Kainuu Region, Finland · since 2016
A group standing on a snowy hilltop in Kainuu with their arms raised

Launch Pad Finland ry

Think globally,
ask locally.

We connect people, ideas and organisations across borders — and put them to work close to home, here in the Kainuu Region.

Who we are

Rooted in Kainuu, connected across borders.


Based in Finland's Kainuu Region and active since 2016, Launch Pad Finland ry connects people, ideas and organisations across borders — and puts them to work close to home.

We focus on internationalisation, regional and international networking, and the participation, well-being and quality of life of people in our region — especially young people and young adults.

What started as youth-focused work has grown into something broader: today we run activities and services for young adults, families and local communities alike. Throughout, we've built close partnerships with regional and municipal authorities, educational institutions, local businesses, associations and other stakeholders.

We believe international cooperation, diverse backgrounds and fresh ideas make communities stronger — more skilled, more connected, more resilient. That's the opportunity we create for people to learn, participate, grow their skills and become active members of their communities.

An international group gathered together on a staircase in Kajaani

What we do

Let's work together


We build practical opportunities to learn, participate, develop new skills and make connections that last.

Non-formal education & practical learning

Learning that happens by doing — workshops, courses and hands-on activities outside the classroom.

Youth & young adult participation

Activities that give young people a real say, and real practice at taking part in their own communities.

Community development

Working with residents, associations and municipalities to strengthen the places people actually live in.

Constructive dialogue & facilitation

Facilitated conversation across differences, using certified TimeOut (Erätauko) tools and methods.

Project design & implementation

From first idea to funded, delivered project — design, application, coordination and reporting.

Partnership building

Finding the right partners, locally and internationally, and keeping those relationships working.

We work hand-in-hand with municipalities, regional authorities, educational institutions, local businesses, associations and international partners.

A snow-covered river at dusk in the Kainuu Region
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
How we work

International

International cooperation with a local focus.


International cooperation sits at the heart of what we do. We bring global ideas, people and networks into Kainuu — and open doors for local people and organisations to connect with partners abroad.

Our projects have spanned youth participation, social entrepreneurship, intercultural communication, community development, creative learning and regional cooperation.

See a few project examples →

An international workshop group working around a table covered in plans
Adults building a pop-up playground from large blue foam blocks at a Build & Play Academy session

Selected work

A few project examples


Recycling Roadshow

A touring programme bringing recycling and circular-economy learning out to communities.

Erasmus+

Youth Project Incubator

Supporting young people to turn their own project ideas into something they can actually run.

Leader rural development

Build & Play Academy

A creative pop-up playground designed for rural areas — play as a tool for community building.

Leader rural development

Social Cross-Border Entrepreneurship

Developing social entrepreneurship across borders with partners in the Karelia region.

CBC Karelia

SEED

Social Entrepreneurship for Education and Development — building enterprise skills through learning.

Erasmus+

Bridging Youth and Regional Development Through Dialogue

Structured dialogue between young people and regional decision-makers, in partnership with the Regional Council of Kainuu.

Interreg Aurora

Navigator

Support for the employment and integration of international talent in Kajaani.

City of Kajaani
The northern lights over a snowy forest in Kainuu

Get in touch

Have an idea? Let's talk.

Got an idea for a project, event or new activity? Looking for a local, national or international partner? Launch Pad Finland ry is always open to new ideas and new kinds of cooperation.

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