Check out the current funding and networking possibilities for researchers
Business Finland and several European partnership programmes are currently offering a wide range of funding opportunities for researchers and research groups interested in strengthening collaboration with companies and international networks. Below are selected open calls that align well with the University of Oulu’s research strengths — particularly in the areas of sustainability, energy transition, digitalisation, and industrial innovation.
Rise to Challenge 2026
Call open: April 1st – November 3rd, 2026.
Business Finland is looking for radical initiatives, boldness, and willingness to take risks –strategic research ideas with the potential to disrupt markets. This call welcomes world-class ideas without thematic limitations. If your research team has one, you should definitely apply! Rise to Challenge is by far Business Finland’s largest funding instrument for research organizations: project funding for five years can amount to as much as 5–10 million euros.
Funded research projects can last up to five years, with funding granted in phases. In this call, funding is granted for the first phase of the project, lasting up to three years. Based on the results of the first phase, the project may be granted continuation funding for an additional two years.
The University of Oulu has defined its own practices for the Rise to Challenge funding call, which differ from traditional calls. Please review these instructions and contact the Innovation Centre’s experts before applying for funding.
An info session about the call will be held on April 21, 2026, at 2 PM.
Partnership model funding call for Co-Innovation and Research, development and piloting projects
Call open: Continuous call
Business Finland offers partnership funding for research, development, and innovation projects in leading companies' ecosystem themes. Funding is intended especially for joint projects between companies and joint projects between companies and research organizations (Co-Innovation funding). Co-Innovation and Research, development and pilot funding can be applied for continuously.
6G Bridge and Quantum
Call open: 6G Bridge until 31 December 2026, Quantum campaign until 30 June 2026.
Business Finland’s 6G Bridge programme and Quantum campaign invite research organisations to strengthen their cooperation with strategic international research ecosystems. The new research fields of 6G and quantum technologies are truly global, and international research collaboration will align our future competences with the needs of key players.
Funding application for Co-Innovation projects between companies and research organizations in the creative industries
Call open: until April 29.
The aim of the Co-Innovation research and development funding for the creative sector provided by Business Finland is to promote the renewal and international competitiveness of companies in the sector by supporting ambitious research and development projects that combine the expertise of the research institute and the companies' desire to renew, grow, and improve their competitive position. Co-Innovation joint projects are implemented in parallel in close cooperation between the participants.
Interested?
If you’d like support in identifying the right funding instrument or preparing your application, contact the Innovation Centre!
Maria Juurikka, Company Specialist
maria.juurikka@oulu.fi
+358294487646
Kaisa Still, Customer Manager, Company Collaboration
kaisa.still@oulu.fi
+358 40 150 8741
Petri Leukkunen, Customer Manager
petri.leukkunen@oulu.fi
+358 29 448 1162