable work experience, opportunities to participate in practical projects, and insight into business services and regional development activities.

Thesis projects can be completed in various fields in cooperation with Business Joensuu experts.

Internship and thesis applications, including a CV, can be sent to: careers@businessjoensuu.fi.

• VisitKarelia for professionals
• VisitKarelia for individuals

• Visit Finland / Business Finland
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• Congress Network Finland ry
• SUOMA ry - Association of Tourism Organisations in Finland