Photonics Joensuu EN

Photonics Joensuu is a consortium bringing together significant actors in the fields of research, development, education, business and innovation in the Joensuu region. Photonics Joensuu promotes RDI activities and business life by supporting the growth of the region’s photonics companies and the establishment of new companies in the region.

Pioneer of modern optics

Joensuu is conducting world-leading research in micro- and nanophotonics and hyperspectral imaging. We are Finland’s foremost educational establishment in photonics, offering top equipment and facilities. Our expertise spans from research and product development all the way to manufacturing and commercialisation. In Joensuu, there is a robust network between the photonics sector and sectors that make use of its applications, such as forest bioeconomy.

Photonics Center community

Dynamic operating environment for growth-oriented photonics companies

We enable new kinds of solutions, supporting our customers’ product development processes, equipment needs and innovation ideas. Joensuu boasts leading research expertise, facilities and equipment, top-level workforce and the necessary networks.

Business Joensuu offers extensive services at all stages of business activities – from smooth relocation to growth and internationalisation.

Photonics Center, Joensuu, Suomi-Finland

Innovation through cooperation between research, education and business

In Joensuu, the strong cooperation between research, education and industry fosters agile new product development projects.

The Center for Photonics Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland offers extensive research services, education, laboratory and cleanroom facilities as well as other cooperation opportunities for companies and organisations.

Riveria, the North Karelia Municipal Education and Training Consortium, provides vocational education in laboratory and cleanroom work and organises targeted training tailored in cooperation with companies.

Top experts for growing industry needs

Finland’s biggest photonics trainer

Joensuu is Finland’s leading education provider in photonics. In the future, the significance of photonics will only continue to grow, as will the need for experts and business opportunities.

The research centre at the University of Eastern Finland, the largest in Finland, employs 150 people, 25 of whom are professors. There are over a hundred students. In autumn 2023, Finland’s only Master of Science (Technology) degree programme in photonics was launched in Joensuu.

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Joensuu – a collaboration hub

Joensuu is home to Finland's leading photonics research centre and the head offices of Photonics Finland and the European Optical Society. Joensuu has the lead responsibility for strengthening the national photonics innovation ecosystem in a two-year project launched in Finland in 2023. Lead responsibility projects promote interregional partnerships in the development of the digital green transition of industry and future technologies. The University of Eastern Finland is involved in the Photonics Research and Innovation platform PREIN, a flagship programme carried out by the Academy of Finland.

The expertise in micro- and nanophotonics in Joensuu will contribute to the Chips for Europe programme. Joensuu has the capability to produce next-generation optical circuit boards as special series. Together, Joensuu, Espoo and Tampere form the ‘Chips from Finland’ initiative. The initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s microchip self-sufficiency and technological security.

Joensuu has strong representation in the European Union’s Photonics21 technology platform, which coordinates the priorities of photonics research and innovation in Europe, with the aim of strengthening Europe’s leadership in the development and application of photonics technology, in areas such as ICT, lighting, manufacturing, health technology, security, and education. The Board of Stakeholders has a significant role, for example, when deciding on guidelines for EU funding.

Photonics Joensuu partners

Business Joensuu

Our business-friendly region is an ideal place to grow innovative ideas, business and capital. Business Joensuu is your partner on the road to growth and internationalisation. Together with our networks, we provide you with solid expertise and information about the operating environment and opportunities.

Business Joensuu operates in the Joensuu region and in Central Karelia - an area encompassing nine municipalities, 125,000 inhabitants and 7,500 companies. We offer services for launching companies, growth and internationalisation, investing and setting up operations, and facility and event services of the Joensuu Science Park.

University of Eastern Finland UEF

University of Eastern Finland is Finland’s most multidisciplinary science university. The Center for Photonics Sciences connects all research and education in photonics and optics at the University of Eastern Finland. The multidisciplinary research centre brings together a unique group of experts from the fields of biology, chemistry, computing, physics and applied physics.

The research centre has its roots in the early days of the University of Joensuu, where photonics already emerged as a major research focus over 50 years ago. Today, the Center for Photonics Sciences is a world-class research environment.

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Karelia University of Applied Sciences

The precision engineering laboratory at Karelia University of Applied Sciences is unique in Finland in terms of its machinery and equipment. The precision engineering equipment is used for manufacturing optic and mechanic components in cooperation with Finnish and international companies and for the needs of scientific research and industry.

Karelia University of Applied Sciences offers product development and research services for companies, organisations and private individuals, taking advantage of facilities such as the Ultra Precision Unit nanomachining environment.

Photonics Center community

The Photonics Center community supports companies’ product development and pilot projects by offering services such as Active Alignment and Spectral Response Measuring.

Photonics Finland

Photonics Finland is a technology cluster dedicated to promoting both the photonics industry and research in Finland. It brings together photonics companies, universities, research institutes and public authorities. The head office of Photonics Finland is located in Joensuu.

PREIN -flagship

The Research Council of Finland’s photonics flagship PREIN is a photonics research and innovation platform focusing on light-based solutions. Its activities cover the entire value chain from cutting-edge research to industrial applications and societal impact.

The partners in this flagship programme are some of the world’s leading photonics research units.

Riveria

City of Joensuu

The City of Joensuu is strongly involved in developing the photonics cluster in the area. Photonics is also present in the streets of Joensuu, which showcase the versatility of photonics through applications ranging from smart lighting to light art and light events.