BusinessOulu is refining its responsibilities in the Defence, HealthTech and ICT sectors. The aim is to strengthen sector-specific business collaboration whilst utilising Oulu’s technological strengths more systematically across various application areas.
Jussi Leponiemi is responsible for Defence and, within cutting-edge technologies, connectivity, 6G, microelectronics and semiconductors, as well as Physical AI. His work in the Defence sector focuses in particular on dual-use business, corporate growth and internationalisation, the development of the DefTech ecosystem, and national and international networks.
Heidi Tikanmäki is responsible for the HealthTech sector and, within the ICT technology sectors, artificial intelligence, data, and digital solutions. Her work emphasises business opportunities based on these technologies, corporate growth and internationalisation, as well as relationships with stakeholders in the OuluHealth ecosystem and the health sector network, and with other ecosystems both nationally and internationally. The Oulu region’s strong expertise in digital health, its innovative research and product development environments, and the close collaboration between companies and other ecosystem stakeholders provide an excellent foundation for new solutions and international growth.
ICT also serves as a cross-cutting technological foundation. Oulu’s strengths in artificial intelligence, data, wireless technologies, microelectronics, and new smart systems serve a range of sectors and create new interfaces between, for example, Defence, HealthTech, social and health services, and industry.
– We want to clarify our responsibilities whilst strengthening cooperation. Oulu’s competitiveness is largely based on the ability to combine strong technological expertise with new markets and areas of application. Defence is one of the rapidly growing strategic sectors in this regard, says Leponiemi.
– Our region is home to a strong cluster of health technology companies that develop internationally competitive solutions for healthcare and wellbeing needs. Having worked in the health technology sector, I see every day the pivotal role played by, for example, artificial intelligence, data, and digital solutions in the sector’s transformation. The move to ICT responsibilities provides an excellent opportunity to bring the needs and solutions of Oulu’s ecosystems even more closely together. Our team’s aim is to work collaboratively to support companies in utilising our cutting-edge ICT expertise and shaping it into new, internationally scalable business, explains Tikanmäki.
In the new operating model, Defence, HealthTech, and ICT are equally strong pillars, and joint business, technology and development initiatives are being actively built between them. The aim is to help companies find new markets, partners, funding, and growth opportunities, as well as to strengthen Oulu’s international position as a technology hub.
Further information:
Jussi Leponiemi Key Account Director, Defence | +358 44 2387 860 | jussi.leponiemi@businessoulu.com
Heidi Tikanmäki Key Account Director, HealthTech & ICT | +358 40 542 0007 | heidi.tikanmaki@businessoulu.com
Joanna Seppänen Sector Coordinator | HealthTech & ICT | +358 40 641 6937 | joanna.seppanen@businessoulu.com
Kati Ilkka Sector Coordinator, Defence | +358 40 183 9956 | kati.ilkka@businessoulu.com
