news 19.2.2026

Test and validate agritech solutions in an authentic farm environment – apply for Jamk’s pilot programme!

Jamk University of Applied Sciences is looking for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) developing smart agriculture solutions to test their products and services at the Bioeconomy Campus in Saarijärvi, Finland. The application period is open from 19 February to 19 March 2026. 

Traktori vihreällä pellolla

The international smart agriculture competence hub, the Bioeconomy Campus, provides unique and versatile environments for research, testing and product development in Saarijärvi, Central Finland. Jamk is now inviting start-ups and SMEs to participate in a pilot programme where companies can test the performance of their products and services in an authentic farm environment at the Bioeconomy Campus. Participants will also receive expert support from Jamk to validate their technologies, including assessments of both technical performance and economic viability. 

The aim of the pilot is to gain a better understanding of the testing needs of start-ups and SMEs, while further developing operating model for supporting companies’ research, development and innovation (RDI) activities. The testing will be carried out as part of the EU co-funded Tarvaala Smart Village project.

Jamk is now inviting start-ups and SMEs to participate in a pilot programme where companies can test the performance of their products and services in an authentic farm environment at the Bioeconomy Campus.

What kind of companies are we looking for? 

We are looking for start-ups and SMEs that develop smart agriculture solutions. Based on an initial assessment, 2–5 companies will be selected to participate in the pilot. 

We are particularly interested in companies developing solutions for arable farming and animal husbandry, including: 

  • sensors
  • measurement systems
  • IoT solutions
  • automation and robotics solutions
  • machine vision solutions
  • tractors and agricultural machinery 

What do we offer to selected companies? 

  • An authentic farm environment (barns and fields) for hands-on testing and data collection
  • Laboratory, measurement and analytics services to support testing and development
  • Evaluation of the solution’s technical performance and market potential
  • Opportunities for references, piloting and follow-up development projects 

Schedule 

  • Application period: 19 February – 19 March 2026
  • Selected companies will be notified in April 2026
  • Testing period: May–September 2026 

Selection criteria 

Applications will be evaluated by Jamk’s experts in smart agriculture and innovation, who will select the solutions best suited to the test environment. 

Apply by 19 March 2026

Contact us for more information

Konsta Sarvela

Tutkija, Researcher
Biotalousinstituutti, Institute of Bioeconomy
Teknologia, School of Technology
+358505904996

Hannu Haapala

Johtava tutkija, Principal Researcher
Biotalousinstituutti, Institute of Bioeconomy
Teknologia, School of Technology
+358505977845

Product Development, Testing and Analysis

Testing Services for Agricultural Technologies

Is your company developing new technological solutions for agriculture? Would you like to test your product or prototype in a real user environment? Jamk offers deep expertise and reliable services for agritech compannies.

Product Development, Testing and Analysis

Testing Services for Animal Husbandry

Is your company developing new technological solutions for animal husbandry? Would you like to test your product or prototype in a real user environment? Jamk’s experts and diverse range of services are here to support your business!
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