Hydrogen Society Grows Through Collaboration – How Central Finland’s Alliance Works

The hydrogen society is developing quickly and visibly in Central Finland. Between 2025 and 2027 the region will launch a series of proof-of-concept trials, testing hydrogen in practical applications. This work is supported by the H2 Innovation Alliance, which brings together key stakeholders around the same table. 

The alliance was founded in 2025. Its members include City of Jyväskylä, Cefmof, VTT Technical Research Centre, the University of Jyväskylä, JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Kasvu Open, Jyväskylä Startup Factory, and the Regional Council of Central Finland. 

In 2026, the alliance is chaired by Haruka Arai, Executive Director of Cefmof, with Nina Rautiainen, Pprogram Mmanager at the City of Jyväskylä, serving as covice-chair. Together, they guide the alliance’s collaboration in a focused and hands-on way.  A key part of their role is keeping active dialogue with stakeholders: 

“I’m looking forward to engaging in discussions with organizations interested in hydrogen by bringing together hydrogen initiatives in Jyväskylä and sharing them with both local and non-local people.” says Chair Haruka Arai.

Starting from Experiments: Hydrogen Moves Forward by Doing

The alliance is accelerating hydrogen society by turning research and expertise into innovation. The proof-of-concept trials will progress in stages between 2025 and end of 2027 by the project lead by City of Jyväskylä.  

Some technologies are still at the idea stage, while others are close to implementation. These trials help identify which solutions are ready for the next step. 

“The work we do here in Jyväskylä is very concrete and pushes the hydrogen field forward,” Rautiainen describes. 

Readiness for Funding Through the Alliance 

A key task for the alliance is to help its stakeholders secure funding. The alliance brings together those seeking funding and improves their ability to prepare, apply for, and obtain financing for hydrogen-related trials and pilots. 

“Applying for funding requires planning and the right partners. The alliance helps put projects together, so they are even more successful in the tight competition for funding” Rautiainen explains. 

Funding expertise is further strengthened by hiring an EU funding specialist for the City of Jyväskylä. This expert supports participants in identifying funding opportunities, preparing applications, and building consortia. The aim is to make the application process for funding a coordinated activity. 

Turning Research into Market-Ready Solutions 

In addition to funding, the alliance focuses on turning Central Finland’s hydrogen research into practical applications. High-quality local research is used to create trials, pilots, and commercial solutions. 

“Research and business often speak different languages. In the alliance, we build a shared understanding of what it really takes to reach the market,” Arai says. 

The alliance brings together researchers, developers, and companies to assess which solutions are most promising and how their commercialization should proceed. Focus groups determine the technology readiness level and identify which trials or pilots bring ideas closer to practical implementation. 

Interested in Hydrogen? Join the Seed Village Program

The alliance invites companies, researchers, and developers who want to advance the hydrogen economy in Central Finland. The easiest way to join is through the Seed Village program, which offers an easy route into the network and collaborative development. 

Seed Village brings together participants from different backgrounds to identify hydrogen opportunities and develop concrete initiatives. Participants interact directly with the alliance’s core organizations and advance their own ideas or expertise toward trials, pilots, or funding applications.

“Seed Village is aimed at those who want to learn, network, and move toward practical action,” Rautiainen explains. 

The next application round for the program will open in spring 2026..Join the H2 Innovation Alliance Howspace platform to stay updated on the latest developments and opportunities in the hydrogen economy.