Nanocomp Ltd is taking an important step in its long-term strategy by becoming the first photonics company to establish its presence in the planned Photonics Joensuu Center in the GreenPark area of Joensuu, Finland. This move represents a strategic investment in strengthening collaboration, research connections, and access to advanced photonics expertise – rather than an expansion of manufacturing in Finland. The new facilities will also enable dedicated photonics-related product development, supporting Nanocomp’s continued investment in next-generation optical and materials technologies.
“Photonics has been designated as a key strategic area in Joensuu. We are one of the pioneers in this field, and we approach development with a long-term perspective – not only from Nanocomp’s viewpoint but also from the perspective of the broader ecosystem we want to help strengthen for the future,” says Veli-Pekka Leppänen, CEO of Nanocomp. “Our presence in Joensuu aligns well with our long-term direction and supports our continued investment in advancing photonics and advanced materials expertise across our operations.”
“Radiant Group’s commitment to investing in European photonics deep-tech. The state-of-the-art facility will be the place where the world meets Nanocomp and the Finnish photonics community, bridging advanced engineering and commercialized mass-production. Appreciating the support from Joensuu, Radiant Group is looking forward to the long-term collaboration,” says Justin Wang, Chairman and President of Radiant Opto-Electronics.
A Region Defined by Talent and Research Excellence
According to Leppänen, Joensuu’s strength lies in its deep photonics expertise and its ability to educate and attract new talent.
“Joensuu has a unique combination of education, research and practical know-how. For a company like us, operating internationally, direct access to this capability is invaluable. It allows our teams to collaborate more closely with researchers and stay connected with the latest scientific developments.”
He also notes that for Nanocomp, the move has a symbolic dimension:
“Nanocomp was originally founded out of photonics research in Joensuu. Reconnecting with this environment in a new way feels like a natural continuation of that story, but with a much broader vision.”
Dedicated Environment for Photonics Product Development
The new facilities will also become a meaningful part of Nanocomp’s development pipeline.
“With these facilities, we will have a dedicated environment for photonics product development,” Leppänen explains. “Proximity to high-quality research infrastructure and university expertise means we can explore new technological pathways more efficiently – test concepts, build prototypes, and accelerate the journey from research insight to practical solutions. That agility is essential for staying competitive in advanced materials and optics.”
A Strategic Signal for Futute Growth
The GreenPark business district, together with the Photonics Joensuu Center, marks the region’s move toward future technologies, and Nanocomp wants to play a constructive role in that development.
“This step allows us to deepen collaboration with researchers and partners, and it contributes to the long-term technological investments needed for the future of photonics,” Leppänen concludes.
Additional Information
Veli-Pekka Leppänen
CEO, Nanocomp Ltd
veli-pekka.leppanen@nanocomp.fi
tel. +358 40 012 7680
Read the Business Joensuu announcement.
What is the Photonics Joensuu Center in GreenPark?
The Photonics Joensuu Center is a planned photonics competence and activity hub in Joensuu, Finland, to be developed within the existing GreenPark business district. Its aim is to bring together photonics research, education, product development, and business activities. The initiative is built on close collaboration between companies, educational institutions, and other key stakeholders.
The Photonics Joensuu Center will provide a framework for photonics research, product development, and piloting, while supporting the transfer of expertise from research into practical applications. The goal is to strengthen the position of Joensuu and Finland as a center of excellence in photonics and to create conditions for new innovations, investments, and jobs.
Nanocomp is the first photonics company to announce its intention to establish a presence in the area, and the company’s facilities will form part of the Photonics Joensuu development within GreenPark.