Where people, skills and technology meet to renew industrial work
Valmet’s Industrial NEXUS is a sparring program for startups or SMEs looking to scale their business and collaborate with an industry leader. This tailored program is specifically designed to strengthen the business expertise, fundability, and international growth potential within the Valmet Industrial NEXUS ecosystem.
Renewing industrial work for the future
Application period: November 12, 2026 – January 17, 2027
Launched by Valmet, Industrial NEXUS is a five-year research and development program aimed at renewing the industry through digital solutions, automation, artificial intelligence, and new operating models. The program is part of Business Finland’s leading company (veturi) initiative, where large enterprises tackle significant future challenges together with a partner ecosystem.
The program is about making Finnish industry a better place to work and innovate by combining human expertise with data and automation in new, practical ways.
The Basics of Industrial NEXUS
We are looking for companies DEVELOPING:
- Digital tools for maintenance processes (e.g., data integration, fault alerts, predictive tools)
- Next-generation learning tools (faster customer onboarding and novel training concepts)
- Practical AI and data solutions for process industries
GET ALL THIS AND MORE
- Validate and further develop your solution with experts in at least 7 expert meetings
- Leverage the latest research insights and testing environments and receive hands-on support for business development
- Create long-lasting partnerships, gain access to national and international networks and connect with meaningful partners to support your growth
TO PARTICIPATE YOU’LL NEED
- Finnish Business ID
- A fully completed application
- Strong desire to develop your business
- Commitment to the program events
How are the companies selected?
Partner jury selects 5-10 ambitious companies to the program. Selections are made based on applications, using the following criteria: ability to grow, market potential, team, and references. Selected companies will meet handpicked experts, partners and other entrepreneurs. We will be in touch with all the applicants after the application period ends.
PARTNER JURY
- Taija Lappeteläinen, City of Jyväskylä
- Pekka Anttila, JAMK University of Applied Sciences
- Tomi Vänttinen, Finnish Institute of High Performance Sport
- Laura Aineslahti, University of Jyväskylä
WHO CAN SEE MY DATA?
We handle the applications and company data with love and care. Only Kasvu Open and partner jury can see your application.
About Valmet Industrial NEXUS
Valmet is one of the world’s leading technology companies serving the process industries. The company collaborates with its customers throughout their entire lifecycle, offering first-class technologies and services, as well as mission-critical automation and flow control solutions. Valmet’s Industrial NEXUS is a program funded by Business Finland that drives industrial renewal and digital transformation.
For more information: https://www.valmet.com/company/innovation/industrial-nexus
Info
Jaana Seppälä
+358 50 304 6794
jaana.seppala@kasvuopen.co