Minister Puisto to Open Innovation Network in Tampere

A new international innovation network, Tech Hub Finland, is being launched in Finland with the aim of strengthening the renewal and international growth of Finnish industry.

The network brings together industrial companies, startups, growth companies, investors and international innovation partners.

Tech Hub Finland introduces an operating model in which the research and development needs of large industrial companies are connected with new technologies and solutions developed by startups and growth companies. The model draws inspiration from, among others, the successful Startup Autobahn network in Stuttgart.

As Jani Vilenius, Chief Technology Officer for Sandvik Mining and Local Managing Director of the Tampere site, states:

“Not everything needs to be developed alone, nor should it be, as many new technologies and solutions are created by startups.”

The initiative is backed by industrial companies Normet and Sandvik, Plug and Play, one of the world’s leading open innovation players, and the City of Tampere. New corporate partners are also welcome to join the network.

“Technological disruption, the green transition and global competition are challenging companies to renew themselves at an unprecedented pace. Tech Hub Finland aims to replace siloed research and development practices with a collaboration model that has been proven internationally and helps companies access the latest expertise, accelerate innovation and build international growth,” says Irene Vekkeli, Director of Economic Development and Innovation at the City of Tampere, in a City of Tampere press release.

We welcome members of the media to attend the launch of Tech Hub Finland at Tampere Hall on 29 September 2026 and learn more about how the new network will accelerate industrial renewal in Finland.

The event will feature three-minute startup presentations from the following companies: Cohort, Awake.ai, CelLife Technologies Oy, FurnaQuantum, Havuja Solutions, Ioxio, Quanscient, RESONIKS, Sensible 4 and Spogen.

Speakers at the launch event:

Sakari Puisto, Minister of Economic Affairs of Finland

Lassi Noponen, CEO, Business Finland

Christian Johansson, Head of Nordics, Plug and Play Europe

Heini Wallander, Country Manager Finland, Plug and Play Europe

Jani Vilenius, Chief Technology Officer, Sandvik Mining, and Local Managing Director, Sandvik Tampere Site

Olli Mylläri, Chief Technology Officer, Normet

The programme will also include a session in which the nine startups will take the stage to deliver three-minute pitches.

Read more:

Tech Hub Finland creates an international innovation network to support the renewal of Finnish industry [City of Tampere News]

For further information:

Irene Vekkeli
Director of Economic Development and Innovation, City of Tampere