Research and development cooperation
SEAMK Food Labs implements effective research, development, and innovation (RDI) activities aimed at enabling the transformation of the food industry, supporting company growth, and strengthening regional vitality. Our operations are based on genuine working life development needs. As a regional developer, our task is to identify challenges and find solutions that benefit companies and business life broadly.
Starting cooperation does not require deep knowledge of the RDI system or funding instruments from the company. The most important thing is an idea or a need – we help find the most suitable implementation model. Our experts will help you determine whether it makes sense to proceed, for example, as a commissioned service or a student assignment, apply for public project funding, or build a larger consortium.
This page describes different ways to be involved in SEAMK’s RDI activities. Cooperation can be built in many ways: it can be a SEAMK RDI project where the company has various roles; a company-led R&D project where SEAMK is a co-implementer; a direct limited assignment, or a long-term strategic partnership.
Projects managed by SEAMK often solve broader challenges, and companies can participate in development work free of charge or with a low self-financing contribution, depending on the project. In some projects, companies can receive so-called de minimis aid. The projects are excellent for experimenting with new solutions, piloting, and demonstrations.
- Roles: Development work is done in cooperation with the university of applied sciences and other actors. Companies participate in defining the development target and often bring their own data, raw materials, or processes to the project.
- Funding sources: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund (ESF+), EAFRD (Maaseuturahasto), and national programmes.
When the goal is significant business growth, renewal, and internationalization, it is often a company-led project. SEAMK can act as a research partner or co-implementer in these projects, bringing the necessary special expertise and infrastructure to the project.
- Content: Development of new products, services, or processes (e.g., Co-Innovation and Co-Creation projects).
- Support: SEAMK is involved in sparring the project idea and supporting preparation.
International projects are a channel to network within Europe and test solutions in new markets. Companies operate in these as part of a larger international consortium.
- Benefit: Access to international networks and markets, and the opportunity to utilize top expertise across borders.
- Funding sources: e.g., Horizon Europe, Interreg programmes
We know the funding field and help the company find the right instrument for development work. We offer consultation aid for the preparation of funding applications or write applications as a purchased service even in situations where SEAMK is not an official co-implementer of the project.
When the need is precisely defined and time-critical, a direct commissioned service is the most agile way to proceed. In this model, no project funding applications are needed; instead, the company buys the expert work or testing directly.
- Content: Tests, analyses, pilots, individual development tasks, or theses and student projects .
- Funding: Company’s own funding. The company has the possibility to apply for an additional tax deduction for research and development activities, for which SEAMK can assist in the application process.
- Read more: vero.fi/en/rd-tax-deduction(Opens in a new window)
- Benefit: Speed and flexibility. Results are immediately available and can be utilized later as part of a larger development project.
Partnership models
When cooperation is continuous, Development Partnership serves as a natural first step towards deeper cooperation. It is intended for companies that want to engage in systematic and anticipatory cooperation, binding education and RDI activities tightly into the company’s daily life.
- What the partner gets: A named contact person, a partner for long-term development, and first-hand information on future projects and training .
- Influence: Opportunity to influence the content of development projects and participate in curriculum development.
- Talent: Direct channel to student cooperation and recruitment.
As cooperation deepens, the partnership can be expanded into a strategic Key Partnership.
Research groups and RDI-projects related to food Industry at SeAMK
Contact information:
By email at: foodlabs(a)seamk.fi
By phone at: +358406807538
You can contact us using contact form
Our location:
SeAMK Campus in Seinäjoki
Street address: Kampusranta 9-11
Postal code: 60320 Seinäjoki
See more detailed locations here.
This website has been produced as part of the Future Frami Food Lab development project.
Future Frami Food Lab is an ERDF-funded project. The main objective of the project is to increase the role of South Ostrobothnia as a food region and as a leading expert in food technology and processes in Finland and as an internationally significant actor. The project also strengthens SeAMK Food Labs’ role as a testing platform for food technologies and processes and as an identified competence cluster in the field.
