Jussi Leponiemi is a key account director for information and communication technology at BusinessOulu. He is responsible for developing high-tech industries in the Oulu region. Jussi has extensive experience with corporate clients and business development, especially targeted to Subject Matter Expert developer companies in the Oulu region. His skills include project management, business development, and various technologies. He actively participates in industry networks. Jussi holds a Ph.D. in Business and Administration.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Accelerating Technology Transfer from Research to Business in Northern Finland

The project addressed the challenge of technology transfer from research to business, particularly in the high-tech sector in Northern Finland. The project bridged Finland’s gap between successful research and commercialization by holding seven expert lectures, attended by over 40 participants. These lectures covered topics such as intellectual property management, licensing, and business development.

The project successfully connected 11 research teams with investors, leveraging four U.S.-based accelerator networks and Finnish VC investors. These connections facilitated early-stage discussions and provided new perspectives on funding and commercialization strategies. Additionally, four virtual lectures from IVLP exchange resources, including experts from Utah, California, and Washington D.C., enriched the learning experience. Business development workshops further encouraged a business-oriented mindset, leading at least four teams to pursue launching businesses and exploring startup incubators.

Technological Innovations Monetized

"This project gave us [a] nice push we needed to move from research to real business opportunities. We are now starting to work with an US-based incubator and developing our first business model." – Project participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Jussi participated in the IVLP Project Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Institute for International Education, in partnership with Global Ties Sacramento, Global Ties San Francisco, World Affairs Council Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky, WorldBoston, and Utah Global Diplomacy.

Jussi’s exchange experience led to the development of his project: “My experience with the IVLP project was overall very positive. Our program focused on entrepreneurship and the development of small businesses, and we met a wide range of experts in different cities who provided various perspectives on these themes…. We can learn a lot from the advanced processes and best practices in the United States on this topic.”

U.S. Communities Visited

Sacramento, CA; San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC; Boston, MA; Cincinnati, OH; Salt Lake City, UT

Country: Finland

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