Seed Village Program accelerates hydrogen innovation and growth – Apply now!

Seed Village programs offer companies the opportunity to develop and scale their business in two timely and fast-growing fields: the hydrogen economy and solutions for performance and wellbeing. Both programs are research, development and innovation (RDI)-driven accelerators that help companies identify the potential of their solutions, advance proof-of-concept pilots, and leverage, for example, EU funding opportunities to support growth. The application period is currently open.

Seed Village – H2 Fuel the Momentum

Hydrogen technology is developing rapidly, and new business opportunities are constantly emerging around it. Seed Village – H2 Fuel the Momentum is aimed both at companies already operating in the hydrogen sector and those looking to expand their business into hydrogen.

The program broadly covers different areas of the hydrogen economy – from industrial solutions to storage, energy production, and transport. The goal is not only to accelerate the deployment of new solutions but also to increase their technological readiness and connect industrial development with commercial applications.

The program is looking for companies that:

• develop hydrogen-based technologies or solutions

• want to integrate hydrogen into their existing production or energy chains

• are planning new products or business around the hydrogen economy

Seed Village – Optimal Human Performance and Wellbeing

Another timely Seed Village program focuses on solutions for performance and wellbeing. The program is aimed at companies developing new ways to measure, analyze, and improve human performance and wellbeing.

Applications are open to early-stage companies and ideas, established companies developing new products for the sector, and actors who want to validate their solutions and grow their business.

The program’s focus includes, among others:

• wearable technolog

• the use of data and AI

• biomechanics

• digital platforms as well as VR/AR solutions

Concrete support for growth

Selected companies will benefit from comprehensive coaching and hands-on support for business development. Participants will work closely with experts, research organisations, and corporate partners to advance their solutions.

The program offers, for example:

• expert meetings (at least 10)
• access to research environments and up-to-date scientific knowledge
• support for pilot projects and product development
• opportunities to build new partnerships and networks both nationally and internationally

Selection criteria emphasise companies’ growth potential, market opportunities, and team capabilities. Approximately 10–12 ambitious companies will be selected for the program.

Application period is open

The application period for the Seed Village – H2 Fuel the Momentum and Optimal Human Performance and Wellbeing programs is currently open. Read more about the program and submit your application online by 30 August 2026.

Seed Village: carbon neutrality, urban mobility and H2
Seed Village: Optimal Human Performance and Wellbeing 

More information

Nina Rautiainen, City of Jyväskylä, +358 50 413 7028, nina.rautinen@jyvaskyla.fi
Taija Lappeteläinen, City of Jyväskylä, +35840523 9321, taija.lappetelainen@jyvaskyla.fi
Vivi Pöntiö, Kasvu Open, +358 50 439 8988, vivi.pontio@kasvuopen.co

This article is part of the ecosystem work carried out by the City of Jyväskylä’s Business Development Services. The ecosystem work is implemented with public funding under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment’s Ecosystem Agreement for the years 2021–2027, in cooperation with local higher education institutions and other regional development organisations.

The project is funded by the Regional Council of Central Finland.