Research and Competence Center for Engine Technology in Vaasa

The research environment to be introduced in early 2026 will enable collaborative research between companies in the energy sector and the university, while significantly enhancing the region’s export potential for the benefit of all of Finland.

The importance of research environments in cutting-edge research is continuously growing.

– We have seen examples of how expertise has flowed elsewhere in the world as physical research infrastructures have diminished in European universities. We are investing in the research environment to ensure that research communities and companies have sufficient capabilities and operational conditions available in the energy transition research area, says Mika Grundström, Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Vaasa.

AGCO Power, which develops and manufactures engines for off-road heavy equipment, has opened a new clean energy laboratory in Linnavuori, Nokia, where future powertrain solutions for various off-road applications are being created. 

– Through this collaboration, we are expanding our current research and development efforts. The University of Vaasa does significant research work and will become one of our strategic partners in the research of future fuels, says Kari Aaltonen, Director of Product Development at AGCO Power.

In addition to preparing the research environment, AGCO Power will supply a specially developed single-cylinder engine for laboratory use to the research and competence center located in Vaasa.

– The single-cylinder engine is flexible and easily adaptable for research purposes. We can utilize the research conducted with it for our multi-cylinder engines. We are pleased that other partner companies will also benefit from the investments, and in addition, the infrastructure can be used for both education and academic research, Aaltonen summarizes.

In the photo: AGCO Power's (left) Director of Product Development Kari Aaltonen and CEO Juha Tervala signing a cooperation agreement with the Vice Rector for Research Mika Grundström and Professor of Energy Technology Maciej Mikulski from the University of Vaasa.