The Photonics Research Center at the University of Eastern Finland and Japan’s Akita Prefecture have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at combining North Karelia’s expertise in photonics with Akita’s strengths in robotics, artificial intelligence and technology. The agreement opens up new opportunities for joint research, technology development and business collaboration.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at Joensuu Science Park on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. The agreement was signed by Kenta Suzuki, Governor of Akita Prefecture, and Professor Kari Lehtinen, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology at the University of Eastern Finland.
“Akita Prefecture is committed to fully supporting our joint efforts by opening our real on-site environments as testing fields and by strongly backing both co-development and the practical implementation of new technologies,” says Governor Kenta Suzuki.
“We sincerely hope that today’s signing of the MoU will further strengthen the collaboration between our two institutions and serve as a meaningful step toward a bright future for optical and advanced industries in both Japan and Finland,” Suzuki continues.
The five-year cooperation will bring together the University of Eastern Finland’s expertise in optical measurement technologies and imaging with Akita’s strengths in robotics, artificial intelligence and industry. Potential applications include agricultural automation, industrial quality control and the development of new measurement and manufacturing technologies.
Pauliina Pikkujämsä, Director of Investment and Relocation Services at Business Joensuu, believes that both sides will benefit from the cooperation.
“This cooperation opens doors to Japan, an attractive but challenging market for our companies to enter. In Japan, business relationships are built over time, and we now have a strong foundation for this through a trusted regional partner. We have a great deal to offer Akita, including our internationally recognised forest bioeconomy expertise, world-class optics, vibrant startup community and research-driven innovation. Business Joensuu will help companies and organisations from Akita find the right partners here,” says Pikkujämsä.
New opportunities for businesses
Caption: Governor of Akita Prefecture Kenta Suzuki and Dean of the University of Eastern Finland Kari Lehtinen at the cooperation agreement signing ceremony at Joensuu Science Park.
The agreement aims to launch joint research and development projects, strengthen connections between researchers and businesses, and promote the commercial application of new technologies. Cooperation will include sharing research knowledge and establishing business contacts.
Seppo Tossavainen, Director of Economic Development and International Affairs at the City of Joensuu, is pleased that the entire Joensuu innovation ecosystem is involved in the cooperation with Akita. The ecosystem’s key strengths include forest bioeconomy, circular economy and photonics.
“This marks the beginning of new cooperation with Japan, which we hope will help our export companies succeed in the Japanese market. I believe the cooperation will particularly accelerate the development of photonics companies and startups, but we have also discussed research, development and innovation activities, as well as tourism,” says Tossavainen.
The agreement builds on the economic cooperation agreement signed between Akita Prefecture and the North Karelia region in November 2025. The regions aim to strengthen their international competitiveness, generate new business opportunities and create conditions for growth in emerging industries.
Governor of Akita explores North Karelia’s expertise
Governor Kenta Suzuki visited North Karelia on 19–20 October as part of his official visit to Finland. The delegation explored the region’s research, innovation and business activities, as well as North Karelia’s expertise in forest bioeconomy and photonics.
On Tuesday, the delegation visited Koli National Park together with Regional Mayor Markus Hirvonen and representatives of the University of Eastern Finland.
At Joensuu Science Park, the visitors were introduced to Business Joensuu, the Forest Joensuu and Photonics Joensuu networks, the local startup ecosystem and the region’s investment and business location opportunities. The programme also included meetings with companies based in North Karelia.
Following the signing ceremony, the delegation visited the University of Eastern Finland’s Photonics Research Center and its research facilities.
Main image caption: UEF Vice Dean Markku Hauta-Kasari (left), Governor of Akita Prefecture Kenta Suzuki, Dean Kari Lehtinen and Director of the Institute of Photonics Jyrki Saarinen at the cooperation agreement signing ceremony at Joensuu Science Park on 20 October 2026.
Links:
Photonics innovation network: Photonics Joensuu
Forest bioeconomy and circular economy innovation network: Forest Joensuu
Startup ecosystem: Startup Joensuu
Further information:
Business Joensuu
Pauliina Pikkujämsä
Director, Investment and Relocation Services
Email: pauliina.pikkujamsa@businessjoensuu.fi
Phone: +358 40 743 4362
University of Eastern Finland – Photonics Research Center
Risto Löf
Communications Manager
Email: risto.lof@uef.fi
Phone: +358 50 342 1958
Regional Council of North Karelia
Interview requests for Regional Mayor Markus Hirvonen
Sami Tolvanen
Communications Manager
Email: sami.tolvanen@pohjois-karjala.fi
Phone: +358 50 305 7850