Student Collaboration Accelerates the Development of a New Business Park in Valkeakoski
The development of a new business park in Valkeakoski has progressed significantly through student collaboration.
Local entrepreneurs have developed their business idea in close cooperation with students from Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) and Valkeakoski Vocational College (VAAO), offering students an authentic, work‑life‑oriented learning environment while simultaneously supporting regional vitality.
Located in the northern part of Valkeakoski, the Mahlianmaa area has long remained unused. The site served as the starting point for entrepreneur Tomi Kuparinen’s idea of establishing a new business park. The project gained further momentum when fellow entrepreneur Mikko Vainikka joined the development process. Collaboration with students has since moved the concept concretely forward towards implementation.
The entrepreneurs developed their business idea in cooperation with HAMK’s International Business programme and the Business (merkonomi) programme at Valkeakoski Vocational College. In the early stages of the project, VAAO students were responsible for designing the initial visual identity, logo and website for the business park. Following this, HAMK students continued the work as part of the Implementing Marketing Dynamics course, focusing on deepening the brand, visual identity and communication solutions.
Concrete Learning and Support for Business Development
HAMK students produced a broad and practical set of materials that can be directly utilized in the continued development of the business park. During the project, the students created market overviews, competitor analyses, customer segmentation, and pricing and marketing recommendations. In addition, they developed a website prototype, designed social media campaigns and event concepts, and created promotional materials – like “ämpäri” that all Finns recognize.
All materials produced by the students were delivered to the entrepreneurs to support the launch and further development of their business operations.
– The students’ work was surprisingly thorough and highly practical. We received concrete support that genuinely helps move our business idea forward.
Says local entrepreneur Mikko Vainikka, who took part in setting up the challenge for students .
Internationality as a Strength
The HAMK student group was international, which brought diverse perspectives to the project and strengthened customer understanding. Throughout the project, students gained valuable experience in intercultural communication and real client work as ideas were developed and refined based on feedback from the entrepreneurs.
– This was real working life. The students produced material that can be used as such.
Vainikka summarises.
Benefits for Students, Entrepreneurs and the Region
The collaboration offered students hands‑on experience in a real development project while providing entrepreneurs with fresh perspectives and concrete support for business development. The project also included cross‑institutional collaboration, as one VAAO business student continued working as part of the HAMK student team and gained experience of university‑level studies and working in a multicultural team.
Both the entrepreneurs and the educational institutions are satisfied with the outcomes of the collaboration and see strong potential for similar projects in the future.
– An entrepreneur needs to invest time, focus and energy in a project to gain the greatest benefit. Long‑term commitment pays off.
Kuparinen reflects.
Be open and give it a chance. In the long run, open‑minded collaboration gives more than it takes.
Vainikka encourages fellow entrepreneurs to utilize student’s expertise.
The new business park in Valkeakoski is a concrete example of how HAMK collaborates with regional partners by combining learning, working life and regional development in a meaningful and impactful way for students.
