Ostrobothnia Innovation & Development Fair
8 October, 2026

One day. Every partner you need for your next RDI project.
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Vaasan yliopisto kampus ilmasta

Welcome

One day, one building: the higher education institutions of the Vaasa region and their research groups, Business Finland Veturi companies, the region's large companies and its SMEs — all in the same room. 

The day brings exhibition stands, presentations of Veturi programmes and research groups, SME pitches, funding advice from Business Finland, Elinvoimakeskus and the regional development companies, and matchmaking meetings you can book in advance. 

Come to find a partner, a research group or a funding path for your next development project. 

Entry is free. 

Why attend?

For Veturi companies 

Meet the entire regional supply of innovation capability in one day. 

  • Meet SMEs of the Ostrobothnia and EnergyVaasa region 
  • Present your roadmap in a 10–15-minute slot to an audience that came specifically to find out how to join. 
  • Matchmaking: bookable 15-minute meetings with SMEs and research groups, scheduled in advance. 
  • Meet research groups from six higher education institutions without contacting each one separately. 
  • Your own stand for informal conversations throughout the day. 

For SMEs

Find out where your capability fits — and the possible paths forward  

  • Meet the Veturi companies whose roadmaps match what you already do. 
  • Meet the research groups who can supply the expertise your development project is missing. 
  • Meet other companies in the region — the partner you need for a joint project is often ten kilometres away. 
  • Matchmaking: bookable 15-minute meetings with Veturi companies and research groups. 
  • Apply for a 3-minute pitch slot and put your capability in front of the whole room. 
  • Stands available for SMEs. 
  • Get concrete funding advice from Business Finland and regional advisors on the spot. 

For research groups 

Meet the companies who are actually looking for you. 

  • A free stand for your group — bring your demos, your equipment, your people. 
  • Meet Veturi companies and hear directly which parts of their roadmaps still lack a research partner. 
  • Meet regional SMEs who are interested in research, development and innovation (RDI) 
  • Hear the Veturi and SME pitches — the fastest available overview of where regional demand is heading. 
  • Matchmaking: bookable 15-minute meetings with companies. 
  • Apply for a 3-minute pitch slot to present your group's offering. 

Registration

Registration is free and takes two minutes.

Time

8 October 2026, 9-16, After work from 16.00 in the Arcade

Venue

University of Vaasa, Fabriikki, Yliopistonranta 10

Organisers

Vaasan yliopisto
VASEK
Business Kristinestad
Dynamo Närpes
Merinova
Jakobstadsregionen Pietarsaarenseutu
Elinvoimakeskus
Regional Council of Ostrobothnia, logo
Innovation Boost logo