Best conditions for business
Oulu is the leading hub in Northern Scandinavia for business, education, and culture, recognised especially for innovations in information technology. Here, you can find cutting edge education and technical expertise to raise your business’ know-how to a new level.
Excellent opportunities for investments
Oulu region’s population is projected to grow by 20 percent in the following decades. Expenditure is also increasing: income taxes has grown the most (3.5 %) of all of the cities in Finland. The latest 15 international companies to establish themselves in Oulu yearly invest over 100 million euros to the region.
Meetings with a Northern Twist
The main reason to participate in conferences is the content. Oulu’s strength lies in a strong science community and expertise. Experiences are also emphasised in international conferences – Northern exoticism and straightforwardness – that make Oulu one of the most popular destinations.
Entrepreneurs’ active city
Oulu has a great reputation as a business city. Municipality Image 2017 study highlighted Oulu’s best image factors to be the availability of labour, business and education cooperation, and supporting innovations.
Businesses
WE HELP YOUR COMPANY GROW.
Solid innovation expertise and a dynamic operational environment in Arctic Europe’s fastest growing city attract both startups and large international companies alike to Oulu.
BusinessOulu’s free-of-charge expert services are at your disposal from starting a business or establishing your company here all the way to networking and internationalization. You can get info on business opportunities, public funding, available workforce, and possible partners – all this from us.
How can we help you?
Service when you want it, 24/7
Utilise networks for your growth
Looking for business premises?
Network with local entrepreneurs
Investments
GATEWAY TO ARCTIC EUROPE.
Robust ICT expertise has created a unique foundation for innovation and business in Oulu. Between 2014-2016, over 500 startup companies were born in Oulu, and the amount of rented business premises has more than doubled in the past few years.
Over the following decade, more than 197 billion euros will be invested in Scandinavia’s arctic regions, and by 2030 the number will be 277 billion euros. The largest investments will be made in construction, energy, mining, logistics, tourism and creative industries.
Operational environment
GROWTH PLATFORMS FOR THE MOST INNOVATIVE IDEAS.
Oulu Innovation Alliance (OIA) is a network of networks. Its five ecosystems – Agile Commercialisation, OuluHealth, ICT & Digitalisation, Industry 2026, and Northern City with Attractive Opportunities – represent the cutting edge in Oulu’s expertise. All development platforms and ecosystems are at your business’ disposal.
You can come to Oulu with an idea and leave with a finished product: we have everything you need for productizing, funding, testing, and commercialising your idea.
Oulu Innovation Alliance is a network of networks
OuluHealth unites businesses, researchers, and the public sector
Welcome aboard on the best seats in product developments
Does your idea need sparring or networks for your business?
Planning an audiovisual production in the North?
Conferences & Events
TOP-OF-THE-LINE SERVICES WITH A TOUCH OF NORTHERN EXOTICISM.
Compact city centre with its services and smooth transport connections all the way from Europe are Oulu’s advantages when organizing congresses and events. Oulu has long been among Finland’s most popular destinations with international congress hosts. Experiences are also emphasised in international conferences: Northern experiences stand out.