This edition will focus on the role of clusters in advancing the green transition, technology innovation, and energy sector competitiveness, with a strong emphasis on collaboration between clusters, regional authorities, and businesses. The event will highlight Vaasa’s leadership in energy technology and sustainability and showcase how regional clusters drive industrial transformation, digitalisation, and clean energy solutions.

Participants will benefit from a rich programme combining policy dialogue, interactive workshops, site visits, and a dedicated pitching session that enables organisations to share collaboration ideas for future EU-funded projects. Notably, ideas presented during the pitching session will be further developed in the upcoming Cluster Collaboration Lab (C2Lab), to be held in Finland later in the year.

The event will build upon the EnergyVaasa cluster, the leading energy technology cluster in the Nordics, which consists of:

• 180 companies, many of which are global leaders in their fields.

• 13,000 employees, with an expected growth to 20,000 by 2030.

• 80% export rate, showcasing the global impact of its innovations.

This conference will provide a highly interactive platform where stakeholders will engage in policy discussions, knowledge-sharing sessions, site visits, and networking opportunities.

🖊️Registration

🗓️ Draft Agenda 

Context and Objectives

Vaasa is recognised as the Nordic energy capital, leading the way in renewable technologies, smart energy systems, and industrial innovation. The EnergyVaasa cluster plays a critical role in implementing regional and national strategies, including:

• The Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) of Ostrobothnia, focusing on energy technology, digital solutions, and circular economy initiatives.
• The Carbon Neutral Vaasa Ecosystem Agreement (2021-2027), accelerating clean energy projects and international collaboration.
• The Finnish Industrial Policy Strategy & Energy and Climate Strategy, ensuring that clusters are at the centre of sustainable industry growth.

Key Objectives of the Event

• Promoting Cluster-Driven Innovation in the Energy Sector
  • EnergyVaasa technologies:smart grids, marine solutions, sustainable energy production, energy efficiency, energy storage and power balancing systems.
  • Showcasing breakthrough projects in renewable energy, circular economy, and carbon-neutral industrial practices.
• Strengthening Regional-Cluster Cooperation
  • Enhancing collaboration between regional authorities, clusters, and industry leaders.
  • Aligning regional innovation strategies with EU policy priorities and funding opportunities.
• Scaling Up the Green Transition through Business Collaboration
  • Supporting SMEs and start-ups in developing and exporting clean energy technologies.
  • Creating partnerships for investment in sustainable energy and infrastructure.
• Advancing Cross-Sectoral Digitalisation and Industrial Transformation
  • Examining the role of digital innovation hubs, AI, and automation in optimising energy systems.
  • Facilitating knowledge exchange between ICT, manufacturing, and energy clusters.

Target Groups

The event will engage a diverse group of European stakeholders, including:

• Regional authorities and policymakers, shaping energy transition policies and industrial development strategies.
• Cluster organisations, driving technology innovation, sustainability, and SME internationalisation.
• SMEs, start-ups, and scale-ups, seeking opportunities for investment and market expansion in clean energy.
• Academic and research institutions, supporting the technology transfer and commercialisation of innovations.
• Industry leaders, actively engaged in renewable energy, smart grids, circular economy, and green shipping solutions.

Agenda Highlights

Day 1 – 24 September 2025
The first day of the event will focus on building new collaborative initiatives and exploring regional strengths:

• Opening plenary session, featuring welcome remarks from local and European representatives and setting the strategic tone for the event.
• Pitching session, where selected participants will present ideas for future collaboration, potentially feeding into the next C2Lab edition planned in Finland later this year.
• Parallel workshops designed to generate concrete project ideas and enhance interregional cooperation:
  • Cluster collaboration: Increasing productivity through innovation in manufacturing industries – focused on robotics, AI, 3D printing, and digital twins.
  • Vaasa Climate Commitment: Accelerating place-based collaboration for a clean and sustainable transition – promoting cross-sector partnerships for climate leadership.
  • Best practices for mastering industry-university cooperation in RDI projects – identifying effective models for co-developing energy innovations.
• Networking opportunities throughout the day to connect with regional, national, and international stakeholders.

Day 2 – 25 September 2025
The second day will be dedicated to gaining hands-on insight into the region’s innovation ecosystem:

• Inspiration session showcasing successful EU-funded collaborations and cross-border innovation practices.
• Company and site visits in the Vaasa region, offering direct exposure to industrial leaders and green transition pioneers.

Expected outcomes

By bringing together key players in Europe’s energy and innovation ecosystem, this event aims to:

• Strengthen collaboration between regional authorities, clusters, and businesses to accelerate industrial transformation.

• Showcase Finland’s leadership in sustainable energy and digitalisation, contributing to the broader European innovation agenda.

• Facilitate cross-border partnerships, unlocking new opportunities for SMEs, investors, and energy technology providers.

• Enhance policy alignment between regional and European-level strategies for energy transition and green innovation.

Read and download the 🗓️ Draft Agenda

Logistical Information

Venue:

The event will take place at the University of Vaasa, a newly renovated and high-tech facility offering:

• State-of-the-art hybrid conferencing technology for seamless participation.
• Multiple breakout rooms and an auditorium, ideal for interactive discussions and networking.
• An open-plan restaurant with a view of the Vaasa archipelago, providing a unique setting for informal meetings.

Accessibility:

• Vaasa Airport offers multiple daily flights to Helsinki and Stockholm for international connections.
• Frequent train services connect Vaasa to Helsinki Airport, with approximately ten daily departures.
• Vaasa city centre is highly accessible, with hotels, restaurants, and public transport within walking distance of the venue.

Download 📝 Travel and Accommodation Guidance. 

🖊️Registration

🗓️ Draft Agenda