Helsinki-Uusimaa Innovation Ecosystem

Aalto University Bioinnovation Center is an interdisciplinary research and learning centre focused on accelerating the transition to a circular and bio-based economy. The centre brings together expertise in technology, design, and business to address sustainability challenges and foster innovation. It especially focuses on innovations in sustainable bio-based materials, with special focus on textiles and packaging. Image: Aalto University

FinnCERES is a bioeconomy flagship jointly operated by Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Its research focuses on lignocellulose disassembly and re-assembly, with the aim of developing novel, cost-competitive bio-based materials and technologies. Using the shared Bioeconomy Infrastructure of Aalto University and VTT, FinnCERES advances solutions that address resource sufficiency and climate change challenges. Through close collaboration with industry and other stakeholders, the flagship accelerates the transformation of scientific and technological discoveries into industrial innovations. Image: FinnCERES

The Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) creates solutions for the sustainability transformation. Syke works to stop biodiversity loss and climate change, and promotes a sustainable circular economy and built environment, as well as the good condition of seas and inland waters. The core task of the organisation is to conduct research and provide expertise and independent information. Image: Syke

The Finnish Food Authority ensures safety and quality of food, plant and animal health, and related products in agriculture and forestry. It also manages EU funds for agricultural and rural development in Finland. Image: Finnish Food Authority

THL is an expert and research institute that provides reliable information for decision-making and activities in the field of health and welfare. THL's goal is to promote the welfare, health and safety of the population. Image: THL

The Finnish Meteorological Institute makes observations and research on the atmosphere, the near space and the seas. It also provides services on weather, sea, air quality, climate and near space for the needs of public safety, business life and citizens. Image: FMI

The Finnish Organic Research Institute (FORI) is a joint expert network of the University of Helsinki and the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke). FORI promotes organic food production and consumption across the Finnish food system. Its core activities include scientific research, science communication, education, and development projects. Research is conducted in four key areas: organic primary production; organic production and the environment; organic food and nutrition; and the role of organic products in society and the marketplace. Image: FORI

The Geological Survey of Finland GTK produces impartial research and services in support of decision-making in industry, academia, and wider society to accelerate the transition to sustainable and carbon-neutral world. GTK employs more than 400 experts specialising in mineral economy, circular economy, solutions related to energy, water and the environment, as well as digital solutions. Image: GTK

Health Proof Helsinki is a unified RDI service entity that brings together Helsinki’s three major public health and medical technology innovation environments: Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, the City of Helsinki and HUS Helsinki University Hospital. It provides companies with streamlined access to preclinical testing, primary healthcare and social care environments, as well as specialist care and diagnostics expertise to support product development, testing and validation. Image: Metropolia Proof Helsinki

HIIT is a strategic partnership between Aalto University and the University of Helsinki, with the aim to boost fundamental and applied information technology research that makes a difference in the real world. HIIT facilitates research, impact, and collaboration activities in the Helsinki IT research community and offers funded post-doctoral researcher positions for excellent young scientists. Image: HIIT

HiLIFE is one of the leading life science research institutes in the Nordics. Life Science research at the University of Helsinki covers broad strengths from structure, function and dynamics of molecules and cells to entire organisms and ecosystems. By enhancing top research through excellence-only calls and stimulating new ideas at edges of fields, HiLIFE provides a unique environment where today’s grand challenges can be solved in multidisciplinary collaborations. Image: HiLIFE

Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) is Finland's largest healthcare provider and second-largest employer, offering specialist medical care for rare and severe diseases, as well as collaborating with the University of Helsinki on research, education, and trial programs to develop new ways of identifying and treating diseases. Image: HUS

iCAN is a national R&D flagship providing solutions to the cancer challenge through a discovery and innovation cluster at the interface of precision cancer medicine and digital health. The founding partners of the flagship are University of Helsinki and HUS Helsinki University Hospital. Image: iCAN

Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR) is a multi- and interdisciplinary research unit based in physics, chemistry, meteorology, forest sciences, environmental sciences and social sciences in the University of Helsinki. INAR aims to strengthen the internationally leading, integrated multidisciplinary research and education environment for atmospheric and Earth system science and to feed in scientific results for the national and international environment and climate policy. Image: INAR

ICOS is a European-wide research infrastructure that produces standardised data on greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and carbon fluxes between the atmosphere, the earth, and oceans. The data is used by scientists and decision-makers to predict and mitigate climate change, and is based on data from close to 180 measurement stations across 16 European countries. ICOS' head office and central facilities are located in Helsinki, Finland. Image: ICOS

The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is a research organisation operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland. Luke’s task is to promote competitive business based on the sustainable use of renewable natural resources, as well as wellbeing and the vitality of the countryside. Image: Luke

RAMI is a national research infrastructure for raw materials research coordinated by a consortium including Aalto University, VTT and the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK). Based in Otaniemi, RAMI provides open access facilities for academic and industrial users working on materials science, circular economy solutions, metals, ceramics and advanced inorganic materials. The infrastructure supports both cutting-edge research and industrial innovation related to the green transition. Image: Aalto University

VTT is a visionary research, development and innovation partner for companies and the society, and one of the leading research organisations in Europe. It brings together people, business, science and technology to solve the biggest challenges of our time. VTT is owned by the Finnish state. Image: VTT

The Atmosphere and Climate Competence Center (ACCC) is a Finnish Flagship that brings together several universities, research institutes and stakeholders to address two major global challenges: climate change and deteriorating air quality. ACCC combines scientific research with cross-sector collaboration to develop knowledge-based solutions that support climate change mitigation, carbon neutrality and cleaner air. Image: ACCC

Viikki Research Farm is a research and education facility of the University of Helsinki and part of the HiLIFE research infrastructures. Located in the heart of Helsinki, it is Finland’s most urban farm and provides a modern platform for research on sustainable crop production, animal welfare, alternative proteins, and climate-smart farming practices. Image: University of Helsinki

VirtuLab is a virtual nature research infrastructure operated by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) in Helsinki. It enables multidisciplinary research on virtual nature experiences, environmental change, wellbeing and the acceptability of natural resource use, using immersive audiovisual technologies such as 360-degree environments and virtual reality. The facility supports experimentation, technology development and collaborative research on digital nature solutions and their impacts. Image: Tuomas Kari

VTT Bioruukki is one of Europe’s largest open-access pilot and demonstration facilities for the bioeconomy and circular economy. Located in Espoo, it provides companies and research organisations with opportunities to develop, test, and scale new technologies and processes before commercial deployment. Bioruukki’s expertise spans biomass processing, biomaterials, industrial chemistry, thermochemical conversion, and hydrometallurgy, supporting the development of sustainable materials, products, and industrial solutions. Image: VTT

VTT's food technology infrastructure is a research and innovation environment located in Espoo. It supports the development of sustainable food ingredients, products, and production methods, with expertise in plant-based foods, side-stream valorisation, cellular agriculture, and fermentation technologies. The infrastructure provides facilities and expertise for testing, piloting, and scaling new food innovations in collaboration with companies and research partners. Image: VTT

FutureGrid is a power grid research environment being established by VTT in Otaniemi, Espoo. The infrastructure enables companies, researchers and public authorities to develop and test next-generation electricity grid technologies before deployment in real-world networks. By combining a physical microgrid, real-time simulation capabilities and digital twin technologies, FutureGrid supports innovation in renewable energy integration, electrification, energy storage and grid resilience. Image: VTT