A region full of sustainable opportunities
The Vaasa region offers businesses an innovative and entrepreneurial environment that opens up numerous opportunities for developing ideas, testing concepts, and creating successful collaborations in the field of sustainable development. The region’s strong networks and trust between companies help businesses succeed. This international and entrepreneur-driven area offers innovators nearly limitless possibilities to develop their ideas, test their concepts, and find productive collaboration opportunities.
Expert support and networks
The municipalities, businesses, and organisations of the Vaasa region collaborate closely, which has led to the region being widely recognised as one of Finland’s most innovative areas. There are various networks and bodies in the region that support businesses in achieving their sustainability goals.
Vaasa Region Development Company VASEK
Owned by the municipalities of the Vaasa region, VASEK provides businesses with comprehensive guidance at all stages. VASEK offers support in sustainability matters, energy efficiency, as well as advice on starting a business, business development, succession planning, training, investments, funding, networking, and internationalisation.
Read more on VASEK’s website.
Business services
Expert assistance is invaluable, even once the business is up and running. In the Vaasa region, you don’t have to go it alone, as there is a well-established network of support for entrepreneurs in various situations.
Find out more about services, networks, and expert support on our Business Services page.
At the heart of energy technology
The Vaasa region is home to the largest energy technology cluster in the Nordic countries, known as EnergyVaasa. The cluster has become internationally significant, particularly in the fields of smart electrical solutions, sustainable energy, flexible electricity generation, and digitisation. The region’s long-standing tradition in energy technology has led to strong research expertise, which also helps businesses achieve their sustainability goals.
Read more on our Pioneer in energy technology page.
Sustainable energy solutions
Business energy efficiency
Sustainability and low carbon emissions are becoming increasingly important for businesses. Improving energy efficiency and investing in sustainable energy solutions are key to developing business competitiveness.
VASEK provides businesses with materials and advice regarding energy efficiency, its development, and financing. For more information, visit VASEK’s website.
Low-carbon connections and mobility
The Vaasa region offers versatile air, sea, road, and rail transportation, ensuring excellent connectivity year-round. A key strength of the region is the ability to combine different modes of transport, while considering low-carbon alternatives. Promoting sustainable mobility is a central part of the City of Vaasa’s strategy, and there are great opportunities for businesses in the city to adopt responsible mobility solutions for their employees.
Public transportation
The Vaasa region’s public transport system, Lifti, provides practical low-carbon mobility options in the area. Lifti operates 22 gas-powered buses running on biogas produced by Stormossen. Additionally, Lifti offers double the number of routes and the most affordable prices in Finland. By choosing a Lifti bus running on biogas, you can reduce traffic emissions and support sustainable development in the Vaasa region.
Emissions-free maritime transport
Freight emissions can be reduced by using Wasaline’s Green Corridor Fridays project, which offers climate-neutral transport between Vaasa and Umeå. Four departures per week are powered by certified biogas. The route is the most environmentally friendly maritime route between Finland and Sweden. The Aurora Botnia, operating on this route, is the world’s most environmentally friendly passenger car ferry.
