North Savo launches its first startup ecosystem survey

For the first time, a comprehensive startup ecosystem survey will be conducted in North Savo to gather information on the growth, development, and future needs of companies in the region, while also assessing North Savo as a business environment for startups and growth-oriented companies.

The aim is to develop a comprehensive understanding of North Savo’s startup ecosystem. The results will be used to improve services and the operating environment for startups and growth-oriented companies across the region.

The survey is targeted at founders, executives, and business development professionals of startup companies pursuing growth and international expansion.

The survey and analysis of North Savo’s startup ecosystem will be carried out during autumn 2026 by Crazy Town Ltd in collaboration with the Business Center North Savo network, which includes Savonia University of Applied Sciences, the University of Eastern Finland, Savo Vocational College, the cities of Iisalmi and Kuopio, the Municipality of Vieremä, and Navitas Development Services Ltd in Varkaus.

“Over the past few years, significant efforts have been made to strengthen both the services and the operating environment available to startup entrepreneurs in the region. Business Center North Savo itself is a concrete example of this collaborative support network,” says Kaija Sääski, Director of Business Center North Savo.

“Through the responses provided by companies, organizations involved in business services and regional development across North Savo will gain valuable insights into the views, experiences, and service needs of startup companies.”

“Based on the findings, we will be able to develop more effective and better targeted services,” Sääski continues. “The survey will also provide valuable benchmarking data against other Finnish growth hubs, including Tampere, Turku, Espoo, Vantaa, Lahti, and Oulu.”

The data will be collected through an online survey and telephone interviews with startup and growth companies operating in the North Savo region. Company-specific information provided by individual respondents will not be disclosed, and all responses will be handled confidentially. The results will be reported in a way that ensures that no individual company or respondent can be identified.

Based on the findings, a public summary report will be produced to assess the current state of the startup ecosystem and the service needs of startup companies, while supporting the development of future services. The report will be completed by the end of 2026.

Further information and interview requests

Kaija Sääski
Director, Business Center North Savo
Tel. +358 44 785 6922
kaija.saaski@savonia.fi

Matti Laitinen
Innovation Specialist, Business Center North Savo
Tel. +358 44 785 6333
matti.laitinen@savonia.fi

Mikko Korpela
Senior Expert, Crazy Town Ltd
Tel. +358 400 499 242
mikko.korpela@crazytown.fi

Tommi Uitti
Ecosystem Specialist, Crazy Town Ltd
Tel. +358 40 367 5698
tommi.uitti@crazytown.fi