RDI projects
RDI projects
#savoniaAMK
Project Information |
| Name | Leveraging Kuopio water expertise to promote international visibility and catalyse business |
| Start | 1.10.2024 |
| End | 30.9.2026 |
| Website | - |
| Status | Running |
| Contact | Tiina Haatainen |
| Description | Kuopio Water Cluster (KWC), the most versatile innovation ecosystem in the water sector in Kuopio, is located in the Savilahti area. KWC brings together five research institutes operating in the area (Savonia, UEF, GTK, THL and Luke), which conduct active R&D activities related to water. Approximately 150 experts in the water sector work within the framework of these research institutes. In addition to the research institutes, more than 70 companies/organizations (spring 2024) that operate in the water sector have joined KWC as members, who either develop new products or services for the water sector, or who have water-related development needs and/or challenges in their own production/processes.
Over the years, the Savilahti area has developed into a nationally significant innovation and experimentation environment, especially for the development and testing of intelligent water supply systems (Smart Water) and water treatment processes (zero emission industry). Savilahti's development environment has created the conditions for impressive locomotive company cooperation, e.g. with Nokia regarding the development of Smart Water technologies. In addition, KWC operators have been able to activate nationally significant R&D activities related to the development of water-intensive industries, especially the mining industry, water treatment methods and water management. Close cooperation with companies operating in the field is a key part of the cluster's R&D activities. The development of Savilahti's role as a significant environment for innovation and experimentation of new technologies has also been strengthened by the city of Kuopio’s investments and focus choices in the area. The aim of this project is to raise Savilahti's water expertise innovation ecosystem to a new level by: A) aiming to be an internationally recognized pioneer (especially as an ecosystem developing digital solutions); B) strengthening the visibility and role of Kuopio's water expertise and entrepreneurship in the pulp and paper industry; and C) increasing business-driven international activities to solve global water challenges based on Finnish water expertise.The project focuses especially on the further development of the following areas:- Smart water supply solutions: The Savilahti innovation ecosystem aims to be an internationally recognized pioneer, particularly as a developer of digital applications for the water sector. Digital Twin and Metaverse applications, for example, are important targets of development. Cooperation between UEF and Savonia's AI and Smart Water experts is significantly intensified. Based on this expertise, we aim to create significant new international openings in cooperation with key business partners.- Smart recovery processes and zero-emissions industry: Regarding this topic, common value chains between key players in the pulp and paper industry and water companies are established and collaboration is supported. This is accomplished by activating R&D cooperation between KWC's partners and key players in the pulp and paper industry. The operation aims at the formation of locomotive partnerships with the industry, especially relating to the development needs of the zero-emissions industry concept.- Activating SMEs for international growth: The formation of business-led international openings in the water sector is promoted, and Kuopio's water sector companies and research partners (KWC partnerships) are connected to their implementation by bringing together a suitable consortium of actors that aims to implement concrete investment/business projects directly on the international market. For example, potential case targets may be Morocco/PIF funding. The project measures will strengthen Savilahti's position as a globally competitive innovation ecosystem in the water sector. At the same time, the actions will increase the attractiveness of the area and promote new business. |
| Partners | Savonian lisäksi hankkeen toteutukseen osallistuvat GTK:n Itä-Suomen yksikkö sekä Itä-Suomen yliopisto (UEF). |
| Funded by | EAKR FR 40% 2021-27 palkkojen yksikkökust.malli |