Strategic partnerships
Wärtsilä Finland Oy
The University of Vaasa and Wärtsilä Finland Oy have a broad strategic partnership covering both education and research. The aim of the cooperation is to strengthen knowledge and support the energy transition, the green transition and sustainable development. The partnership will enable the launch of new research and development projects, the training of experts for industry, and the development of common learning environments and research infrastructures.
Cooperation will be based on long-term dialogue and common objectives. It supports the University of Vaasa's role as a pioneer in energy systems and sustainable technology research and Wärtsilä's strategy towards cleaner and smarter energy production. The partnership brings together academic research and the practical needs of industry.
Microsoft Oy
The University of Vaasa and Microsoft Oy have entered into a long-term strategic partnership to support the University's digital development. The partnership will leverage Microsoft's cloud, data and AI technologies, expertise and ecosystem. The partnership will drive the development of new digital solutions and the integration of AI into university services such as student recruitment and student services. The aim is to improve the efficiency of processes and provide more flexible learning opportunities.
The partnership supports the University of Vaasa's vision to become an internationally active research university. AI-driven operations and process automation will create the conditions to focus on strategic priorities such as sustainable business, energy and society-related research and education. The partnership will foster a culture of excellence where technology underpins both teaching and research across all areas of the university.
ABB Oy
The broad strategic partnership between the University of Vaasa and ABB Oy covers education, research and skills development. The aim of the cooperation is to strengthen sustainable well-being, competitiveness and vitality. The partnership brings together the academic expertise of the University and the technological expertise of ABB, enabling interdisciplinary research on energy availability and security of supply, doctoral training tailored to ABB's needs, and project work, thesis topics and internship opportunities for students.
Cooperation will also extend to management and continuing education and student innovation activities, such as the joint university Start-up space. The partnership will support a culture of lifelong learning and respond to the changing skills needs of the world of work. It is an example of how university and business can work together to develop solutions for sustainable energy and business and create new opportunities for students, researchers and industry.
Hitachi Energy Finland Oy
The University of Vaasa and Hitachi Energy Finland Oy have signed a strategic agreement to strengthen collaboration in education and research. The partnership aims to promote sustainable well-being, international competitiveness, and regional vitality. It covers teaching development, talent recruitment, and research cooperation, supporting solutions for the energy transition and the green shift.
A key element of the collaboration is the CoDoc model, which enables close cooperation between doctoral researchers and the company during doctoral studies. The partnership also offers students practical opportunities such as project work, thesis topics, and internships. Research cooperation will accelerate innovation and create new solutions to advance sustainable development. The agreement enhances societal impact and strengthens the region’s knowledge capital, delivering tangible benefits to academia, business, and the wider community.
Danfoss Drives
The University of Vaasa and Danfoss Drives have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to strengthen collaboration in research, education, and innovation. The partnership aims to build a long-term and impactful relationship that supports sustainable development, competitiveness, and regional vitality. It combines the University of Vaasa’s high-level research and educational expertise with Danfoss’ technological leadership in energy efficiency and advanced electric motor control solutions.
In research, the agreement enables the establishment of new multidisciplinary research lines, joint professorships, and company-specific doctoral training programmes. It will also increase the number of student theses and provide opportunities for contract research on timely topics. In education and talent development, the partnership opens pathways to internships and early engagement with the company during studies. Through the innovation ecosystem, the collaboration will include events and offer students opportunities to tackle external innovation challenges. The agreement strengthens knowledge capital and creates conditions for new innovations, supporting the green transition and sustainable growth.
