-2.jpg?width=1920&name=Business%20Joensuu%20-%20Menestyksen%20Mindset%20-kasvutapahtuma%20(17)-2.jpg)
Startup Joensuu
Startup Joensuu is a dynamic startup ecosystem in Eastern Finland connecting founders, investors and companies. The network includes more than 70 startups and growth-oriented organizations, creating a strong environment for building and scaling new businesses.
Startups benefit from mentoring, growth programs and access to regional and international funding networks. Business Joensuu supports startups and investors with tailored advisory, funding guidance, soft landing services and connections to partners, talent and research organisations.
Strong local expertise in ICT, photonics and sustainable technologies together with close cooperation with universities and industry creates real opportunities for innovation and growth.
Whether you are launching a startup, looking for investment opportunities or seeking innovation partnerships, Startup Joensuu offers a supportive environment where ideas turn into scalable companies.
-
Susicorn Startup CompetitionSusicorn is an international startup competition held in Joensuu that brings together promising early-stage startups, investors and industry leaders. The event gives founders a platform to present their ideas, gain visibility and build connections that support funding, growth and international expansion. -
SOHJO Innovation and Business EventSohjo is an annual startup and business event in Joensuu that gathers startups, companies, investors and innovators to explore new technologies, ideas and partnerships. Through inspiring talks and networking opportunities, the event helps create new collaborations and business opportunities. -
Sohjo HACKS Hackathon for new ideasSohjo HACKS is a fast-paced hackathon where developers, designers and innovators collaborate to solve real-world challenges and build new digital solutions. Participants work in teams to develop prototypes, test ideas and create concepts that can grow into future startups or new business innovations.
Whether you're nesting a brilliant business idea, mapping funding options, have your eye on international markets or your business is ready to take a big leap of growth, we've got you!
-
(Startup Fund Joensuu)
North Karelia Growth Fund II
Startup Fund Joensuu has concluded. North Karelia Growth Fund II is currently being established — more information coming soon. -
RDI connections
-1.jpg?width=960&name=Business%20Joensuu%20-%20Menestyksen%20Mindset%20-kasvutapahtuma%20(6)-1.jpg)
Startups Powered by Strong Industry Clusters
Joensuu’s key industries offer startups real opportunities to develop and scale new solutions. Strong sectors such as forest bioeconomy, photonics, digital border security, green transition technologies, mineral economy and advanced manufacturing provide access to research, industry partners and global markets.
Close cooperation with companies and universities helps startups test ideas, build partnerships and grow faster.
-1.jpeg?width=960&name=Joensuu%20-%20Photonics%20(5)-1.jpeg)
City of Joensuu
Redstone
Karelia University of Applied Sciences
University of Eastern Finland (UEF)
North Karelia Chamber of Commerce
North Karelia Entrepreneurs Association
Joensuu Entrepreneurship Society (JoES)
-1.jpeg?width=1920&name=Business%20Joensuu%20-%20Menestyksen%20Mindset%20-kasvutapahtuma%20(19)-1.jpeg)
Upcoming Events for Startups
-
Startup Afterwork
17.06.2026 18.00—20.00Joensuu -
Kiirehdi! Ilmoittautuminen päättyy pian.
Deeptech Startup ecosystem development workshop
24.06.2026 13.00—16.00Joensuu -
-1.jpg?width=600&name=Business%20Joensuu%20-%20Menestyksen%20Mindset%20-kasvutapahtuma%20(10)-1.jpg)
Hallitustyö yrityksien kasvun vauhdittajana
19.08.2026 11.30—15.30Outokumpu
Related articles
-
01.06.2026 • City of KiteeNATO Innovation Range Testing Event Kicks Off Today in Joensuu and Across Finland
In early June, from 1 to 10 June 2026, Finnish and international defence technology companies will gather across Finland for the NATO Innovation Range (NIR) event series, where technologies will be... -
27.04.2026 • Photonics industryStartup Afterwork launches in Joensuu – low-threshold meetups for the startup-minded
A new event series, Startup Afterwork, is launching in Joensuu, bringing together startup founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, students, and anyone interested in the startup world on a monthly basis. -
23.04.2026 • Start-up Fund JoensuuInvestor Timo Ahopelto at the Future Forum: Successful startup ecosystems need a breakthrough company
The North Karelia Future Forum (Pohjois-Karjalan Tulevaisuusfoorumi) brought together a wide range of companies, investors, researchers and development actors in Joensuu on April 23, 2026, to build a... -
31.03.2026 • Business Joensuu newsSOHJO 2026: The “Texas of Finland” Emerges from the Fusion of Energy, Industry and New Technology
Is Eastern Finland like Texas in the United States – a frontier region where strong industry, the energy sector and rapidly growing technology meet? This is a place where globally significant... -
.jpg?width=600&name=Recolth%20-%20Susicorn%20Startup%20Competition%20Winner%202026%20-%20Business%20Joensuu%20(7).jpg)
27.03.2026 • Business Joensuu newsFoot health device improves functional ability and supports rehabilitation – Recolth wins the Susicorn Startup Competition 2026
Recolth has won the Susicorn Startup Competition with its foot health device, RedStep, designed to relieve pain and restore mobility. It supports rehabilitation by activating foot function, making... -
27.03.2026 • Business Joensuu newsUniversity laboratories finally open to companies – “a dream come true,” says startup veteran
Millions have been invested in university equipment, and now the goal is to generate value by opening these laboratories to companies, says the organizer of the SOHJO Hackathon, which focuses on...
.png?width=400&height=97&name=MKL_eng_vaaka_vari-musta_rgb%20(1).png)