Innovation Ecosystem of Helsinki-Uusimaa
The active RDI network in Helsinki-Uusimaa includes a large number of actors. In addition to municipalities and innovative companies, universities, research institutes, development companies and startup hubs are key players in the regional innovation network. We have compiled these actors on a regional Innovation Ecosystem Map.
Take a look at the map
Cases
4.3.2026
Pornainen made headlines with the world’s largest sand battery
Pornainen was chosen as a pilot site when a Finnish circular economy innovation, an industrial-grade sand battery, began producing clean district heating for the municipality.
News
6.2.2026
Helsinki-Uusimaa aims to become the happiest, most innovative and environmentally smartest region in Europe
The new regional programme is titled Helsinki-Uusimaa, a Region of Solutions – Pioneer in Finland, Forerunner in Europe. It sets out the region’s vision of becoming the happiest, most innovative and environmentally smartest region in Europe by 2050.
News
8.1.2026
The Helsinki-Uusimaa Cultural Market created over 200 events and thousands of cultural encounters
The Helsinki-Uusimaa Cultural Market project, which is now coming to an end, brought culture to new audiences and created work opportunities for artists. This included supporting cultural purchases by municipalities and launching the popular Cultural Market networking event. All 26 municipalities in the Helsinki-Uusimaa region took part in the project, which was led by the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council.
Cases
7.1.2026
Curbing Russia’s fertilizer imports – NPHarvest recycles nutrients from wastewater
Wastewater nutrients are being recovered using hydrophobic, or water-repelling, membranes. The method reduces carbon dioxide emissions, protects waterways, and produces valuable fertilizer.
News
16.12.2025
Policy change opens up EU funding for West Railway
Ministers responsible from the EU member states met on Monday, 15 December, to discuss, among other things, the Council’s position on the future CEF programme. As a result of the meeting, Finland saw a major positive development, as the Tallinn–Helsinki–Tampere and Helsinki–Turku–Stockholm connections were added to the list of CEF priorities. It is very important for transport projects to be included on the CEF list, as this gives them the opportunity to apply for EU funding.
News
8.12.2025
The EU’s new Bioeconomy Strategy offers strong prospects for Helsinki-Uusimaa
The European Commission published its new Bioeconomy Strategy today, setting the direction for the development of one of Europe’s fastest-growing sectors. The bioeconomy still holds considerable untapped potential, which the Commission now aims to unlock to drive sustainable economic growth, accelerate innovation and create new jobs. The strategy is also directly linked to Helsinki-Uusimaa’s goals for climate neutrality, the circular economy, biodiversity and sustainable food systems.
Helsinki-Uusimaa Region in Figures
26
municipalities
1.8
million inhabitants
56%
of those speaking another language in Finland live in Helsinki-Uusimaa
39%
of the Finnish GDP
51%
of R&D expenses in Finland
62%
of the land are is forest