HOUGHTON, MI – FinnZone announced two separate delegations from Finland will be arriving in the Keweenaw during the week of May 16 for the purpose of evaluating expansion and collaboration opportunities.
FinnZone will be hosting a delegation of five companies from central and northern Finland, sponsored by JAMK University of Applied Sciences and the European Commission. The companies represent sectors such as mobility, energy, and advanced wood products. Finnish partners Marko Luoma of XPort and Markku Paananen of JAMK are leading the group from Finland. The companies plan to evaluate the opportunity to establish a presence in the Houghton-Hancock region in the U.P. of Michigan and will explore partnerships with local companies.
Additionally, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will be hosting a delegation visit by Finland’s U.S. Ambassador Mikko Hautala and Business Finland to Houghton-Hancock on May 17, and Southeast Michigan, May 18 and 19, to explore areas of cooperation in research and commercialization around sectors that include the forest bioeconomy, maritime, mobility and clean tech. The Finnish delegation builds upon the memo of understanding (MoU) signed in 2020 by Michigan Governor Whitmer and Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Mika Lintilä to increase collaboration and innovation between Michigan and Finland. The U.P. agenda will include tours and meetings with Michigan Technological University, Finlandia University, FinnZone and the Honorary Consul of Finland Upper Michigan.
“FinnZone commercialization services coupled with a welcoming and supportive community, local technology companies, outdoor activities and climate, our Finnish legacy, esteemed universities and talent are proving that the Keweenaw is an enticing entry point into the North American market for some companies located in Finland”, said Patrick Visser, Co-Director of FinnZone. “This will be four groups of Finnish companies and delegates to visit already this year, which we hope is the sign of a growing recognition in Finland of our unique value propositions”.
