Kajaani University of Applied Sciences

What Kajaani University of Applied Sciences does

Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) is a state-recognised Finnish university of applied sciences (ammattikorkeakoulu) headquartered in Kajaani, founded in 1992 and operating with approximately 230 teaching and administrative staff serving around 3,300 students. The institution delivers Bachelor's (AMK) and Master's (YAMK) degree programmes in Finnish and English across business, engineering, health sciences, sports, tourism, game development, and social services, supplemented by Open UAS pathways, continuing education, and the KAMKStart transition programme for secondary graduates. KAMK's technology footprint includes a campus with a datacentre, game design studios, 3D printing and robotics labs, and a measurement technology platform via the CEMIS consortium led by KAMK with Oulu University, University of Jyväskylä, VTT, and CSC. It also runs the Kajaani Game Catalyst three-phase growth programme and co-developed a free online 'Fundamentals of AI Agents' course with Microsoft and five partner companies.

KAMK's revenue model is dominated by Finnish government core funding allocated to UAS institutions, supplemented by tuition fees from non-EU/EEA students in English-taught programmes (waived for Finnish and EU/EEA students), Open UAS and continuing education fees, EU and regional research grants (notably approximately €3.5M for CEMIS and €1.23M for the Kainuu GEMS game sector programme), and ancillary revenue from the KAMK Shop (merchandise, printing credits, passports, event tickets). Distribution is multi-channel: the national Opintopolku (Studyinfo) joint application system is the primary intake funnel, supplemented by international education agents and the Study in Finland platform; degree programmes are delivered on the Kajaani campus and across satellite locations in Raahe (Koulutuskeskus Brahe), Helsinki, Kuusamo, and Jyväskylä (with Jamk). Customer segments comprise Finnish and international degree students, working professionals and lifelong learners, and regional employers across energy, gaming, ICT, health technology, and sports measurement sectors.

KAMK functions as a publicly funded regional higher education institution with a stated mission to address skilled-labour shortages in the Kainuu region and broader Finland. Its strategic positioning rests on consistently top-ranked education quality and student satisfaction, an individualized compact-campus pedagogy, specialisation in game development, sports measurement technology, energy business, and measurement technology, and an extensive regional employer ecosystem anchored by the annual Visit KAMK event.

Name

Kajaani University of Applied Sciences

Legal name

Kajaanin ammattikorkeakoulu

Website

https://kamk.fi

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) is a state-recognised Finnish university of applied sciences serving approximately 3,300 students with around 230 staff across business, engineering, health, sports, and game development programmes, funded primarily by government with supplementary tuition, EU research grants, and continuing education.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Instructional Delivery & Pedagogy (School-Led) (EDAJAFAB)

Keywords

• Higher education services
• Applied sciences degrees
• Professional training programs
• Research development services
• Continuing education courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Kajaani

HQ country

Finland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: As a state-recognised public university of applied sciences, KAMK receives core operational funding from the Finnish government. This constitutes the primary revenue stream supporting degree education, RDI activities, and institutional operations.
2. International Student Tuition Fees: Non-EU/EEA citizens selected for English-taught degree programmes must pay tuition fees. The institution offers scholarships linked to the student agreement for eligible fee-paying students.
3. Continuing Education and Open UAS Studies: Revenue generated from open university of applied sciences (avoin AMK) offerings, continuing education courses, professional development programmes, and micro-credentials such as Microsoft Skills for Jobs courses. Students can purchase printing credits, administrative fees, and other services through the KAMK Shop.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) is a state-recognized Finnish university of applied sciences that delivers Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes (AMK and YAMK) in Finnish and English across engineering, business, health, social services, sports, tourism, and game development. It also provides open university of applied sciences (Avoin AMK), pathway studies, continuing education, and applied research, development and innovation (RDI/TKI) services to regional employers in areas such as measurement technology, 3D printing, AR/VR, and game development.

Product overview

Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) is a state-recognized university of applied sciences offering a portfolio of educational services. The core offerings include Finnish-language degree programs (AMK and YAMK) across engineering, business, health sciences, and sports disciplines, alongside English-language Bachelor's and Master's programs (Master School). Supporting services include Open UAS studies, pathway programs for secondary students (KAMKStart), and continuing education courses. Research, development, and innovation (TKI) services encompass AR/VR applications, laboratory services, and 3D printing. The institution operates the KAMK Shop for fees and merchandise, and runs the Kajaani Game Catalyst growth program for the gaming industry. All offerings are delivered primarily through online and multimodal formats.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Tutkinto-opinnot (Degree Studies)

Quantifiable outcome

• Highest student satisfaction among Finnish universities of applied sciences
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Visit KAMK Event PartnerscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 October 2026Visit KAMK is KAMK's flagship annual campus open day and career fair event. Main partners (2026): CSC – IT Center for Science and SR Visuals. Co-operation partners: Beamex (international calibration technology), OP Kainuu (regional bank), Insinööriliitto (Union of Professional Engineers), Kainuun liitto (Regional Council of Kainuu), Europe Direct Kainuu, Osuuskauppa Maakunta (S Group), Pohjois-Savon hyvinvointialue (North Savo Wellbeing Services), and approximately 30 additional exhibitor organisations including local government, healthcare providers, NGOs, and companies.
• Jyväskylän yliopisto (University of Jyväskylä)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 June 2026KAMK lecturer Kirsi Huotari defended her doctoral thesis (Doctor of Philosophy) in sports pedagogy at the University of Jyväskylä on 24 June 2026. The dissertation examined the learning of emotional, interaction, and group skills among physical education student teachers and the feasibility of a training programme designed to develop these skills. Opponent: Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor Lotta Uusitalo (University of Helsinki). Custos: University Lecturer Arto Laukkanen (University of Jyväskylä).
• Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu (VAMK)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 June 2026KAMK and VAMK jointly deliver the Energy Business Management (Energialiiketoiminnan johtaminen) YAMK degree programme. This is a joint degree between the two institutions delivered entirely online. VAMK contributes energy sector expertise, international business, and project management perspectives, while KAMK adds leadership, data-driven management, responsibility, and business development expertise. Both institutions offer their full programme offerings to enrolled students. First cohort begins January 2027.
• Jyväskylän ammattikorkeakoulu (Jamk)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2026KAMK and Jamk jointly deliver a new Physical Exercise Instructor (Liikunnanohjaaja AMK) degree programme in Jyväskylä, starting autumn 2026. The programme focuses on broad-based promotion of physical activity across different environments, networking and development skills, and leveraging emerging technologies.
• MicrosoftcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 March 2026KAMK developed a new free online course 'Fundamentals of AI Agents' (Tekoälyagenttien perusteet) in collaboration with Microsoft and partner companies EY, Goforen, Netox, Twoday, and Vivicta. KAMK serves as both developer and educator, bringing global technology expertise to local students, businesses, and workers. The course is part of the national Taitoja Työelämään (Skills for Jobs) initiative, which has reached over 310,000 Finnish citizens. KAMK's role is exceptional as it functions as both curriculum developer and trainer in the Microsoft ecosystem.
• Microsoft Partner Companies (EY, Goforen, Netox, Twoday, Vivictan)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 March 2026Five Microsoft partner companies (EY, Goforen, Netox, Twoday, Vivictan) collaborated with KAMK and Microsoft to develop the 'Fundamentals of AI Agents' online course. These companies contribute practical industry perspectives to the course content alongside KAMK's pedagogical expertise.
• Jyväskylän yliopisto Vuokatti Unit (CSE)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 March 2026KAMK and the University of Jyväskylä's Vuokatti unit co-hosted the international INSHAPE project meeting in Kainuu on 12-13 March 2026. The collaboration involves developing European active lifestyle initiatives, with the CSE flagship company involved in the project meeting. The INSHAPE project develops an ecosystem connecting sports measurement technology, digital services, and product development cases with companies.
• Humak (Humanistinen ammattikorkeakoulu)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2026KAMK and Humak jointly launch a Cultural Producer (Kulttuurituottaja AMK) degree programme in Kajaani in autumn 2026, combining expertise from both institutions in culture management and production.
• CEMIS (Centre for Measurement and Information Systems) ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 February 2026CEMIS is a contract-based research and education centre specialising in measurement technology and data expertise. Consortium members: Oulun yliopisto, Jyväskylän yliopisto, Kajaanin ammattikorkeakoulu (KAMK), VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and CSC – IT Center for Science. CEMIS develops measurement and data-based solutions for industry needs and received approximately €3.5 million in EU/regional funding for four development programme projects including datacenter energy optimisation (CEMIS-DCR), forestry and bioeconomy (CEMIS-MESI), sports measurement (CEMIS-URHEILU), and health technology (CEMIS-TERVEYS). KAMK leads the centre.
• Kuntoutussäätiö (Rehabilitation Foundation)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 January 2026KAMK administered the 'Work and Family Kainuu' development project (Työn ja perheen Kainuu) implemented by the Rehabilitation Foundation (Kuntoutussäätiö). The project promoted family-friendly practices in Kainuu region workplaces. EU-funded through ELY-keskus.
• Kajaani Game Catalyst Ecosystem PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 January 2024Kajaani Game Catalyst is Finland's only three-phase game sector growth programme (GameLAB → incubator → accelerator), coordinated by KAMK and part of the Kainuu GEMS EU-funded project (€1.23 million over 3.5 years). Partners include Kajaani kaupunki (city of Kajaani), game companies, and regional stakeholders. The programme supports teams from concept to company founding and funding acquisition. Currently has a record 13 teams enrolled. The programme is part of the #GameCity Kajaani initiative.
• Koulutuskeskus BrahecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 February 2023KAMK and Koulutuskeskus Brahe collaborate on multi-campus degree programmes in Raahen seutu. KAMK has offered degree programmes at Koulutuskeskus Brahe facilities since 2018. The collaboration follows the 'multi-campus model' (monikampusmalli) which has gained national attention as a successful example of improving educational accessibility and regional vitality. Current collaborations include ICT engineering (software development and cybersecurity) and mechanical engineering programmes delivered in Raahen.
• Education Agents (International)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKAMK works with international education agents to recruit students from abroad for its English-taught degree programmes. These agents help international students navigate the application process and promote Finnish higher education internationally.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Lapland University of Applied Sciences: Regional Finnish UAS with similar size and regional focus. Comparable applied degree programs, international recruitment, and government funding model.
• Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK): Mid-sized Finnish UAS with strong RDI focus and international programs. Comparable structure and funding model, with similar degree offerings and consortium participation patterns.
• South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK): Mid-sized Finnish UAS with applied degree programs and RDI focus. Comparable structure, funding model, and partnerships with regional employers.
• Turku University of Applied Sciences: Mid-sized Finnish UAS with applied degree programs across multiple disciplines. Similar government funding model and joint application system participation.
• Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK): Mid-sized Finnish UAS with applied degree programs in business, technology, and health. Similar student recruitment via joint application system and applied research focus.
• Metropolia University of Applied Sciences: Finland's largest UAS with ~16,000 students, offering similar applied degree programs across business, technology, health, and culture. Comparable GTM via the national joint application system and similar English-taught programs.
• Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK): Regional Finnish UAS, partner of KAMK in joint Energy Business Management YAMK. Comparable size, applied degree programs, and consortium participation.
• Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences (Jamk): Mid-sized Finnish UAS that is also a KAMK partner (joint sports instructor program). Comparable applied degree offerings and RDI focus.
• Savonia University of Applied Sciences: Mid-sized Finnish UAS with applied degree programs across engineering, business, and health. Similar government funding model and joint application participation.
• Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk): Regional Finnish UAS with similar profile to KAMK, including consortium membership with KAMK in CEMIS. Comparable applied degree programs and international student recruitment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC_pVxMXk0b-xSH-jAZI9cfw
• Facebookfacebook.com/kamkuas
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kajaani-university-of-applied-sciences
• Instagraminstagram.com/kajaaniamk
• TikToktiktok.com/@kajaaniamk

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Kajaani University of Applied Sciences