Good News from Joensuu: Innovative startups, big industry players and award-winning cooperation
In this newsletter we're sharing some recent highlights and look at current and upcoming events: Join the Kontiolahti Biathlon World Cup this weekend and get your tickets for SOHJO 2025!
The Forest Capital of Europe and a leading photonics hub has been gaining international interest. From startups to big industry players, companies are investing in the Joensuu region. Recently the Joensuu business community as well as research and education competencies have been receiving remarkable recognition.
Internationalization award of the President of the Republic of Finland to Forest Joensuu
"This recognition is a great example of the power of collaboration. Regional forest stakeholders have created a model where practical operators, researchers, developers, and companies can connect. International research and development activities, combined with the high-quality business services of Business Joensuu, pave the way for the internationalization of companies", says Lauri Sikanen, leading researcher at the Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE)
Carbonaide is expecting new concrete manufacturers in Finland and Denmark to start using its technology and aiming on expanding its technology to elemental structures next year with Finnish partners.
Latest Mergers and Acquisitions
Bergman & Beving acquires Ovesta Oy - Ovesta sells bespoke fireproof and soundproof doors to construction and real estate companies and will be part of the Division Core Solutions as a subsidiary to Kiilax.
The Digital Border Security ecosystem is developing in Joensuu
Eastern Finland plays a key role in the evolving geopolitical landscape. The "BORDERLAND - Securing the Future" event, held in Helsinki ahead of Slush Week, was an excellent demonstration of both the relevance of the theme and the strengthening cooperation within Eastern Finland's rapidly developing security sector.
Joensuu awarded 'Rising Star' in international Startup competition
Top organizations driving innovation in their respective ecosystems were awarded on Dec 4th in Paris during the ninth edition of the Startup Ecosystem Stars (SES) Awards. The City of Joensuu was awarded as a "Rising Star" in a category highlighting the contributions of public organizations or programs to the development of startup ecosystems. The focus was on areas such as investments, talent support, and industry assistance.
The world's best athletes in North Karelia – join the
Kontiolahti Biathlon atmosphere even without a ticket!
The World Cup season opener features 27 countries! Free bus transportation from Joensuu is available every competition day until Sunday December 8. You can explore everything the Event Park has to offer, even without purchasing a ticket.
SOHJO 2025 - The Coolest Business Event of the Year
The highly popular business event SOHJO will be held again in Joensuu at Sokos Hotel Kimmel on March 14, 2025. The event themes are creativity, technology, and the future. Speakers include Meeri Koutaniemi, award-winning photographer and angel investor Kim Väisänen. Suden Suu pitching competition and Sohjo Hacks hackathon are some of the side events! Get your tickets now!
