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FAIR Now Supports Nearly 200 Finnish Companies - Training and Consulting Strengthen Domestic Business Competitiveness
Innovation hub Finnish AI Region (FAIR) has grown into a significant pillar of support for domestic businesses over the past two years. Nearly 200 Finnish SMEs now utilise the consortium’s accessible expert services in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, high-performance computing, funding applications and cybersecurity.
16.12.2024
The Finnish AI Region (FAIR) innovation hub has established itself as a cornerstone of support for domestic enterprises over the past two years, marking a significant milestone in Finland’s technological landscape. The consortium now serves nearly two hundred Finnish SMEs, providing readily accessible expertise across a spectrum of cutting-edge fields like AI, XR and high-performance computing.
The communications and marketing helm at the pioneering Finnish consortium is being steered by Martti Asikainen, Communications Specialist at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, working in tandem with Haaga-Helia’s Dr Teemu Moilanen. According to Asikainen, the innovation hub has witnessed mounting interest and demand for its services, solidifying its position in Finland’s burgeoning tech landscape.
“We strive for tangible results in our operations. From the very beginning, our approach has been to provide companies with world-class expertise by combining the latest knowledge from the academic world with the practical needs of businesses—ranging from agile experiments to complex calculations,” he says enthusiastically.
To Meet Market Demand
FAIR’s client numbers clearly demonstrate the strong demand for their services. According to Asikainen, their service catalogue has recently been updated and can be accessed on their website. The latest additions to their service portfolio include training programmes and partner initiatives designed to enhance domestic SMEs’ expertise and readiness to integrate new technologies into their business operations.
Asikainen emphasises that they offer a comprehensive package that accelerates companies’ green and digital transformation in an economically efficient, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible manner. He remains confident about the relevance of their services. “FAIR has something for everyone – whether you’re taking your first steps in AI implementation or you’re a seasoned veteran in the field,” he affirms.
Looking ahead, FAIR aims to expand its impact even further. The consortium has already established strong partnerships with major technology providers and research institutions across Europe, creating a robust network that benefits Finnish businesses. This collaboration, combined with an understanding of local business needs, positions FAIR uniquely to help Finnish SMEs maintain their competitive edge.
Rome Wasn't Built in a Day
Harmonising the services and operational cultures of ten different organisations takes time. Despite its slow start, FAIR has cemented its position in Finland’s artificial intelligence landscape. Jussi Rantsi from Aalto University, who oversees FAIR’s ecosystem, expresses satisfaction with the current state of affairs.
“Our fundamental aim has been to align various stakeholders’ services with the needs and service gaps in the business sector. I believe we’ve achieved this rather successfully. Additionally, we’ve established networks with other Finnish and European operators, which helps everyone around here,” he reflects.
According to Rantsi, accelerating transformation requires support. With approximately 93 per cent of Finnish companies being SMEs – businesses with fewer than 250 employees – it’s unrealistic to expect them to integrate new technologies into their operations without external assistance. This represents a long-term, future-oriented endeavour that enhances Finland’s overall competitiveness.
By connecting Finnish companies, research institutions, and international networks, the ecosystem has laid a foundation for sustainable AI-driven growth. These efforts aim to ensure that even small and medium-sized enterprises can access the tools and expertise needed to thrive.
What Exactly is Finnish AI Region?
Finnish AI Region offers businesses accessible expertise in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, high-performance computing, funding applications and cybersecurity. Its services are free of charge, and operations are based on genuinely beneficial partnerships, where FAIR accelerates and expands AI adoption in small and medium-sized enterprises.
FAIR comprises ten partner organisations delivering services through a network, including the cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa, Aalto University, University of Helsinki, Haaga-Helia and Metropolia Universities of Applied Sciences, KIRAHub, CSC – IT Center for Science, and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT Digital).
Enter Espoo serves as FAIR’s affiliate partner. Other collaborators include ABB, Arcada University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District (HUS), Microsoft, Siemens Healthineer’s Varian Finland, and the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council. The initiative is funded by the European Union in conjunction with Business Finland and the Helsinki Innovation Fund. Learn more about FAIR and its services at:
Finnish AI Region
2022-2025.
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