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Building a Safe and Competitive Future: Kuopio’s Approach to Comprehensive Security

9.10.2024

In this post, we’ll explore how Kuopio is leveraging innovation to tackle evolving security challenges and build a robust ecosystem that supports local and global resilience. We’ll also highlight key insights from Borderland – an event where regional companies from Eastern Finland share their groundbreaking solutions and attendees have an excellent opportunity to network.

Borderland – Security Eastern Finland, Unofficial Slush side event 

After five successful years of organizing Kuopio Goes Slush side event, this year Business Kuopio, in collaboration with four other cities (Joensuu, Lappeenranta, Imatra, and Mikkeli) and two universities (UEF and LUT), is once again set to organize a notable side event, Borderland – Security Eastern Finland, on November 19th, just one day before SLUSH 2024 in Helsinki.  

When: Tuesday 19.11.2024, 18:00–20:30
Where: G Livelab (Yrjönkatu 3, 00120 Helsinki)
The event is by invitation only. Request your invitation here. 

This year’s event will bring together companies, investors, and key organizations to explore innovations and opportunities in border security and dual-use technologies. Four companies from the region will take the stage as keynote speakers, sharing their success stories, technological innovations, and insights into how their solutions are addressing current security challenges. Among them is SUNS Oy (previously known as Bluesure Oy), a cutting-edge Kuopio-based company revolutionizing the energy sector with its zero-emission, secure, and sustainable energy technologies.

In addition to the business cases, a professor from UEF will highlight the growing potential of photonics in the security and defense sectors.  

These innovations and cases are a direct reflection of the capabilities emerging from Eastern Finland and demonstrate the region’s increasing potential in the field of comprehensive security. 

But the significance of this event extends far beyond just one day. It ties into a broader, ongoing effort in Kuopio and Eastern Finland to build a robust ecosystem that addresses comprehensive security challenges at the local, national, and international levels. 

For questions regarding the event: please contact Parastoo Jalili, Business Advisor, Business Kuopio, parastoo.jalili@kuopio.fi, +358 44 718 2034. 

Kuopio’s Vision for Comprehensive Security: Building a Center of Excellence 

The City of Kuopio, in collaboration with Savonia University of Applied Sciences, has launched an ambitious project to establish a regional innovation ecosystem centered around comprehensive security. This initiative is designed to address the specific needs of the city’s residents while also supporting local businesses and networks. 

This center will build on over two decades of local expertise, research, development, and innovation (RDI) activities in areas such as food, water, and health security, as well as other critical resilience measures. It will also serve as a hub for commercializing local solutions on a national and global scale, while fostering collaboration between regional businesses, academic institutions, and international networks. 

Strengthening Resilience for a Safer Future 

The impetus for this project stems from the need to anticipate and respond to evolving security threats, both globally and locally. By enhancing Kuopio’s innovation-driven growth in the field of comprehensive security, the city aims to bolster its competitiveness, attract talent, and create new business opportunities, all while safeguarding the well-being of its residents. 

Through targeted work packages, including the promotion of research and development, sustainable urban experiments, and public-private partnerships, the project will not only advance local expertise but also contribute to the global conversation on security. In doing so, Kuopio will play a leading role in shaping the future of security and resilience, drawing on its robust ecosystem and its connections with international partners, such as the WHO European Healthy Cities Network.  

As Eastern Finland comes together at SLUSH side event 2024 to highlight innovations in border security and dual-use technologies, it is clear that these efforts are part of a broader vision—one that is positioning Kuopio and the region as a leader in comprehensive security. The city’s ongoing initiatives reflect this commitment, making events like Borderland – Security Eastern Finland more than just a networking opportunity, but a vital part of a long-term strategy to enhance security, resilience, and innovation. 

For more information about the comprehensive security project in Kuopio: please contact Arto Yletyinen, Business Specialist, Business Kuopio, arto.yletyinen@kuopio.fi, +358447182083. 

 

Looking Forward 

With the support of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Regional Council of North Savo, the Center of Excellence for Comprehensive Security is set to become a cornerstone of Kuopio’s future. As we move toward the event at SLUSH week, it’s clear that Kuopio is not only promoting innovation in security today but is also building the foundations for a more secure tomorrow. 

 

Authors: Parastoo Jalili, Business Advisor & Arto Yletyinen, Business Specialist