Expo 2025 Osaka
City of Oulu is an official partner of Finland at the Nordic Pavilion.
Oulu – city of the future for innovation and expertise
World fair Osaka Expo 2025 takes place in Osaka, Kansai in Japan, from 13 April to 13 October 2025. As part of the Expo is the Nordic Pavilion, where also the City of Oulu is participating as an official partner of Finland.
Located in northern Finland just below Lapland and the Arctic Circle, Oulu is one of Finland’s fastest growing cities and the centre of innovation, business, culture and education in the North. The population is young and well-educated, with an average age below 40 and one third of the inhabitants holding a university degree. With a population of a little more than 210,000 inhabitants, Oulu is the fifth largest city in Finland.
Oulu ranks first when it comes to R&D investment per capita in Finland. Oulu has three universities and several other important research institutes. In Oulu, future is being built sustainably through world-class expertise and innovations.
Oulu is one of the major technological hubs in Europe, especially when it comes to world-class wireless excellence. More than 50 years of experience in developing wireless technologies makes the region’s pioneering role in the field undeniable. Today, the city’s technology ecosystem is a hub for dozens of global product development units.
The mobile technologies developed here are used by around three billion people around the world daily, and Oulu has paved the way for the global development of 5G network technologies and is currently a pioneer in 6G research, with the University of Oulu leading the way in the 6G Flagship programme that also has a lot of ongoing collaborations and potential, upcoming ones with Japanese stakeholders.
The Oulu region hosts up to 1,000 companies and 25,000 professionals, covering a broad portfolio of expertise in high-technology research and development.
The population of Oulu is predicted to grow by 20 per cent in the following few decades. At the same time, consumption will increase but ever more sustainably: Oulu invests heavily in circular economy, and the city plans to be carbon neutral by the year 2035.
Oulu offers the perfect opportunity for lasting investment at the heart of northern Europe’s rapid development. In Oulu, it is well recognised that sustainability efforts must involve all sectors and rely heavily on the collaboration of research, innovation and business.
A notable number of new development projects are ongoing or being planned in Oulu. Significant investment projects in the city centre are being developed, such as a new Travel Centre and a new Experience Arena. Besides these, there are numerous industry projects going on or being planned, such as the new Nokia R&D campus for thousands of employees, and half a dozen major international hydrogen projects planned for realisation within the next half a decade.
Culture, art and diverse events take over the northern region. It is a journey of many years that Oulu is making together with 40 municipalities for the year 2026, which Oulu will celebrate as European Capital of Culture. The Oulu2026 programme is a collaboration of hundreds of creators from Oulu, Finland, and across Europe. There are thousands of events, works of art and experiences in store.
We are approaching an unforgettable year with the aim of creating a positive, lasting impact on our region. Our goal is cultural climate change. We expand the perception of seeing and experiencing culture. We feed creativity and new development and build a more sustainable and open Europe and world for all.
As innovation, business, success and growth in Oulu are all about the ecosystem and collaboration, BusinessOulu as a public utility of the City of Oulu will host a number of partners from home at the Expo in June. Below you can find the introductions of all the contributing parties showcased at Oulu events in Osaka and Kansai.
Special Event and Side events
BusinessOulu
BusinessOulu promotes the vitality of Oulu by creating opportunities for the region, its residents and businesses to thrive. We are building a strong northern growth centre that attracts young people as a place to do business, live and study. We create new jobs through sustainable business growth.
Co-operators
PrintoCent
PrintoCent welcomes industries to explore what Printed Intelligence can offer! With around 40 member companies, PrintoCent boosts innovation and industrialisation. The PrintoCent Pilot Factory ensures seamless technology and development processes, from prototyping to proof-of-concept and market trials.
Visit Oulu
Oulu is European Capital of Culture 2026! Cultural events will bring Northern Finland to life with joy and creativity. Discover also the Pohjola Route, a unique way to explore Northern Finland in any season.
Partners
The University of Oulu
The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary science university, ranked in the top 3% of the world´s universities. We respond to global challenges through generating new scientific knowledge, fostering innovation, and educating future pioneers. We are a global leader in sustainable next-generation communication networks research
Oulu University of Applied Sciences
Oulu UAS is a higher education community with 10,000 students and ~500 staff. Our close collaboration with the industry ensures a high-level expertise. Our RDI focuses on low-carbon, digital, and business solutions, with know-how in autonomous work machines, sustainable aviation, and arts innovations.
Oulu University Hospital
Oulu University Hospital (OYS) is the leading centre for specialised healthcare, research, and education in northern Finland. Our mission is to provide timely, high-quality care, support people through life’s defining moments, and ensure the future of specialized healthcare in the region.
Orbis Systems
Orbis Systems is a leading global provider of 5G/6G test solutions for telecom and automotive industries. We offer OTA chambers, automated positioners, RF switching units, and test systems, with offices in Finland, Japan, India, USA, and China.
FabPatch™ – Award-winning Finnish repair innovation
Rub-on textile repair patches for clothes, gear and even delicate fabrics like merino wool – no ironing or sewing needed. Durable, washable and made in Finland. Available for personal use and custom B2B solutions.
Profilence
Profilence ensures long-term software stability and performance in automotive, medical, and smart devices. Our award-winning QA Suite and deep expertise help detect critical issues early, speeding up development and preventing defects from reaching end-users.
TactoTek
TactoTek develops and licenses In-Mold Structural Electronics (IMSE®) technology that combines electronics and mechanics into ultra-thin, lightweight, and functional surface structures. From automotive to industrial applications, IMSE helps create smarter and more sustainable designs.
