Partners of The INSHAPE project, promoting active lifestyle among Europeans, met in Kainuu

The meeting was held in Kainuu on March 12–13, 2026. Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) and the Vuokatti Sports Technology Unit (University of Jyväskylä) hosted international guests in Vuokatti and Kajaani.

"A big thank you to the participants, JYU-Vuokatti and our flagship company CSE for the excellent collaboration during these days—and throughout the entire project. We have exceptionally strong expertise and excellent facilities here in Kainuu," says Project Manager Katri Takala from Kajaani University of Applied Sciences.

The INSHAPE project is based on each region’s smart specialization strategies. The project aims to develop the INSHAPE Connect ecosystem, which accelerates innovation in the fields of physical activity and well-being across Europe.

Data utilization plays a significant role. Solutions related to digitalization and data services are being developed for companies, and the services are being tested in several product development cases involving flagship companies, co-developers, and companies selected through an open call.

Representing Kainuu as a flagship company in the INSHAPE project is CSE Entertainment, a company in the exergaming sector, along with Black Smoke Studios and 73Health, which joined through an open call.

"The Kainuu region is well-represented in the project. It was great to be able to showcase our region’s expertise and strengths to our partners, especially in this context of sports and wellbeing,” says Anna Lukkari, a university teacher working on the project.

The project also supports product development for European SMEs in the field of physical activity and well-being and establishes an Innovation Support Programme that takes into account the diverse needs of companies. The project is co-funded by the European Union.

The INSHAPE project will conclude by the end of the year.