Presenting Kuopio Health members: Navigatio Oy
Navigatio Oy builds bridges between research and business
Navigatio Oy is an expert company that helps businesses, public sector organizations, and research institutions develop their operations, make better decisions, and turn ideas into practical solutions. The company is led by CEO Juhamatti Huusko, who has a strong background at the intersection of research, business, and development work.
Huusko’s journey into entrepreneurship has closely followed his research career. The business originally emerged years ago through various projects, but doctoral studies and research temporarily became the main focus. Now entrepreneurship is once again at the center, while his research background serves as a valuable asset in expert work.
From research to practice and markets
Navigatio operates especially in situations where understanding both research and business is essential. The company supports organizations in directing their research and development activities and helps identify where resources should be allocated. In addition, Navigatio assists in commercialization processes to ensure that ideas and innovations are successfully brought into practice and onto the market. Their work also includes strategy and sales development, conducting studies and analyses, and leading projects across different operational environments.
“The key is the ability to connect knowledge with practice. Studies, interviews, and analyses are not valuable in themselves, but rather tools that support decision-making. Research and data help us understand situations better and make informed choices. What truly matters is what we do based on them,” Huusko explains.
Navigatio has been involved in carrying out studies for wellbeing services counties and universities, as well as developing RDI activities in various organizations. The company works across several industries, with a particular focus on healthcare and related ecosystems.
Juhamatti Huusko, entrepreneur at Navigatio.
Finland’s strength lies in research
Navigatio also emphasizes the importance of research commercialization. According to Huusko, the topic is crucial for Finland’s future as well.
“When we look at Finland’s most successful startups and growth companies, we notice that they do not emerge by accident. Research plays a role behind many of them, either directly or indirectly.”
Companies can emerge around research in many different ways. In some cases, businesses are established directly as university or research institute spin-offs, while in others, business activities are built on the founders’ own research work. Often the connection to research is more indirect: companies may utilize research-based technology or knowledge, collaborate closely with universities, or recruit academic expertise. Entrepreneurial communities and networks can also serve as important launchpads for research-based businesses.
According to Huusko, Finland has enormous potential in research-driven entrepreneurship, but realizing that potential requires long-term investment. In particular, strengthening research commercialization and increasing collaboration between universities and businesses are essential. Early-stage funding also plays a key role in the creation of new companies, while researchers and students need clearer entrepreneurial pathways and entrepreneurship education.
“We need more actors who can operate between research and the business world. That is often the point where good ideas either take off or remain unused. Navigatio operates precisely at this interface.”
Practical experience in commercialization
For Navigatio, research commercialization is not just a topic of discussion — it is also practical, hands-on work. In addition to client projects, Huusko is involved in the GreenSense project connected to Aalto University’s Research to Business activities, where research-based solutions are being developed into business opportunities.
Alongside his entrepreneurial work, he also leads a regional startup accelerator at Hub Panostamo, further strengthening his understanding of how ideas evolve into companies and how they can be supported at different stages.
Customer understanding drives development
At the core of Navigatio’s work is understanding the customer’s situation. Organizations often have assumptions about their customer experience or market position, but closer examination may reveal that the reality is quite different.
“For us, it is important to understand the customer’s real needs and find solutions that truly work. We approach our work with commitment and great passion. At its best, collaboration creates value for everyone involved. When organizations want to deepen their understanding of their customers, Navigatio can support them, for example, through surveys, interview studies, and workshops,” Huusko explains.
An external perspective helps identify development areas that may go unnoticed in the middle of everyday operations. At the same time, lessons and operating models from other industries can bring entirely new perspectives to development work. Navigatio’s work is often a combination of analysis, sparring, practical development, and discussion. Especially for entrepreneurs and organizational leadership, an external partner can also serve as valuable support for strategic thinking.
Part of the ecosystem
For Navigatio Oy, the Kuopio Health ecosystem is a natural operating environment. The background includes collaboration through the Neurocenter Finland and various development projects.
“Networks and encounters are extremely important. They create new ideas, collaboration, and opportunities.”
Navigatio brings strong research expertise, an understanding of commercialization, and the ability to connect different stakeholders and build collaboration within the ecosystem.