Through the Veto project, Savonia University of Applied Sciences and Kuopio Water Cluster (KWC) took part in the Finland–Ukraine Tech Bridge 2026: From Insight to Action, a two day forum on 17-18 March 2026 held in Tampere and designed to deepen cooperation between Finnish and Ukrainian companies in dual use technologies, innovation, digitalization, and rebuilding critical infrastructure. The event gathered experts, SMEs, large companies, investors, and public organizations both from Ukraine and Finland to translate strategic dialogue into concrete international collaboration opportunities.

Water – A Critical Component for Ukraine’s Reconstruction

As Ukraine continues to rebuild amid ongoing challenges, water infrastructure and water security remain central to restoring essential services. Finland has emphasized long term support in sectors including energy, environment, and civil defense—areas in which reliable water systems are foundational.

Water security is equally a key theme in Finland. Kuopio Water Cluster, with its multidisciplinary network of research organizations and over 70 members, works at the forefront of water related innovation, from industrial water use to water related cybersecurity. Its mission includes accelerating the development of new solutions to strengthen water resilience—competencies highly relevant to Ukraine’s reconstruction needs.

Highlighting EU Funding Opportunities for SMEs

On the second day of the event, Bailey Lähdesmäki, RDI Expert from Savonia University of Applied Sciences, had the opportunity to represent Savonia, Kuopio Water Cluster, and the Veto project by delivering a keynote session and hosting a workshop focused on EU funding opportunities for SMEs. The session was part of the official event program and positioned EU funding as a concrete pathway for companies aiming to scale innovation and engage in international collaboration—including prospects emerging from Ukraine’s reconstruction and tangible opportunities for collaboration.

The interest among companies was immediate and substantial, demonstrating the pressing need for accessible guidance on navigating EU instruments.

Concrete Value for Participants

Juha Välimäki, Head of eALLIANCE, a Business Finland co-funded Veturi program led by Patria, and one of the main organizers, expressed the value that Savonia and KWC brought to the forum:

“Great thanks for joining our event to present and support our ecosystem members regarding EU funding opportunities to companies. The presentation was the focus and highlight of the second day to support SME companies to benefit from EU fundings. We already started planning the next steps to continue our collaboration and combine the efforts to get our ecosystem more innovative and to benefit more from EU fundings.”

From the SME perspective, the benefits of Savonia’s and KWC’s involvement were equally clear.

Pasi Tuomainen, CEO of LightningChart Ltd and a KWC member, reflected:

“Kuopio Water Cluster and Savonia University of Applied Sciences play a key role in helping businesses connect and network throughout the Savonia region. For a technology driven company like ours, these networks are vital not only for gaining insight into how to participate in larger collaborations but also for discovering potential customers and partners for growth, as well as receiving guidance on international funding opportunities such as from the EU.”

Why SMEs Need Targeted EU Funding Support

EU funding remains one of the most significant avenues for growth, internationalization, and cross border cooperation, but navigating the landscape can be challenging—especially for small and medium sized enterprises. Events like the Finland–Ukraine Tech Bridge help close this capability gap by offering structured guidance, actionable information, networking, and matchmaking opportunities.

KWC’s role is especially important: its members gain improved access to project partnerships, test environments, specialized laboratories, and early visibility into funding calls—support mechanisms that strengthen competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. Furthermore, the cross-pollination between slightly different yet complimentary industries and stakeholders creates fertile ground for novel collaboration and development.

Looking Ahead: Continued Cooperation

The discussions initiated at this year’s event have already sparked momentum for continued collaboration. Savonia, Kuopio Water Cluster, and our projects will continue to support SMEs in navigating EU funding opportunities and building partnerships that contribute to innovation, water security, and resilience.

Copyright/photo credit information for publication purposes: Juha Välimäki from eALLIANCE/Patria

The Veto project (“Towards Smart Specialication and Enhanced Joint Innovation Activities Between the Regional Water Clusters”) is funded by The Council of Tampere Region under Project Code A81361 and Decision Number EURA 2021/404420/09 02 01 01/2024/PL. The Veto project is coordinated by Savonia University of Applied Sciences.

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Authors

Bailey Lähdesmäki, RDI Expert, Savonia University of Applied Sciences