Helsinki-Uusimaa Innovation Ecosystem

28DIGITAL is a pan-European multi-stakeholder open-innovation ecosystem. It connects companies, startups, universities, research organisations and investors to strengthen inclusive, fair and sustainable digital competitiveness in Europe. 28DIGITAL focuses especially on domains where digital technology and innovation drive societal progress, addressing major global challenges and delivering tangible benefits for people, governments, businesses and the planet. The ecosystem operates through a network of regional hubs across Europe, including one in Espoo, Finland. Image: 28DIGITAL

AaltoAI is a student-led artificial intelligence community rooted in Aalto University. The community connects students from different fields with researchers, founders and industry professionals across Finland. Through hackathons, workshops, research activities and community events, AaltoAI supports practical learning, technical skill development and collaboration in artificial intelligence. It also promotes the development of AI that is reliable, beneficial and aligned with human intentions. Image: AaltoAI

Carbon Age is a programme by Canatu accelerating the transition from conventional materials to advanced carbon nanotube (CNT) technologies. Its activities focus on developing novel CNT applications, establishing CNT foundry and manufacturing capabilities, and building a collaborative ecosystem of OEM's, technology suppliers and research organisations. The programme supports the development, scaling and commercialisation of CNT-based innovations. It is supported through Business Finland's Leading Company Challenge programme (Veturi). Image: Canatu

Chip Zero is a semiconductor ecosystem led by Applied Materials Finland (Picosun) and supported through Business Finland's Leading Company Challenge programme (Veturi). It brings together companies, research organisations and technology developers to develop chips with zero lifetime emissions. The ecosystem focuses on resource-efficient semiconductor manufacturing, circularity, electrification and the development of a strong Finnish semiconductor value chain and research infrastructure.

Compute to Impact is a Business Finland Leading Company Challenge (Veturi) programme led by AMD Silo AI. The initiative brings together research organisations, companies and computing infrastructure providers to accelerate innovation, talent development and ecosystem-wide collaboration in artificial intelligence. Its activities focus on developing open-source AI solutions for demanding, high-complexity applications, advancing agentic and foundation AI, and improving the scalability, sustainability and affordability of computing. The programme also aims to strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty and long-term leadership in AI. Image: AMD Silo AI

Cosmology Data Centre Finland (CDC-FI) is a national research infrastructure and consortium led by the University of Helsinki in collaboration with the University of Turku, the University of Oulu, Aalto University and CSC – IT Center for Science. Through the data centre, Finnish researchers contribute expertise in cosmological theory, simulations and data analysis to major international space missions such as Euclid and LISA. The infrastructure is also open to other cosmology missions with significant Finnish involvement. Image: CDC-FI

Defence Tech Hub is a dual-use deep tech innovation hub based in Espoo. It brings together Finnish startups, research organisations, investors and industry partners to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation defence technologies. The hub focuses on areas such as quantum computing, space-based intelligence, cybersecurity, microelectronics and advanced sensing, while connecting defence and non-defence actors through collaboration, testing and innovation activities. Image: Enter Espoo

eALLIANCE is a Patria-led ecosystem supported through Business Finland’s Leading Company Challenge programme (Veturi). It brings together companies and SMEs, as well as research organisations to develop and integrate digital solutions across civil, security and defence domains. Through collaborative development projects, the ecosystem advances technologies such as digital twins, AI, edge computing, 5G/6G and immersive digital environments, while strengthening information exchange, interoperability and access to international markets. Image: Patria

Finnish AI Region offers businesses accessible expertise in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, high-performance computing, and cyber security. FAIR promotes AI adoption as one of the four European Digital Innovation Hubs' (EDIH) in Finland and part of a European innovation hub network. Image: FAIR EDIH

The Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence (FCAI) is a Finnish Flagship and a collaborative AI community that brings together experts from academia, industry and the public sector. FCAI develops new forms of artificial intelligence that can operate alongside humans in complex complex environments. Its research focuses on data-efficient, trustworthy and understandable AI, while promoting the responsible application of AI to solve real-life challenges in society and industry. Image: FCAI

The Finnish Quantum Flagship (FQF) is a national quantum research collaboration hosted by InstituteQ, bringing together researchers from disciplines ranging from physics and engineering to mathematics and economics. The flagship combines fundamental research with ecosystem development, collaboration and innovation activities. Its work focuses on quantum materials, quantum devices, quantum algorithms, software and information, while supporting the development of future quantum technologies and the broader Finnish quantum ecosystem. Image: FGF

Industrial Metaverse LEAD is a Business Finland Leading Company Challenge (Veturi) programme led by Nokia. The programme brings together ecosystem partners across roadmap themes related to AI/ML-enabled applications and use cases, architectures and platforms, and technology enablers. With a particular focus on 5G and extended reality (XR) technologies, its activities include research in network and chip design, industrial-scale network management, and end-to-end solution validation with industry partners across key sectors.

Junction is a non-profit hackathon organiser and technology community based in Espoo. Founded by students and recent graduates from Aalto University, it brings together developers, designers, entrepreneurs and industry partners through hackathons and other collaborative events. As part of the Startup Foundation ecosystem, Junction promotes entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusive technology development while creating opportunities for learning, experimentation and cross-sector collaboration. Image: Junction

A center of expertise in location data and technology offering no-cost services to SME businesses and public sector organisations. LIH supports business development and the adoption of new technologies, and provides information on funding opportunities. With the start of the new funding period, LIH will continue its work in the built environment, agriculture and forestry, and transportation and logistics sectors. New priorities include defense and space technology. In addition, the hub is investing in artificial intelligence and digital twins. Image: LIH

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Finland’s largest university of applied sciences, educates future professionals in the fields of Business, Culture, Health Care and Social Services, and Technology. Metropolia's new Developer Campus for Smart Solutions in Karamalmi creates solutions for tomorrow with the help of smart technologies and process leadership. Image: HeliFoto Oy

MyData is a global centre for personal information expertise. It brings together governments, companies, and individuals to find solutions that put the individual at the core of how their personal data is used. MyData is a human-centric approach to personal data management, which combines industry need for data with digital human rights. Image: MyData

VTT LaunchPad is a science-based deep tech incubator operated by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. It supports the creation of startup companies based on VTT-developed technologies by bringing together researchers, intellectual property, entrepreneurs and investors. Through funding, business development, team building, IPR support and entrepreneurship coaching, the programme helps science-based innovations progress towards international growth and investment readiness.