This Spring’s Growth Recipe in the Joensuu Region: Green Concrete, Cheese, and Biochar
The operations of Europe’s largest biochar production plant have begun in Joensuu, Valio is investing tens of millions into its Joensuu factory, and Lakka is set to produce green concrete using Joensuu-based Carbonaide’s technology. Joensuu’s position as a developer of digital border security is strengthening. At the end of this newsletter, you’ll find Visit Karelia’s travel tips for the summer!
Cover photo: International guests admired the traditional log floating demonstration at the Forest Joensuu 2025 event, held in early June as part of Europe’s largest forest technology conference, FORMEC, in Joensuu.
Operations of Europe’s Largest Biochar Plant Have Started in Joensuu
The biochar production facility Joensuu Biocoal, developed by Taaleri Bioindustry, has begun operations, and the first customer deliveries have been dispatched from the plant. The facility has a production capacity of 60,000 tonnes of torrefied biomass, i.e., biochar. It is the largest single biochar production unit in Europe.
Lakka to Start Producing Green Concrete Using Carbonaide’s Technology
“This is a multimillion-euro investment for us. Our goal is that within the next couple of years, half of the Joensuu factory’s production will be processed with CO₂ treatment,” says Juho Hiltunen, CEO of Lakan Betoni. The carbonation of carbon dioxide into concrete reduces the CO₂ emissions of concrete by one-third.
Interest in green concrete products is growing—just like the success story of Joensuu-based Carbonaide!
Valio Invests 30 Million Euros in Its Joensuu Plant: The Entire Cheese Production Process Will Be Brought Under One Roof in Joensuu
“With the expansion, approximately one hundred new jobs will be created at the Joensuu plant within the next couple of years. New positions will be added as the new production lines and facilities are gradually taken into use. Valio employees from the Vantaa plant have also transferred to positions in Joensuu,” says Petri Liukka, Plant Director at Joensuu, in Valio’s press release.
Karelia-Ikkuna Acquired a Large Property in Joensuu Karelia-Ikkuna has expanded its facilities by purchasing the former Carlson hardware store in the Siihtala district of Joensuu. The window manufacturer plans to invest approximately 15 million euros over the next couple of years.
The National Land Survey of Finland is set to adopt low-flying airships from Kelluu Oy, a Joensuu-based company. The airships' cameras and sensors are resistant to GPS interference. Thanks to hyperspectral imaging, the system can capture extremely detailed images—making it possible to even identify the chemical composition of various objects.
A Second Biltema and a Third Lidl Are Coming to Joensuu
Biltema has completed a land deal with the City of Joensuu for a plot located next to the Pilkko Citymarket, where the city’s second Biltema store will be built. Construction of Joensuu’s third Lidl store, located in Hukanhauta, will begin in June.
Borderland Europe – Joensuu’s Role as a Digital Border Security Hub Is Strengthening
The international Borderland Europe workshop held in May brought together defense and technology experts from Finland and the United States.
"The workshop successfully established a shared vision for developing a digital border security testing environment in Eastern Finland," says Mervi Huttunen from Business Joensuu.
55 Years of Photonics Research Has Made Joensuu a Pioneer in Modern Optics
In May, Finland’s largest photonics research and education center at the University of Eastern Finland celebrated 55 years of photonics research. The future of photonics is bright, as it plays a key role in technological advancement across sectors such as energy and environmental engineering, telecommunications, medicine, and consumer product applications.
The City of Joensuu and Business Joensuu are committed to supporting collaboration between top-level research and businesses, with the aim of driving growth in the photonics sector in the Joensuu region.
Energy Joensuu Accelerates the Hydrogen Economy and Green Transition in Eastern Finland
Energy Joensuu aims to identify and harness business opportunities in the hydrogen economy, clean energy, and the bioeconomy. The region is already home to significant hydrogen-related investment projects, such as P2X’s green hydrogen production plant, which has received €60 million in investment support from Business Finland.
SAVE THE DATE: Eastern Finland Energy Forum 2025, taking place on October 21–22 in Joensuu, will focus on the transition to the hydrogen economy.
Creative Industries: New Businesses and International Productions
The film and TV industry staffing service Blockbusters Gang expanded its operations, and Rock Camp, which provides musical experiences for children and youth, relocated its activities to North Karelia.
The series Dorm 13, filmed in Kontiolahti, was nominated at the Cannes Series competition, and Little Siberia by Dome Karukoski—filmed in Nurmes—is making waves as the first Finnish Netflix original film.
Image: Official poster of Little Siberia
1.24 million euros for a cross-border collaboration project to strengthen the involvement of SMEs in the Critical Raw Materials value chains
The joint project between Finland and Sweden received significant funding from the Interreg Aurora Programme. Starting in September 2025, the three-year SISME—Strengthening the Involvement of SMEs in the CRM Value Chains Across Northern Europe -project aims to help SMEs connect to the mining value chain to support the EU's endeavour to secure the availability of critical raw materials.
Business Joensuu Oy is the lead partner in the SISME project. Partners include LTU Business AB from Region Norbotten and Region Västerbotten. Business Oulu and Mining Finland will participate in the project via Oulu Mining School (University of Oulu).
UPCOMING EVENTS
VALO Business Garden
A New Festival-Inspired Business Event at Botania in Joensuu on Friday, July 18 2025 from 12:00 to 19:00
Experience international light art, cutting-edge photonics research, and make new connections! DJ Kiilo will set the mood for networking, and catering will be provided for the first 150 guests.
SOHJO 2026 – The Coolest Business Event of the Year Is Growing and Going International
SOHJO, March 26–27, 2026, at Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel, Joensuu
Last March, the SOHJO business event sold out—and it’s growing rapidly. In 2026, the event will expand to two full days and be held entirely in English.
Get ready for another round of inspiring speakers, thought-provoking discussions, and top-tier networking—alongside a revamped StartUp business idea competition and the Sohjo Hacks hackathon.
Experience the beauty of Eastern Finland from the water!
Step aboard the charming M/S Sinivuokko and enjoy unforgettable cruises through Joensuu’s scenic Pielisjoki River and the sparkling waters of Lake Pyhäselkä.
This summer you can also sail through the iconic national landscapes of Koli, glide along the peaceful waterways of Heinävesi, and discover the charm of Liperi from a fresh perspective.
Let the gentle waves and stunning views be the highlight of your summer!
North Karelia – where culture comes alive all year round
Summer bursts into life with unforgettable highlights like the soulful Kihaus Folk Festival, the iconic Ilosaarirock, countless charming summer theatre performances, and an exciting new arrival – the Haywater Country Music Festival in Heinävesi.
Come experience the rhythm, taste, and spirit of North Karelia!
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