Rapid commercial development of companies' innovation activities with the help of research results

Project period

1.1.2025 - 31.12.2026

Project funding

EAKR 2021-2027

In the NOKKA project, LAB supports SMEs in South Karelia in research, development, and innovation activities while accelerating the utilization of research knowledge for business growth. The project develops an operational model integrated into LAB’s existing processes, systematizes collaboration with companies, and strengthens SMEs’ ability to innovate, commercialize new solutions, and leverage research results to enhance their competitiveness.

Takes place in project

Workshop for South Karelia Entrepreneurs: Harness Research Knowledge to Develop Your Business

The https://lab.fi/en/project/nokkaNOKKA Project at LAB University of Applied Sciences invited entrepreneurs from South Karelia to participate in a free, practical two-part workshop focused on how research-based knowledge can be directly utilized to support business development.

The workshop was led by Jaani Väisänen, Principal Lecturer at LAB University of Applied Sciences, who combines expertise in education and data analytics. In his work, he serves as an expert and data interpreter in organizational development initiatives and collaborative projects where understanding data supports better decision-making.

Participants learned, among other things:

how to find up-to-date and reliable research information from Finland and international sources
how artificial intelligence can be used to search for and interpret scientific reports and publications from the perspective of a company’s own needs
what kinds of funding, development, and commercialization opportunities can emerge through collaboration between higher education institutions and businesses

Towards a Practical Operating Model

During autumn 2026, the project will focus on designing and refining an operating model that helps identify how scientific knowledge and research expertise can be matched with the practical development needs of businesses. The aim is to create a systematic approach through which companies can more effectively recognize and utilize the opportunities offered by science, research, and higher education collaboration.