Alongside the City of Lahti, the funding effort has been supported by regional companies, foundations, associations, and municipalities.
– Lahti’s year of growth continues. LUT University’s expansion in Lahti has been high-speed and inspiring. Through strong regional collaboration, we’re now taking the next leap, says Mayor Niko Kyynäräinen.
– This expansion will offer new growth opportunities and expertise to both current and incoming businesses. With an internationally recognised business school, we can strengthen Lahti’s profile as an attractive university city, Kyynäräinen adds.
The number of business students in Lahti is expected to grow significantly over the next five years.
– Five years after launch, we anticipate around 350 students enrolled in the bachelor’s and master’s programmes. Altogether, the Lahti campus will host approximately 550 business students, says Dean Sami Saarenketo of LUT Business School.
– A heartfelt thank you to all donors for supporting the growth of the city and region. This achievement is a concrete example of Lahti’s hunger for growth and the power of collaboration, Kyynäräinen continues.
When LUT succeeds, so do the city and the region
In April 2025, the City of Lahti’s Economic Development and Employment Division decided to match each euro donated by partners with one euro from the city, up to a maximum of €1.75 million. Since the full launch required €3.5 million, half of the funding still needed to be raised. That goal has now been met.
– Building a vibrant university city is a team effort, says Henna Eskonsipo-Bradshaw, Director of Growth Services for the City of Lahti.
– The companies, foundations, associations, and municipalities that joined the funding effort recognise LUT as a key driver of future success. Many expressed that this is a shared mission. When LUT succeeds, so do the city and the region.
– Lahti is Finland’s youngest university city, and its educational offering is growing and evolving at an impressive pace. It’s fantastic that local students will soon be able to pursue a business degree right here in their hometown, Eskonsipo-Bradshaw adds.
LUT Business School in Lahti launches next year
LUT Business School will launch its English-language Bachelor’s Programme in Digital Business in autumn 2026, with 75 study places. A new Master’s Programme in Business will follow in 2029.
The programme is designed for both domestic and international students and responds to the growing demand for expertise in digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
– The new Bachelor’s Programme in Digital Business will make Lahti an even more attractive destination for international students and provide local businesses with the skills needed to navigate the digital economy. This investment strengthens both the vitality of the Lahti region and the renewal of Finnish industries, says Dean Saarenketo, thanking all donors and partners who made the full-scale business school in Lahti possible.
LUT Business School also plans to expand its operations in Lahti, potentially offering business studies from the bachelor’s level all the way to doctoral programmes.
Further Information
City of Lahti
Mayor Niko Kyynäräinen, +358 50 559 0538
Director of Growth Services Henna Eskonsipo-Bradshaw, +358 44 482 0838
LUT Business School
Dean Sami Saarenketo, +358 50 308 6181