Overview
Pitch a pilot project idea that pairs a real business problem with the research expertise and lab infrastructure available at UEF Joensuu Campus — and turn it into a concrete collaboration plan.
The Problem
Many innovative companies have R&D needs but lack access to the specialized lab environments, testing facilities, and domain expertise required to move ideas forward. At the same time, UEF Joensuu Campus sits on a wide range of underutilized RDI capabilities (from photonics and sustainable chemistry to immersive XR technologies and natural resource research) that could accelerate company innovation. The gap between business ambition and research capacity remains untapped.
What You'll Build
A compelling pilot or proof-of-concept proposal that identifies a specific business or customer problem, maps it to one or more UEF Joensuu labs, and outlines how a joint RDI project, contract research engagement, or co-funded research partnership could be structured. The strongest submissions will articulate clear novelty, a path to business value, and a realistic collaboration model with UEF.
Prizes
€1,000
Detailed Information
Target group
Companies interested in developing new products, services or business models together with the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) research labs. The prospect list is curated by the Business Joensuu Invest-in team, but the challenge is open to all innovation-driven companies.
The challenge
UEF Joensuu Campus offers a wide range of untapped RDI opportunities for innovative companies. Your task is to come up with a compelling pilot project idea that solves a real business or customer problem, requires special expertise available at UEF Joensuu, and can be developed as a pilot or proof-of-concept together with one or more UEF labs.
KEY AIM is to find new collaborations that fits to these categories:
- Joint RDI projects and pilot studies
- Contract research and testing services
- Co-funded national or EU-funded research projects
- Long-term strategic research and innovation partnerships
Available UEF RDI environments (Joensuu Campus)
Chemistry and Sustainable Tech Laboratories
Materials, chemical and structural analyses, wood materials and sustainable technologies, bio-organic chemistry.
Infrastructure of Chemistry and Sustainable Technology Department - UEFConnect
Judge: Prof. Antti Haapala
Natural Resources Research Infrastructure (Borealis)
Forests, water, environment, and real-world testing.
Contact person: Egle Köster (egle.koster@uef.fi | 050 301 1469)
Judge prof Jouni Pykäläinen (jouni.pykalainen@uef.fi | 050 382 6094)
Labs:
- https://uefconnect.uef.fi/ita-suomen-biosfaarilaboratorio/#information
- https://www.uef.fi/fi/yksikko/metsatieteiden-osasto/laboratorio
Photonics (Center for Photonics Sciences)
Optics, imaging, sensor technologies, and lasers.
https://sites.uef.fi/photonics/
Contact person: Hemmo Tuovinen (hemmo.tuovinen@uef.fi)
Judge: Prof. Jyrki Saarinen
XR Lab / Color Lab: Immersive Technologies
VR/AR/MR, 3d scanning techniques, simulations, visualizations, Digital twins, Computing education, Spectral Imaging, AI, Game engines.
Contact Person: veikko.miettinen@uef.fi
Judge: Prof. Markku Tukiainen
Links
- https://www.uef.fi/en/unit/school-of-computing
- https://blogs.uef.fi/cudis/2025/06/26/exploring-uef-laboratories-high-tech-and-cross-disciplinary-cooperation/
Research plan evaluation criteria
- Novelty – originality of the research idea
- Elaboration level – comprehensiveness of the proposal and potential to increase product, service or business value
- Fit with UEF Expertise – relevance and compatibility with UEF Joensuu research capabilities
- Business Impact – clarity of business relevance and future scaling potential
What happens at Sohjo (26 March 2026)?
The best ideas will be connected directly with UEF lab leaders and researchers. Selected teams will engage in face-to-face discussions and have the opportunity to visit the labs onsite and explore the research environments behind the ideas.
Prizes for the winner(-s)
- €1,000 cash prize
- Innovation development support (service prizes), including:
- On-site lab visits
- Innovation testing & development plan with UEF lab experts
- Early-stage patentability assessment with a patent attorney
- Business model assessment with Business Joensuu startup experts
- Pilot project funding opportunity assessment
- Travel grant
- Visibility at Sohjo
Why UEF Joensuu?
Few campuses in Europe combine photonics, natural resources, chemistry and XR technologies in one place. This challenge is your opportunity to turn that hidden RDI potential into business value.