--- title: Invest in future growth in Southeast Finland - Business South Karelia description: Invest in the Future. Invest in South Karelia. We have all you need for sustainable growth. image: https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hubfs/Sis%C3%A4lt%C3%B6kuvat/Tuulivoimalat%20ilmakuva%20sininen%20maski.png --- [![Business Lappeenranta ja Imatra (1)](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hs-fs/hubfs/Business%20Lappeenranta%20ja%20Imatra%20(1).png?width=288&height=90&name=Business%20Lappeenranta%20ja%20Imatra%20(1).png "Business Lappeenranta ja Imatra (1)")](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/) - [Sectors](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sectors) Show submenu for Sectors - [Data Economy](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sectors/data-economy) - [Hydrogen and P2X](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sectors/hydrogen-and-p2x) - [Defence and Dual-use](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sectors/defence-and-dual-use) - [Bioeconomy](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sectors/bio-and-circular-economy) - [Technology Industry](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sectors/development-testing-and-manufacturing-in-one-business-network) - [Metal Industry](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sectors/manufacturing-expertise-close-to-industrial-supply-chains) - [Pilot environments](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/piloting-possibilities) - [News](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/news) - [Sites and premises](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sites-and-premises) - [Contact us](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/contact-information) - [Home](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/) - [Sectors](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sectors) Show submenu for Sectors - [Data Economy](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sectors/data-economy) - [Hydrogen and P2X](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sectors/hydrogen-and-p2x) - [Defence and Dual-use](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sectors/defence-and-dual-use) - [Bioeconomy](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sectors/bio-and-circular-economy) - [Technology Industry](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sectors/development-testing-and-manufacturing-in-one-business-network) - [Metal Industry](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sectors/manufacturing-expertise-close-to-industrial-supply-chains) - [Pilot environments](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/piloting-possibilities) - [News](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/news) - [Sites and premises](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sites-and-premises) - [Contact us](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/contact-information) Haku Hae - - [English](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/) - [Suomi](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi) - [Contact us](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/yhteystiedot#yhteydenotto) - - [English](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/) - [Suomi](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi) - [Contact us](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/yhteystiedot#yhteydenotto) Haku Hae # Welcome to South Karelia! In South Karelia, Finland, your business can turn research, industrial expertise and partnerships into new opportunities. Capabilities across Lappeenranta and the Imatra region connect with Eastern Finnish, national and international networks. ## Connected Capabilities for Industrial Growth South Karelia, located in southeastern Finland, brings together industrial expertise, advanced research and technology-driven businesses in a collaborative environment. As part of Finland and the European Union, the region provides international companies with access to skilled professionals, established industrial value chains and opportunities to develop new technologies, products and business operations. The region's strengths are closely interconnected. Growing data infrastructure creates opportunities in energy systems, cooling technologies and digital services. Hydrogen and Power-to-X technologies connect renewable energy with industrial processes and carbon utilisation, while the bioeconomy and circular economy create new value from materials and industrial side streams. Established metalworking, engineering and technology companies provide manufacturing, automation and equipment expertise across these sectors. These capabilities also support the development of resilient infrastructure, advanced industrial technologies and dual-use applications. **For international companies, South Karelia offers opportunities to establish operations, develop partnerships and become part of emerging European industrial value chains.**   ![lut labra 01 copy, kuva Lappeenrannan kaupunki, Nitroid](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hs-fs/hubfs/lut%20labra%2001%20copy%2c%20kuva%20Lappeenrannan%20kaupunki%2c%20Nitroid.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=lut%20labra%2001%20copy%2c%20kuva%20Lappeenrannan%20kaupunki%2c%20Nitroid.jpg "lut labra 01 copy, kuva Lappeenrannan kaupunki, Nitroid") ## World-Class Research and Energy Expertise Supporting Industry South Karelia is home to LUT University, an internationally recognised research university with strong expertise in energy systems, electrical engineering, digital technologies, industrial processes and sustainability. Together with LAB University of Applied Sciences and vocational education provider Sampo, the region offers companies access to research, applied development, skilled professionals and opportunities for industry-academia collaboration. Companies can benefit from research partnerships, testing and development environments, and connections to Finland's wider innovation ecosystem. Finland's reliable energy system and South Karelia's expertise in electrification provide a foundation for industrial development. Ongoing investments in electricity infrastructure and grid reinforcement aim to support the growing needs of energy-intensive industries, data infrastructure and new industrial projects. Site-specific electricity capacity and connection requirements are assessed together with the relevant network operators. ## Local Expertise Connected to European and Global Networks South Karelia combines regional industrial networks with national and international cooperation. Greenreality Network, Metalreality and other business ecosystems connect companies, researchers and development organisations across different industries, creating opportunities for partnerships, innovation and new business. Cooperation extends beyond regional borders through Eastern Finland's industrial and research networks, Finland's national innovation system, and the international partnerships of LUT University, LAB University of Applied Sciences and export-oriented companies. Located on the EU's and NATO's eastern border, South Karelia also has a strategic role in Europe's evolving industrial landscape. The region's expertise in energy, technology, manufacturing and critical infrastructure creates opportunities for companies working with industrial resilience, security of supply and dual-use technologies. Our focus is on helping international businesses turn these connections into concrete opportunities – from research collaboration and supplier networks to industrial partnerships and new investments. Sustainability, resource efficiency and reliable technologies are integral to the region's industrial development. ![Liisa, Noora ja Rauno](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hs-fs/hubfs/Liisa%2c%20Noora%20ja%20Rauno.jpg?width=1839&height=2000&name=Liisa%2c%20Noora%20ja%20Rauno.jpg "Liisa, Noora ja Rauno") ![2011\_wirma\_mainoskuvat\_N6A1052\_web\_2000px (3)](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hs-fs/hubfs/2011_wirma_mainoskuvat_N6A1052_web_2000px%20(3).jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=2011_wirma_mainoskuvat_N6A1052_web_2000px%20(3).jpg "2011_wirma_mainoskuvat_N6A1052_web_2000px (3)") ## Business Services Supporting Your Investment and Growth Establishing or expanding business operations in a new market requires the right location, reliable partners and access to local expertise. South Karelia offers international companies coordinated business and investment support, bringing together the services of the City of Lappeenranta, Imatra Region Development Company KEHY, other municipalities and regional business development organisations. Our services help companies explore investment opportunities, identify suitable industrial sites and business premises, connect with potential partners and navigate the practical steps of establishing operations in Finland. Through Business Mill, companies and startups can access the expertise and innovation services of LUT University and LAB University of Applied Sciences. Regional business networks and national partners, including Business Finland, provide additional connections to Finland's wider business and innovation ecosystem. Whether you are exploring your first investment in Finland, expanding production, establishing a technology business or looking for research and industrial partners, we help you identify the relevant opportunities and bring the right people together. ### Strategic Location, Excellent Connectivity and Space to Grow Located in southeastern Finland, South Karelia offers businesses a strategic location within the European Union, reliable infrastructure and excellent opportunities for industrial investment and growth. The region combines well-connected industrial sites, modern business premises and access to Finland's advanced technology and industrial ecosystems. Lappeenranta and Imatra are located approximately 200–250 km from Helsinki, with direct road and rail connections to Finland's capital region and major transport networks. The Port of HaminaKotka provides access to international maritime routes and global markets, while the region's inland waterways and Lappeenranta Airport complement its logistics infrastructure. Key investment locations include Mustola Industrial and Logistics Park and the developing Pajarila industrial area in Lappeenranta, as well as the Pelkola industrial area in Imatra. These sites offer opportunities for industrial manufacturing, logistics, clean energy, data infrastructure and technology-driven businesses. South Karelia continues to invest in industrial areas and infrastructure to support new business operations and large-scale investments. We help international companies identify suitable industrial sites, business premises and location solutions, and connect with local partners and development networks. ![Europe-out](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hs-fs/hubfs/Europe-out.jpg?width=2000&height=1991&name=Europe-out.jpg "Europe-out") ## Contact us! We will tell more about Finland and South Karelia as a location for Your business. [Contact us](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/contact-information?hsLang=en) Contact info Helena Laitinen City of Lappeenranta tel. 045 602 0140 helena.laitinen@lappeenranta.fi   Janne Saharinen Imatran Seudun Kehitysyhtiö Oy Puh. 050 584 6294 janne.saharinen@kehy.fi **Sitemap** - [Front page](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi) - [Sectors](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/sektorit) - [News](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/news) - [Sites and premises](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/sites-and-premises) - [Contact us](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/contact-information) [![business-lappeenranta-vaalea](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hs-fs/hubfs/business-lappeenranta-vaalea.png?width=400&height=200&name=business-lappeenranta-vaalea.png "business-lappeenranta-vaalea")](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/?hsLang=en) [![BIR\_logo\_logo\_oranssi-valkoinen](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hs-fs/hubfs/Logot/BIR_logo_logo_oranssi-valkoinen.png?width=153&height=100&name=BIR_logo_logo_oranssi-valkoinen.png "BIR_logo_logo_oranssi-valkoinen")](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/?hsLang=en) ![Rahoittajalogot-yhdessa-EAKR](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hubfs/Logos/Rahoittajalogot-yhdessa-EAKR.jpg "Rahoittajalogot-yhdessa-EAKR") Sivusto on luotu osana "Kotisatama Etelä-Karjalaan - Maakunnallisen sijoittumismyynnin kehittäminen" -hanketta. 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