# Strengthening SME Pathways to EU Funding: Savonia and Kuopio Water Cluster at Finland–Ukraine Tech Bridge 2026

> Savonia and KWC empower SMEs with EU funding insights to drive innovation, collaboration, and internationalization.

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

## Water Security and Reconstruction
As Ukraine continues to rebuild, water infrastructure and security remain central to restoring essential services. Finland has committed to long-term support in energy, environment, and civil defense—sectors where reliable water systems are foundational.

Kuopio Water Cluster (KWC), with its multidisciplinary network of over 70 members, operates at the forefront of water-related innovation, ranging from industrial water use to cybersecurity. Its mission to accelerate solutions for water resilience aligns directly with the reconstruction needs of Ukraine.

## EU Funding Guidance for SMEs
On the second day of the event, Bailey Lähdesmäki, RDI Expert from Savonia University of Applied Sciences, represented Savonia, KWC, and the Veto project. Lähdesmäki delivered a keynote session and hosted a workshop focused on EU funding opportunities for SMEs. The session highlighted EU funding as a practical pathway for companies to scale innovation and engage in international collaboration, particularly regarding reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.

## Industry Perspectives
Juha Välimäki, Head of eALLIANCE (a Business Finland co-funded Veturi program led by Patria), noted the impact of the session:
> “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.”

Pasi Tuomainen, CEO of LightningChart Ltd and a KWC member, added:
> “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.”

## Strategic Impact
Events like the Finland–Ukraine Tech Bridge address the capability gap SMEs face when navigating complex EU funding landscapes. KWC provides its members with:
*   Access to project partnerships.
*   Use of test environments and specialized laboratories.
*   Early visibility into funding calls.
*   Cross-pollination between complementary industries.

Savonia and KWC remain committed to supporting SMEs in navigating these opportunities to foster innovation, water security, and resilience.

## Project Information
The Veto project (“Towards Smart Specialisation 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 project is coordinated by Savonia University of Applied Sciences.

*   **Date:** 31.03.2026
*   **License:** CC BY-SA 4.0
*   **Photo Credit:** Juha Välimäki from eALLIANCE/Patria