Minister Sakari Puisto opened the international innovation network Tech Hub Finland in Tampere. The network is operated by Plug and Play, a company founded in the United States that now has 65 offices around the world. “When Nokia’s mobile phone operations came to an end in Tampere, the expertise and drive did not disappear,” Puisto noted. The Minister referred to the broad collaborative effort that helped former Nokia mobile technology experts create new companies and bring new products to market, marking the beginning of a new era. In his opening remarks, he also highlighted the Tampere region’s strong industrial base, where digital expertise meets physical machinery and the solutions built around it. Minister Sakari Puisto delivered the opening speech at the launch of Tech Hub Finland at Tampere -talo. According to Minister Puisto, major companies such as Sandvik and Normet can offer startups something money cannot buy: a market for their products and services, real-world challenges to solve, and demanding customers. As anchor companies, Sandvik and Normet form a central part of the newly established innovation platform. Alongside industrial companies Normet and Sandvik, the initiative is backed by the City of Tampere and Plug and Play, one of the world’s leading open innovation operators. According to Irene Vekkeli, Director of Economic Development and Innovation at the City of Tampere, the city is involved because it wants to help companies renew themselves and grow faster. “Our role as a city is to build bridges between Tampere’s strong industrial and technological expertise and the world’s best talent, growth companies and innovation networks.” “Companies do not need to do everything themselves. They need to be able to find the best expertise wherever it exists in the world,” Vekkeli said. Jani Vilenius, Director of Research and Technology at Sandvik, emphasized that the company has joined the network to identify new solutions and accelerate development. “We are not involved simply to provide support. I genuinely believe that our company will benefit from this,” Vilenius said. The opening of Tech Hub Finland was held in Tampere in conjunction with the Subcontracting Trade Fair. Around 250 people attended the opening of Tech Hub Finland at Tampere Hall on Tuesday. The Finland operations are led by Heidi Wallander, who is already well known among technology companies from her previous role at Business Tampere, where she worked with the industrial sector. Plug and Play now has 65 offices around the world. Heini Wallander (right) has started as Country Director for Finland. Photo: Tapio Yliaho / Business Tampere. Tech Hub Finland aims to strengthen the renewal and international growth of Finnish industry. The network brings together industrial companies, startups, growth companies, investors and international innovation partners. Nine Finnish startups also showcased their technologies at the opening event. For more information: City of TampereIrene VekkeliTel. +358 50 539 2943 Business TamperePertti AimonenTel. +358 40 774 9259 Pertti Aimonen COO, Chief Operating Officer +358 (0) 40 7749 259 pertti.aimonen@businesstampere.com +358 (0) 40 7749 259 startup Tech Hub Finland technology teknologia