Microsoft and Nokia are partnering to set up AppCampus, an app development program at Aalto University in Finland. The companies will each invest up to €9m (£7.5m) into the program, which will run over the next three years, and is intended to stimulate the creation of original apps for Windows Phone, as well as older Nokia platforms, including Symbian and Series 40.

AppCampus will provide mobile entrepreneurs with support, training, and funding, with Windows Phone Marketplace and Nokia Store giving an opportunity to distribute the results globally – and, of course, sourcing precious unique content for the OSs, where they are currently lacking. Its a which rose to the surface again last week, following the – since retracted – announcement that Rovio wouldnt be releasing a version of Angry Birds Space for WP7.

“This new program will enable new and existing developers to create next-generation mobile apps and unique user experiences,” says Kai Öistämö, Nokia executive vice president. “The partnership will allow developers to ideate and monetise business opportunities globally, via both Windows Phone Marketplace and Nokia Store.”