Foundations and programs
Future talents to Lahti
Finland is experiencing a severe talent shortage, which is slowing down economic growth and the development of business sectors. In Päijät-Häme, this labor shortage is being addressed through close regional cooperation: the goal of the Future Talent program is to connect companies with students at an early stage of their studies. As a result of the program, by 2025, the number of graduates expected to stay in Lahti is projected to double compared to the current figures.
LAB University of Applied Sciences and LUT University are working to attract workforce and students to the Päijät-Häme region. In addition to LAB and LUT, the Future Talent to Lahti program includes 30 local companies, the Lahti Industrial Society, the Päijät-Häme Regional Council, and the City of Lahti.
Lahti Industrial Association
Lahti Industrial Society Foundation promotes the economic and social development of Lahti and its surroundings, and supports education and research activities related to industry and business life. Every year, the Foundation distributes grants and awards to objects that fulfill the foundation’s purpose.
Lahti Industrial Society Foundation was established in 2012, when Lahti Industrial Society donated the basic capital of the foundation. Later, Lahti Industrial Society made two more significant donations to the Foundation.
Lake Vesijärvi Foundation
The Lake Vesijärvi Foundation combines private and public funding for the benefit of Vesijärvi and the other lakes of Lahti, Hollola and Asikkala. The foundation promotes water maintenance, monitoring, research and information about them in accordance with the Vesijärvi program. The foundation was founded in 2007 by Esan kirjapaino Oy, Kemppi Oy, Lahti Industrial Society, the City of Lahti and the Municipalities of Asikkala and Hollola.
Design Foundation
In 2024, the Board of the Design Foundation concluded that there was no longer a need for activities in their current form, as, for example, the level of corporate collaboration at LAB Institute of Design had developed favorably. The Board of the Finnish Design Foundation decided to dissolve the foundation and agree that LAB Institute of Design would carry forward its legacy. The foundation transferred an amount roughly equivalent to its endowment to LAB and agreed that this funding would be used to establish an international design award, the rules of which would be agreed upon separately.