Oulu, a major Finnish tech city, has officially kicked off its program as a European Capital of Culture. The designation, which runs through 2026, will see the northern digital hub blend its tech identity with a slate of eclectic cultural events.
The launch activities, beginning in January, include events like 'saunas electronica' and air guitar championships. The city, home to a significant Nokia R&D presence and a growing startup scene, plans to leverage its unique position under the midnight sun for digital and cultural programming.
"This isn't just about art in a gallery," said a local event coordinator involved in the planning. "It's about integrating our tech community with creative expression. You might find a developer at a sauna concert or a game designer competing in air guitar."
Oulu's tech sector is a cornerstone of the Finnish economy. The city hosts one of Nokia's key research and development centers, employing thousands, and is a hub for telecommunications and 6G development. It's also a breeding ground for startups in gaming, IoT, and health tech, contributing significantly to Finland's technology sector exports.
While Helsinki and Espoo often dominate Finnish tech news, Oulu's innovation district has long been a critical player. The culture capital status aims to highlight this duality, attracting international attention not just to its companies but to its community.
The full program, rolling out over the coming months, is designed to create overlap between the city's engineers, developers, and artists. Organizers hope the fusion will spark new collaborations and showcase a different side of the Finnish tech industry.