Exercise and well-being

Welcome to the Finnish sports capital! Jyväskylä combines research, education and business expertise in the field of sports and well-being at a unique level in the Nordic countries. In addition to the top-level research and competence cluster in the field, there are more than 1,200 sports and well-being companies operating in Jyväskylä. Their business is based on well-being solutions utilising artificial intelligence and robotics as well as technological innovations or high-quality coaching and training services.

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High-level research in the field of sports and nationally significant projects

Jyväskylä conducts top-level research in the field of sports and well-being, ranging from obstacles to everyday exercise to top-level sports and performance optimisation. The University of Jyväskylä's Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences has been ranked as the eight best sports science research unit in the world. Other key actors include the Finnish Institute of High Performance Sport KIHU, Likes, which coordinates national projects and conducts multidisciplinary sports research under the Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences, and Sport Business by JAMK, which provides research and development services to companies, clubs and sports federations in the field of sports, excercise and adventure business.

Jyväskylä has a Centre for Interdisciplinary Brain Research that is unique in Finland. Special expertise related to ageing is provided by Gerontology Research Center Gerec. In addition to these, the Institute of Rehabilitation, which is a multidisciplinary centre of rehabilitation training, research and development, and KEHO, which serves as a centre of expertise for professionals in Central Finland, also operate in the area.

Technology-driven companies

Firstbeat Technologies: an international wellness, top sports and consumer products company that has developed heart rate analysis technology to improve performance and well-being
Emfit: technological innovations aimed at improving the quality of sleep and safety devices for the care of the elderly and people with memory disorders
BiopSense: develops equipment for blood sample analysis and cancer monitoring
Evogenom: genetic tests for exercise, well-being and weight management
Pinja: software solutions for healthcare needs
Verso Vision: safety solution designed for hospital environments to prevent and reduce incidents where patients fall
Onerva Hoiva: Onerva is a guestbook for home care and service housing, which is accessible everywhere
IBM & JYU Disruptive Technologies Innovation Hub: a research project on IBM technologies coordinated by the University of Jyväskylä
Polar: develops, manufactures and sells heart rate monitors.

Service-led companies

Fibion Oy: sitting and activity analyses
Salivirta & Partners: healthcare consulting services
Medics24: a company providing telemedicine services
Impulssi: personal trainer training services for the needs of employers and modern life
Humap: developing well-being at work from the point of view of management
Lewell: a versatile fitness and coaching centre
Wellpro Impact Solutions: memory and brain health disease risk screening.

1,400 students of sports and health sciences

Jyväskylä offers unique training opportunities in the field of sports and well-being and future experts for organisations. The University of Jyväskylä has the only faculty of sports science in Finland, and students can also enroll on the master’s programmes in sports medicine.

The cooperation between Gradia and Kuortane Olympic Training Center offers the option to complete of a basic degree in physical education and a vocational degree in physical education and coaching in Jyväskylä, for example. Top athletes enjoy Jyväskylä, as both Jyväskylä Sports Academy and Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences pay special attention to the coordination of the training of professional athletes and higher education studies.