A major cooperation agreement has been signed in Central Finland to establish the H2 Innovation Alliance; a strategic partnership focused on hydrogen-driven innovation. The agreement, signed in June 2025, brings together eight key organizations: Central Finland Mobility Foundation (Cefmof), City of Jyväskylä, VTT, University of Jyväskylä, Jamk University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä Startup Factory, Kasvu Open, and the Regional Council of Central Finland.
The H2 Innovation Alliance (H2IA) unites public and private sector actors to develop a hydrogen-focused research, development, and innovation (RDI) ecosystem that supports sustainable growth and carbon neutrality. The initiative aims to make Central Finland a pioneer in the hydrogen economy, with ripple effects nationally and internationally.
Diverse collaboration for hydrogen advancement
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) provides a flexible, non-binding framework for cooperation. Through the Alliance, the partners commit to jointly exploring hydrogen-related pilots, projects, demonstrations, and funding opportunities. The alliance will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, international collaboration, and joint project development, including participation in EU and Nordic initiatives.
Key cooperation formats include:
- H2 Innovation Steering Committee, meeting biannually
- H2 Foresight, for sharing data, trends, and future insights
- Joint consortia and delegations, including global mission initiatives
- Development of proof-of-concept projects and test environments
- Onboarding of new partners, through a structured eligibility and approval process
Strength in partnership
Each member organization brings distinctive strengths and perspectives to the H2 Innovation Alliance, creating a broad and complementary foundation for advancing hydrogen-related innovation:
- Central Finland Mobility Foundation (Cefmof) promotes sustainable urban development and mobility. Founded by the City of Jyväskylä, Toyota GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, and Toyota Mobility Foundation, Cefmof plays a leading role in creating a carbon-neutral urban environment and acts as a catalyst for mobility innovation in Central Finland.
- City of Jyväskylä integrates hydrogen economy into its innovation ecosystem strategy and aims for carbon neutrality by 2030. The city actively supports collaboration between research, business, and urban development, fostering a strong RDI environment for clean technologies.
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd. transforms scientific knowledge into commercial innovations. With top-tier EU funding capabilities and over 50 spin-off companies from its LaunchPad incubator, VTT supports scaling new hydrogen technologies through robust R&D and public-private collaboration.
- University of Jyväskylä conducts high-level research on hydrogen, bio-based materials, and circular economy. With the support of Cefmof, it has launched a five-year tenure track professorship focused on developing sustainable production methods and mobility ecosystems.
- Jamk University of Applied Sciences specializes in applied hydrogen solutions, including hydrogen use in transportation, arctic applications, operational safety, and energy systems. Jamk also explores AI-powered value chains and renewable energy integration such as wind and balancing power.
- Yritystehdas Jyväskylä (The Startup Factory) provides an accelerator platform for early-stage startups, fostering entrepreneurship and commercialization of hydrogen innovations. Through coaching and investor networks, it helps young companies grow and scale.
- Kasvu Open Ltd. is Finland’s leading growth accelerator, offering free nationwide sparring programs to growth-oriented companies. With a community of over 1,500 pro bono experts, it connects innovators to strategic partnerships, funding, and markets.
- Regional Council of Central Finland is responsible for regional development and land use planning. It plays a pivotal role in coordinating the region’s Hydrogen Valley roadmap and ensuring that hydrogen initiatives support broader environmental, societal, and economic wellbeing.
Together, the Alliance members form a dynamic innovation network that bridges research, education, business, and public development.
Framework for cooperation
Although non-binding, the MoU establishes a shared vision and commitment for collaboration. Any concrete projects requiring funding or technical commitments will be formalized in separate agreements. The agreement allows for flexibility, enabling each party to continue working with other partners in similar fields, and welcomes new members that align with the Alliance’s goals.
With the launch of the H2 Innovation Alliance, Central Finland strengthens its role as becoming a national and international hub for hydrogen economy development and sustainable innovation.
