Kimmy Photonics Solves Customer Problems Through Photonics Expertise

Joensuu’s photonics ecosystem has gained a new player that was previously missing from the region. Kimmy Photonics is not only a channel for international technology suppliers in Finland, but also an expert partner providing customised solutions.

Kimmy Photonics offers its customers high-tech solutions in photonics, imaging and optical measurement from international technology suppliers.

Kimmy Photonics Sales Engineer Mikko Halonen combines technical expertise with an understanding of customers’ needs in his work.

For example, a customer may need solutions for measuring a light source. In that case, the process starts by determining how the light is introduced into the material, what kind of light is needed and what equipment can be used to control it.

– We consider, for example, whether fibres or laser light are used, what colour the light is, what its wavelength is and whether it is controlled, for example, by a computer, Halonen explains.

Halonen’s task is to help customers find the equipment, components and solutions that are best suited to their specific application from among the various alternatives. When necessary, he provides technical support and arranges demonstration equipment for customers.

– Above all, we want to be an expert partner for our customers.

Exceptionally extensive international connections

Kimmy Photonics is a photonics company founded by Kim Grundström in 2015. The company’s headquarters are located in Espoo, and its operations extend across the Nordic and Baltic countries.

Kim Grundström is one of the pioneers of photonics in Finland. Having worked with photonics-based technologies since the 1980s, Grundström was involved in founding Photonics Finland as well as the Finnish Optical Society.

One of Kimmy Photonics’ strengths is its carefully built international network. It is based on Grundström’s long-term work, thanks to which Kimmy Photonics has been able to represent respected international technology manufacturers.

– Building a network is not something that can be taken for granted, because it requires building trust and expertise, Halonen says.

Photo caption: Mikko Halonen, Kim Grundström, and Leena Lehikoinen, who is responsible for the photonics business at Business Joensuu, at the OPD photonics trade fair in Jyväskylä in spring 2026.  

Mikko Halonen works from Joensuu, where a photonics education and research cluster of European significance has grown around the university.

It is important for Kimmy Photonics to be close to potential customers, and the company hopes that cooperation with companies in Joensuu will increase further.

Business Joensuu has taken measures to attract companies and investments to the Joensuu region. This work is now bearing fruit.

– It is great to see the photonics ecosystem strengthening in Joensuu and Finland when you hear news about new investments and companies. Joensuu’s growing ecosystem is built on long-term photonics research, Halonen says.

– In Joensuu, we can serve as a link to international equipment manufacturers.

Halonen has been familiar with Joensuu’s photonics field since his student days. He studied physics at what was then the University of Joensuu, now the University of Eastern Finland. Photonics was closely integrated into his studies.

After his studies, Halonen worked in the United Kingdom for nearly four years. He returned to the Joensuu region a year ago.

– There is strong expertise and a long research tradition here, around which more and more activity is constantly being built.

The aim at the Subcontracting Trade Fair is to get to know companies and people

Kimmy Photonics will participate in the leading industrial event in the Nordic countries, the Subcontracting Trade Fair, as part of the North Karelia joint stand. The Subcontracting Trade Fair will be held in Tampere from 29 September to 1 October 2026.

Mikko Halonen is attending the fair above all to meet new people and get to know companies. At the same time, the event provides visibility and an opportunity to learn about what other operators have to offer.

– The hope is to get to talk with as many people as possible, and the aim is to find new interested companies that could benefit from Kimmy Photonics’ products, Halonen says.

What does the future look like for Kimmy Photonics?

– We want to continue to be a reliable expert partner for companies and research institutions. We hope to build long-term, sustainable relationships with our customers.

Further information:

Mikko Halonen, Technical Sales

+358 (0)50 581 4349, info@kimmy.fi

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Text: Jenna Varis, Marketing Intern, Business Joensuu

Text editing: Annika Martikainen, Business Joensuu

Photos: Business Joensuu