Registration is now open for SOHJO Hacks, an international hackathon bringing together companies, researchers, startups, and student teams to co-create solutions for future challenges. Sohjo Hacks especially invites companies to bring their own teams and engage directly in the competition.
The first innovation challenge — a pilot project for University of Eastern Finland (UEF) RDI laboratories — is now live, with additional challenges expected to be announced in the coming months. The long-term aim is to scale successful pilots from UEF into larger, well-funded projects with strong commercial and research potential.
What makes this launch particularly significant is that for the first time, university RDI (Research, Development and Innovation) laboratories are being opened to companies for hands-on innovation collaboration. Through SOHJO Hacks, companies gain direct access to UEF’s research expertise and technological capabilities, enabling faster testing and co-development of new solutions.
SOHJO Hacks is designed to accelerate innovation, foster cross-sector collaboration, and create concrete pathways toward pilots, investments, and long-term partnerships. The competition highlights the potential of forest bioeconomy, photonics, chemistry, and XR. Challenges can originate from any sector.
The main SOHJO Hacks hackathon will take place on 25–26 March 2026 at the University of Eastern Finland campus in Joensuu. Teams have 30 hours to find a solution to a challenge: teams will work closely with mentors and challenge owners to develop and pitch solutions.
Registration is now open! Application deadline is March 13, 2026.
Sohjo Hacks is open to participants from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to:
You can join solo or as a team, and team formation is supported before and during the hackathon. Companies are strongly encouraged to assemble teams and participate in the competition.
More information about SOHJO Hacks and participation details are available at:
👉 https://www.shadowstack.xyz/sohjo-hacks
SOHJO Hacks is a part of the Innocity Joensuu 3 project, co-funded by the EU and the Regional Council of Northern Karelia.
Further information:
Mikko Järvilehto
Senior Business Advisor, R&D and Start-Ups
Services for investing and relocating companies
mikko.jarvilehto@businessjoensuu.fi
+358 50 346 9206
Photos from last year’s SOHJO Hacks: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/14_-g9ZEZd4FVwjV2TokaemkJdpUBtohp
Startup Joensuu is a vibrant startup community coordinated by Business Joensuu, bringing together founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and partners to support startup growth in the Joensuu region. The community offers events, mentoring, peer support, and access to local and international networks. Its goal is to help startups grow faster, scale smarter, and connect with the right opportunities at every stage. Read more about Startup Joensuu: https://businessjoensuu.fi/startup-joensuu