Oulu leverages its heritage in wireless technology and strengthens its position as a high-tech ecosystem in Europe, with a thriving semiconductor industry focused on innovation, collaboration and education to meet demand.
Finland is emerging as a major player in the global semiconductor landscape, driven by the ambitious Chips from the North initiative, which will strengthen Finland’s position in semiconductor manufacturing, research and design by 2035. Current forecasts show that existing revenues of 1.6 billion euros will grow to between 5 billion euros and 6 billion euros, while thousands of new jobs will be created.
Oulu is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging its heritage as a Nokia hub and specializing in wireless-related chips and radio technologies, including advances from GSM to 6G. The city’s innovations in wireless connectivity, telecommunications, embedded systems, IoT, and industrial electronics have attracted global attention, with prominent health tech companies such as Oura, Polar, and Optomed leading the way in research and development. Oulu is home to various companies in the semiconductor industry, and the city is increasingly becoming a global semiconductor hub. For example, Bosch Sensortec is expanding its presence in Oulu as a leader in MEMS sensors. Similarly, MediaTek has established a base in Oulu and is focused on driving 5G product development and supporting educational initiatives, while Aspocomp manufactures high-tech circuit boards for industries such as automotive and aerospace, prioritizing quality and advanced technology.
With this growing reputation, Oulu has evolved as a hub for the latest defense and security solutions, with a focus on innovative dual-use technologies. Long-established companies such as Bittium and KNL provide essential military services and products and strengthen the region’s reputation in this important sector.
Skill development and education
Finland is working to build a skilled workforce in the semiconductor sector, with plans to attract and train more than 15,000 new professionals over the next 10 years. Efforts are underway in Oulu to strengthen microelectronics education programs and promote vocational training, with the aim of developing talent to meet the industry’s evolving needs. Initiatives like the MEREBE project are integral to this strategy, fostering Oulu’s microelectronics ecosystem that brings together industry experts and educational institutions such as OAMK, OSAO and the University of Oulu. The project aims to address skills shortages and improve the capabilities of local talent through an intensive training program, as well as bring in international expertise, thereby reinforcing Finland’s aim to become Europe’s leading semiconductor hub.
BusinessOulu is a leading regional development organization, connecting businesses, researchers and investors across a variety of key sectors, including ICT, semiconductors, medical technology, smart industries and creative industries. Adopting a cluster-based approach fosters collaboration between companies, universities, and research institutions to drive innovation across multiple domains. Through a variety of collaborative events, workshops and international networking opportunities, BusinessOulu plays a pivotal role in translating research excellence into business development, cementing Oulu’s identity as one of Finland’s most dynamic technology hubs.
Another major program is the University of Oulu’s Devices & Things ecosystem, which includes over 300 hardware researchers and 100 project partner companies. This ecosystem aims to foster collaboration across the innovation chain, including ICT materials, microelectronics, and advanced components such as SoCs, chips, antennas, and sensors for future hardware modules and devices. Devices & Things is elevating the region’s importance in semiconductor design and more by targeting the growing demand for cutting-edge technologies essential to the healthcare, automotive and energy sectors.
Collaboration in Finland and abroad
The “Chip from the North” strategy emphasizes the value of collaboration in driving innovation. Finland plans to invest €5.5 billion in joint research and development funds over the next 10 years and establish new research and design centres. For example, the University of Oulu and Finland’s VTT Technology Research Center offer specialized programs and research that meet industry requirements, establish a foundation for future research, and foster an innovative and growth-oriented environment. VTT is an expert in printed electronics.
OIA consortium
Central to Oulu’s identity is the Oulu Innovation Alliance (OIA), a consortium dedicated to promoting research and innovation. OIA’s 2021-2027 vision aims to position Oulu as the most advanced European ecosystem in creating global value through digitalization and addressing sustainability challenges. By facilitating research, funding and access to international networks, OIA acts as a central partner for innovation in Northern Finland. In recognition of its progress, Oulu has been ranked third in the “European Emerging Innovation City” category at the 2024 European Innovation Capital Awards (iCapital).
FiCCC
At the national level, the Finnish Chip Competence Center (FiCCC) was established as part of the European Chip Act with the aim of strengthening Finland’s role in the semiconductor value chain. FiCCC acts as a central hub connecting research, industry and entrepreneurship to EU networks and resources. The initiative aims to triple the revenue of the country’s semiconductor industry by 2035 and supports the “Chips from the North” strategy, which fosters expertise in key areas such as chip design, MEMS, sensors, and quantum technology.
BusinessOulu will lead the business ecosystem and entrepreneurship within FiCCC. The initiative focuses on translating research excellence into business growth by mapping domestic companies and funding opportunities, connecting startups with mentors and investors, and facilitating access to EU Chip Funds. BusinessOulu also plays an advisory role in other work packages related to design, process, talent development and communications, comprehensively integrating a business perspective throughout the project.
ERSA member
Most recently, the Oulu region officially joined the European Semiconductor Regional Alliance (ESRA), a network of 36 European regions working together to strengthen the European semiconductor value chain. This membership highlights Oulu’s growing importance as Finland’s second major semiconductor hub and strengthens its links with European research and manufacturing through initiatives such as FiCCC.
strong outlook
Oulu is emerging as an important player in the semiconductor industry. Our focus on innovative design capabilities, talent development and workforce upskilling, and our role as a hub for innovation by connecting research and industry, not only supports Finland domestically, but also has a significant impact globally. “Chips from the North” is just the beginning of a bright future for Oulu and Finland’s place in the European technology landscape, and aims not only to strengthen the local economy but also to establish Finland as an important player in the European technology landscape.
This article will also be published in the quarterly magazine issue 24.
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