Can AI make regional business expertise more visible and accelerate international growth?
PRESS RELEASE
Can artificial intelligence genuinely support regional growth and internationalization? A company profiling engine developed by Kuopio Health as part of the Eastern Finland Growth Path+ project demonstrates that it can, when designed to support expert work rather than replace it.
As part of the Eastern Finland Growth Path+ project, Kuopio Health has developed an AI-assisted company profiling engine aimed at making the expertise of health, wellbeing, and nutrition sector companies in Eastern Finland more visible and easier to utilize. When companies’ strengths and capabilities are identified systematically, expanding into international markets becomes easier. At the same time, the tool strengthens the competitiveness of the entire region.
The solution emerged from a practical need: a growing and increasingly diverse group of companies required a structured way to organize and analyze information to support expert-driven development work.
“Previously, company profiling was largely carried out manually by collecting information from multiple sources, making the process labor-intensive and difficult to compare. The new model is based on a predefined framework that specifies what information is collected and how it is assessed. The system utilizes companies’ own websites and other traceable online sources, compiles the information into a standardized format, references all sources, and indicates the reliability of the data. The tool does not make decisions or rank companies. Instead, it provides transparent and comparable information to support experts in their work”, says Kimmo Solehmainen, Development Manager at Kuopio Health.
The structured data generated by the profiling engine can be analyzed to form purpose-driven company groups, identify solutions suitable for different markets, and assess companies’ readiness for international growth. It also provides a comprehensive overview of regional strengths and development opportunities, making it easier to build collaborations and identify suitable partners. The documented and transparent process further supports reporting and quality assurance.
The tool is primarily used within the Eastern Finland Growth Path+ project to support company group development and internationalization activities. However, the operating model can be expanded to other themes and development environments. The company profiling engine was introduced in 2026 and is now part of Kuopio Health’s operational activities while also serving as a foundation for future development.
The project is implemented by Kuopio Health Co-op. The project runs from 1.8.2025 to 31.1.2028 and receives funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The funding has been granted by the Economic Development Centre.
For further information:
Kimmo Solehmainen, Development Manager
+358 40 848 5034
kimmo.solehmainen(at)kuopiohealth.fi
Kuopio Health is an open innovation ecosystem that promotes expertise, research, and collaboration in the fields of health, wellbeing, and nutrition both in Finland and internationally. Operating as a cooperative network, it brings together companies, researchers, and public-sector organizations to drive innovation and create new opportunities for growth.