Fastems and Tampere Universities have entered into a new strategic collaboration designed to accelerate innovation, skills development, and research in advanced manufacturing technologies. The agreement brings together Fastems’ industrial expertise with the combined academic strengths of Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK).
The new arrangement marks the first three-party industry partnership established by the Tampere higher education community and expands an already successful relationship between Fastems and Tampere University. Through the addition of TAMK, the collaboration gains broader educational, research, and development capabilities aimed at supporting the future needs of manufacturing industries.
The partnership focuses on strengthening cooperation in automation, digital manufacturing, intelligent production systems, and workforce development. By combining academic research with practical industrial knowledge, the initiative seeks to create solutions that improve manufacturing productivity, flexibility, and competitiveness.
A key objective of the collaboration is to support the transformation of modern factories through the adoption of advanced technologies and new operating models. Manufacturing organizations are increasingly investing in automation, data-driven decision-making, and connected production environments, creating demand for new skills and specialized expertise.
The agreement covers a wide range of joint activities, including collaborative research and development projects, educational programs, customized training initiatives, student engagement opportunities, and industry-focused innovation activities. These efforts are expected to create valuable learning experiences while supporting the development of future manufacturing professionals.
An important component of the partnership is the continued use and development of the FMS Training Center, a shared learning, research, and innovation platform that serves as a practical environment for testing and advancing manufacturing technologies. The facility will provide students, researchers, and industry professionals with opportunities to collaborate on real-world challenges and emerging industrial applications.
The collaboration also aims to strengthen links between higher education institutions and industry, ensuring that academic programs remain aligned with evolving workforce requirements. Through closer engagement with industrial partners, students will gain exposure to current manufacturing technologies and operational practices.
Fastems believes the partnership will contribute to the development of future-ready factories by combining technological innovation with workforce capability building. At the same time, the universities view the agreement as an opportunity to expand industry engagement and increase the practical impact of research and education.
The partnership has been established for an initial five-year period and will be guided by annual action plans that define priorities and project activities. Together, the organizations aim to create long-term value for industry, education, and society while advancing the next generation of intelligent manufacturing solutions.
Fastems is a global provider of intelligent automation solutions for CNC manufacturing. The company helps manufacturers improve productivity, flexibility, and operational performance through advanced automation technologies, software solutions, and manufacturing expertise.
