Kainuu Sports Hub
Services for companies, organisations and students
The Kainuu Sports Hub is a pioneering regional innovation centre focused on advancing the intersection of sports, technology, serious games and education. Partners in the HUB are the CEMIS partners University of Jyväskylä, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, Oulu University, CSC — IT Center for Science and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland of which the first two are also INSHAPE partners. In addition, Vuokatti Sport and Snowpolis belong to the Kainuu Sports Hub. Our goalis to create a vibrant ecosystem where cutting-edge measurement technologies, data analytics, and educational programs come together to improve performance in elite sports and drive innovation in health and wellbeing sectors. By leveraging our network of educational institutions, research centres, and industry partners, we deliver impactful solutions that benefit both local and global sports communities. Our work at the Kainuu Sports Hub is supported by a strong network of regional partners, including educational institutions, research centers, and industry stakeholders.
Kainuu Sports Hub Excellence Focus Points
- Measurement technologies and data analytics in elite sports
- Educational services for companies, organizations, and students
- Research and Development (R&D) initiatives
- Innovation in sports and health
Partners
JYU-Vuokatti (Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä – Vuokatti Campus)
JYU-Vuokatti at Kainuu Sports Hub is dedicated to the advancement of sports science through rigorous education and research. Our main activities include:
- Education: We provide cutting-edge master and doctoral programs in sport technology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and sport coaching. These programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to push the boundaries of sports performance.
- R&D: Our research focuses on the development and application of advanced measurement technologies and data analytics to optimize athletic performance and human well-being. We explore innovative methods to improve training, recovery, and overall athletic performance in close co-operation with National Olympic Training Center Vuokatti-Ruka and Vuokatti-Ruka Sports Academy.
Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK)
The KAMK branch of the Kainuu Sports Hub specializes in integrating education with practical innovation to drive advancements in sports and well-being. Our focus areas include:
- Education: We offer specialized programs in Data Analytics and AI, Health & Well-being, Sport and Business, providing students with the skills needed to excel in the sports industry.
- Innovation Activities: Our initiatives focus on developing new methods to enhance sports and well-being services.
- Assessment of Effectiveness: We conduct thorough evaluations of sports methodologies to ensure they deliver measurable results. We also offer the bachelor and master level thesis; research to support development of sport organizations.
- R&D: Our research efforts prioritize data-driven approaches, sustainable development, and the application of emerging technologies like VR/AR and utility games to sports. In Master level the focus area is leading-by-knowledge in sport management and leadership.
Through these initiatives, KAMK contributes to the development of a knowledge-based sports ecosystem that promotes innovation and sustainable practices.
CSC - IT Center for Science
CSC has solid expertise in data management, data analytics, machine learning, data visualisation and anonymisation, utilisation of synthetic data, and management of real- time measurement data. The expertise in the management of sensitive data is of paramount importance when measurement data related to people is processed.
With the LUMI Euro HPC supercomputer located in Kajaani, the opportunities for utilising high-performance computing have increased in demanding modelling tasks related to sports, exercise, well-being, and health data.
VTT MIKES
VTT MIKES’ Kajaani unit has special expertise in measuring and testing solutions for sports and physical activity, especially in measurement arrangements for measuring man-made force. The complete range includes sensor solutions and determination of the uncertainty of measurement results.
The Measurement Technology Unit of the University of Oulu
The Measurement Technology Unit supports research and services in exercise and sports by developing measurements suitable for athletes that enable repeated and continuous monitoring of key health factors.
Vuokatti Sport
Vuokatti Sport Olympic Training Center is the Scandinavian home of winter sports. Training center offers the most diverse training facilities and conditions in the Nordic countries for winter sports. Vuokatti Sport Resort is also a unique holiday destination for people whose holiday is more than just lounging around. Exercise, nature and fresh air – relaxedness, feeling good and new thoughts! Vuokatti Sport Resort, with its activities, is a perfect place for school camps, conferences and well-being at work when you want to offer your own people a little more.
Snowpolis
Snowpolis Ltd is a development company owned by the municipality of Sotkamo, with the goal of developing Vuokatti into an internationally significant technology and product development center. The mission of Snowpolis is to increase the presence of higher education, research, and product development in Vuokatti.
The core task of the Snowpolis technology center is to support and serve stakeholders involved in the research and development of technologies related to well-being, physical activity, fitness, and elite sports. Snowpolis and the Vuokaitti sports ecosystem can offer excellent collaboration partners as well as support for early-stage product development. In this way, it also functions as a platform for networking and collaboration between players in different fields, both locally and internationally.
What we can offer
At Kainuu Sports Hub, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to the needs of companies, organizations, and students in the field of sports and well-being. We offer collaborative opportunities, bringing together expertise from various sectors to deliver comprehensive solutions. Funding availability allows us to expand our offerings and incorporate additional expertise from our partners to meet the specific needs of our clients. Through our collaborative approach, we develop cutting-edge innovations that are aligned with the real-world needs of the sports industry
Contact Persons
Vesa Linnamo
vesa.linnamo(at)jyu.fi
+358 40 504 4800
Katri Takala
katri.takala(at)kamk.fi
+358 44 710 1625
Niina Ahtonen
niina.ahtonen(at)cemis.fi
+358 400 947 118