Risto Talja

I work as a project manager at the Faculty of Information Technology. Currently, my responsibilities include participation in the Robocoast EDIH and projects related to the sports data repository.

Robocoast is one of approximately 200 European innovation hubs. These hubs are service clusters that primarily support small and medium-sized enterprises in their digital transformation. My role is to provide services from the university, Robocoast, and the entire EDIH network, primarily to businesses in Central Finland. EDIHs serve as nonprofit service centers that accelerate digital investments and digitalization. The European-wide network enables customers to seek specialized services from across Europe that suit their needs.

The Sports Data Repository and Ecosystem (UTV) project focused on building the technical core of the sports data repository, which provides opportunities for diverse utilization of data in coaching as well as in the development of products and services. Following this, the Physical Activity, Health Promotion, and Well-being (LTH) project aims to establish capabilities for transferring high-performance sports procedures to service companies, making them accessible to individuals at different levels of physical activity.

I have a background in physics from the University of Jyväskylä. In the early stages of my career, I built a laboratory where I conducted material research using positrons on lattice defects primarily generated by a cyclotron. After the fundamental research phase, I transitioned to R&D tasks in a company where I initially worked with ICT. Gradually, I shifted towards the development of processes and new technologies, as well as energy efficiency and environmental issues. During that time, I obtained a specialist qualification in product development and qualifications in industrial energy auditing. I also served as a member of the Energy Innovation Working Group at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

I held the position of coordinator for the company's external R&D funding for several years. I gained further perspective on external funding as a member and chairman of the steering group of Business Finland's (Tekes) Climbus and Green Growth programs. In 2015, I started working as a project manager at the Faculty of Information and Electrical Engineering at the University of Oulu, and in early 2019, I moved to Jyväskylä. I have formal studies and experience in project management, both domestically and internationally. My international perspective is broadened by my work in Canada, a multi-year project in Sweden, and collaborations in several countries.

In both areas, I am actively engaged in contacting companies, aiming to integrate the offerings into their everyday operations and acting as an easily accessible point of contact.