by Sarita Blomqvist
What does it take to turn XR expertise into solutions that people and businesses actually
use? Technology is essential, yes. But we at Metaverse Finland Ecosystem (MEFI) believe
that partnerships, people and the right connections are the actual key to success.
Our ecosystem brings together companies, universities and research organizations to
collaborate, experiment and build new business on a national and international level.
Facilitated by DIMECC, MEFI helps translate Finland’s metaverse ambitions into practical
action.
At MEFI, we help people discover where their expertise connects and find the missing
links. A company may need a researcher to test a new idea. A research institution may
need companies to develop RD&I consortiums. A technology developer may be looking for
an application beyond their existing market. An international partner may want to explore
what Finland’s XR community can offer on a wider scale. Our role is to make those
connections easier and help them develop into collaboration.
MEFI’s work centers on four focus areas: industry, health, resilience and the creative
sector. These create opportunities to exchange knowledge across fields, explore shared
challenges and develop research and innovation projects. Connecting academic expertise
with business needs is central to this work.
Collaboration also needs accessible entry points. Our monthly Flash sessions give
members a platform to demonstrate innovations, share research and discuss practical
implementations. MEFI handles the organization, marketing and facilitation, allowing
speakers to focus on their expertise.
Our ecosystems flagship event, MatchXR in Helsinki, brings the wider community together
around immersive and emerging technologies. International activities, including
participation in Laval Virtual and other events, help members build relationships, gain
visibility and explore opportunities beyond Finland. Shared participation can also make
international markets more accessible to smaller organizations.
For the XR Women Global community, MEFI offers a connection to Finnish expertise and
an invitation to exchange ideas across borders. We are interested in research
partnerships, business collaboration and learning from people approaching similar
challenges in different contexts.
The future of XR will be shaped by the people who participate in building it. By connecting
disciplines, organizations and countries, we can give promising ideas more opportunities
to become useful solutions.
If your work connects with us, let’s start a conversation!
Sarita Blomqvist
sarita.blomqvist@dimecc.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarita-blomqvist/