Furthermore , Oulu is a proud host to such startup events as Polar Bear Pitching and Midnight Pitch Fest , where some of the most promising startups and investors meet . In addition , BusinessOulu organises investor events – such as Oulu Investor Days – and BusinessOulu ’ s experts are often the very first contact in Oulu Region ’ s VC activities .
” We ’ re also sparring startups with their presentations and hosting pitching coaching events which provide valuable tips to the startups ,” says Jokisalo , adding that BusinessOulu has worked with dozens of companies that are trying to find their “ voice ” and is constantly matchmaking between entrepreneurs and investors . One tool is different kind of projects :
“ Companies participating in a project have received € 12,7 million of funding so far ,” Jokisalo says .
Seaside Strategies
A big part of the local identity , of course , is the sea which has offered connections to the world for centuries . The Port of Oulu has a long tradition of success and a fresh banner year under its belt : a new record was reached in foreign exports in 2016 . In addition , the number of ships visiting the Port totalled 588 , which marks a new high for the Port after it became a public utility ( and subsequently a limited company ). The total volume of transports via the Port ( 3.558 million tons ) also came very close to an alltime high .
According to Marko Mykkänen , CEO of Port of Oulu , the strong result bodes well for the future . But there ’ s also work ahead : The Port ’ s customers ( both existing and future ones ) as well as the upcoming major projects to be implemented in the North all call for a deeper channel to Oulu .
“ The deep channel project is a necessity in order to ensure a cost-effective transportation route for northern industry to the global market via Europe ,” says Mykkänen . l
Eye for Architecture
O ne example of the forward-looking
mentality in Oulu is presented by the surroundings of the railway station which are about to go through a real beauty treatment . An architectural contest , aimed at retooling the area , is presently in its last phases .
“ We had 30 participants in the competition and five were selected to create the final contest entries ,” explains Matti Matinheikki , Director for Urban & Environmental services for the City of Oulu . The entity , comprising 75,000 floor square metres , will feature mostly residential construction , but there is room for various hybrid solutions , as well .
“ The winner of the contest is announced on 18th January .”
Shortly after this , the City is expected
to release its architecture master plan which will add cohesion and strategic reach to the urban development effort . In addition , Oulu ’ s City Centre Vision 2040 is almost complete , too .
“ Our vision is a study of various things that we can do the increase our appeal and functionality in the years and decades ahead .”
The new Central Station will finally bring to life what has been talked about for so long around town : a truly modern hub for all traffic . Matinheikki sees the project as a great chance to make “ a positive push ” into the future .
“ There are some very inspiring ideas among the entries and we are hoping to turn the best ones into reality .”
All five entries view the Central Station as a kind of a “ gateway to the city ” – and with good cause , too : annually , 600,000 – 800,000 passengers enter Oulu through here .
Still , the most high-flying visions may not be able to take off very easily , since the City is not the only concerned party in the project . State-owned VR and Senaatti own most of the land in the area , and they naturally will have their say on what is to come .
The emerging new plans are a continuation of the previous efforts , such as the 2015 idea contest for the development of the Market Square , located at the waterfront . In addition , various opportunities to raise residential construction in Hollihaka Park and Raatinsaari shoreline have been surveyed with care .
“ We look at areas such as Market Square and Hollihaka Park as great candidates for future development . There is a lot we can still achieve ,” Matinheikki says . l
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