Vaasa´s Research & Expertise
Led by Director Prof. Arto Ojala, we at Vaasa have established ourselves in the Nordic region as domain experts in space-based research with a diverse team of specialists ranging from engineering, advanced analytics, innovation ecosystem development and business applications. We hold expertise in GNSS, satellite remote sensing as well as small satellite communication with applications.
Currently, we have led numerous space data projects supporting industry and community, ranging from space economy, precision positioning, imaging, ESG reporting, biodiversity preservation, geospatial security, and economic forecasting.
Our efforts have led to the establishment of the cross-border Kvarken Space Center, a space data portal, ground stations, and the design of the KvarkenSat cube satellite. Our Kvarken Space Center, operating under the University of Vaasa, serves as an innovation hub and bridge across the Gulf of Bothnia, supporting both Finnish and Swedish space-interested companies to seek new initiatives and growth.
Our partner collaborations have included, the EU, the European Space Agency, Iceye, Septentrio, uBlox, and Planet.com in our efforts to leverage space technology, data, and expertise. The University of Vaasa has also hosted several space related innovation activities, including the NASA’s International Space Apps Challenge to support low barrier and early-stage participation to space activities. We look forward to partnering with you!
Our expertise and commitment to innovation empower us to offer a range of free services tailored to elevate your startup’s operations. By tapping into the latest advancements in smart technology, we help you outpace the competition in Industry 5.0’s rapidly changing global business and technical landscape. Our Space Business Incubation services help innovators, entrepreneurs and start-up companies with business coaching, product and service design to turn their ideas into reality.
In terms of facilities, the Space Data Lab in Vaasa aims to be a knowledge repository and data hub for Finnish and international stakeholders. It supports the utilization of space-based data for new applications and services, with a focus on technologies such as remote sensing, and in particular on positioning solutions. The lab covers GNSS and Low Earth Orbit satellite positioning, as well as the integration of space-based positioning with inertial, visual, and radio-based indoor positioning technologies, with the university actively researching on improving robustness against GNSS disturbances.