15.09.2026
Four projects from Northern Ostrobothnia received IP AKKE funding
Sustainable growth, regenerative investments, tourism and security are emphasised in cross-regional projects that advance towards funding programmes in Eastern and Northern Finland. The implementation of the Eastern and Northern Finland programmes is progressing through ten large-scale projects. The projects will strengthen the regions' vitality, investment capacity, tourism, food chain, overall safety, as well as research, testing and piloting activities. The available IP AKKE allocation of just under EUR 16 million will be fully allocated to projects that have been successful in the evaluation of the first selection period.
33 applications were submitted for the first selection period for a total amount of more than EUR 52 million. The project steering group assessed the applications and processed them on 18 August 2026, selecting ten projects with which the Association of South Karelia will continue the financing negotiations. As a result of these selections, the appropriation will be allocated to projects in the first selection period and the application process has therefore been suspended.
This is preliminary information. Positive applications are currently being supplemented and refined before the actual financing decisions are taken. The Regional Council of South Karelia acts as the funding authority for the project.
In Northern Ostrobothnia, four projects receive an IP AKKE grant.
Inhabited and unified eastern border
The project, coordinated by the development company Naturpolis Oy, brings together 17 municipalities along the eastern border. The aim is to strengthen the municipalities' common situational picture, comprehensive security know-how, preparedness, cooperation and communication, and to support the vitality of the eastern border and the remaining inhabited.
Arctic Nature and Environment Centre of Excellence Polaris
The project, coordinated by the University of Oulu, will build a centre of excellence based on cooperation between northern research stations. The project collects and opens information on nature, climate, atmosphere, biodiversity, carbon cycles and water bodies. Information is produced for use by society, research and other users, and common data services, interfaces and pilots are developed.
VESKA - Sustainable growth from water and fishing tourism to the north
The project, coordinated by Naturpolis Oy, develops water and fishing tourism in Eastern Lapland, Koillismaa and Kainuu. Companies are supported in internationalisation, developing new products and routes, accessing sales channels and strengthening the region's international reputation.
Borderland Europe - Northern Testing and Piloting Ecosystem
The project, coordinated by the City of Oulu, will build a cross-regional testing and piloting ecosystem for defence and dual-use technologies in Northern Finland. The aim is to connect companies, R&D actors, testing environments and user organisations, and to create a pathway for companies from research to piloting, validation and market.
Additional information: Heli Gynther, heli.gynther@ekarjala.fi, tel. +358 40 4855 109
