The Map–Design–Build approach is applied to each case by first mapping the value chain to identify disruption points, then designing digital solutions.

The Pilot-Scale Battery Manufacturing project investigates the feasibility of establishing a pilot-scale battery manufacturing facility in Vaasa, Finland, to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial cell production. The initiative aims to address bottlenecks in the battery value chain by enabling testing, training, and scaling of new battery technologies, while fostering collaboration between universities and industry. Insights from Northvolt’s bankruptcy highlight the risks of bypassing pilot-scale manufacturing, underscoring the need for Finland to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities and supply security. The project ultimately seeks to close the knowledge gap in pilot-scale cell production and attract foreign investment, positioning Finland as a competitive hub in the European battery ecosystem.

The Zero-Emission Data Centre project explores how future Nordic data centres can meet growing global capacity demand while remaining sustainable and compatible with renewable energy systems. The University of Vaasa envisions intelligent power-aware scheduling, grid-connected UPS systems, advanced cooling, and heat reuse solutions to make data centres virtually zero-emission. The project follows a Map–Design–Build approach: identifying optimisation methods and business models, simulating and piloting solutions with industry partners, and developing new technologies such as AI-based control, battery storage, and liquid cooling. Outcomes include strengthened Finnish expertise, the establishment of the FinStar research network, and disruptive co-innovation projects that enhance competitiveness and attract international investment.

The Self-Sufficient Green House project investigates how Ostrobothnian greenhouse farming can adapt to rising energy price fluctuations and the global shift toward climate-resilient agriculture. As greenhouses offer controlled environments for cultivation, they also significantly increase energy demand, making energy efficiency and self-sufficiency crucial. The project aims to map the greenhouse farming value chain and identify disruption points where activities traditionally handled by energy companies can be localized or virtualized. A key outcome is the potential creation of a scalable startup based on new energy production and consumption solutions within the greenhouse value chain.