Helsinki-Uusimaa Innovation Ecosystem

4R is an innovation ecosystem operated by CLIC Innovation that strives to build new solutions for circular packaging, technical plastics, and textiles. The ecosystem is open for organisations interested in finding new business or building new competences in circular plastics solutions and bio‑based alternatives. Image: CLIC Innovation

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

BioCircleToZero is an ANDRITZ-led research and innovation programme focused on advancing circular bioeconomy solutions in the forest sector. It aims to increase the value generated from wood-based resources without increasing the use of raw materials by developing new products, services, and technologies based on underutilised side streams and renewable energy. Funded through Business Finland’s challenge competition for leading companies (Veturi), BioCircleToZero brings together companies, research organisations, and other ecosystem partners. ANDRITZ is an international technology group with a strong presence in Finland. Image: ANDRITZ

Carbon Garage is a sustainability-focused collaboration and innovation platform operated by Metropolia University of Applied Sciences at its Myyrmäki campus. The platform brings together students, companies, researchers and public sector actors to develop practical solutions for climate change mitigation and sustainable development. Through collaborative innovation projects, Carbon Garage supports companies in their green transition while providing hands-on learning opportunities for future sustainability professionals. Image: Metropolia UAS

Cleantech Garden is an emerging innovation campus in Kivenlahti, Espoo, bringing together companies, researchers, educators, and innovation partners working on sustainable technologies. Developed in phases, the campus provides modern facilities designed to support research, development, and business growth. Its key focus areas include sustainable mobility, bio-based circular economy solutions, and carbon-neutral energy systems. The campus ecosystem includes VTT Bioruukki, Omnia, the City of Espoo, and a growing network of companies and research organisations. Image: NCC

CLIC Innovation is an open innovation cluster with the mission of facilitating creation of breakthrough solutions in bioeconomy, circular economy and future energy systems. CLIC Innovation designs, coordinates, and manages R&D&I projects and innovation ecosystems that deliver measurable results. Image: CLIC Innovation

Ekomo is a circular economy collaboration platform that brings together companies and the Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY) to advance resource-efficient solutions and industrial symbiosis. Operating across the Helsinki metropolitan area in Espoo, Helsinki, and Vantaa, Ekomo provides a framework for business development, innovation, and piloting, enabling companies to utilise each other’s side streams and resources as part of a more circular economy. Image: HSY

EriCa is a green chemistry and sustainability innovation hub that connects startups, industry, researchers, investors, and other ecosystem partners to address sustainability challenges. The hub supports the commercialisation and scaling of innovations in clean water solutions, circular economy, material recovery, fossil-free raw materials, and industrial digitalisation, helping accelerate sustainable innovation from lab to market. EriCa offers offices, laboratories, innovation programmes, and a collaborative ecosystem in one location, providing an environment where sustainable industrial solutions can be developed, validated, and scaled. Image: EriCa / Crazy Town

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

Finnish Water Forum (FWF) is an association established in 2009 by Finnish water sector organisations to promote the international growth of Finnish water expertise. FWF fosters collaboration among its members through joint initiatives, projects, and market development activities. Its thematic and regional working groups bring together organisations with shared interests, providing platforms for knowledge exchange, networking, and international cooperation. Image: FWF

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

Green Net Finland is a cleantech cluster developing smart and low-carbon urban environment. GNF is committed to preparing and implementing high-quality cleantech development projects and offering expert services related to project development and management, European funding instruments, networking and match-making services and internalisation services. Image: GNF

H2 Springboard is a hydrogen technology development ecosystem led by ABB and supported through Business Finland’s Leading Company Challenge (Veturi) programme. It brings together industrial companies, technology developers, investors, grid operators and research organisations to accelerate the commercial viability of the hydrogen economy. The ecosystem focuses on reducing the cost of hydrogen production and use through collaborative pilots, technology validation and large-scale industrial demonstration projects. Image: ABB

Helsinki Ring of Industry is a collaboration of ten municipalities surrounding the Helsinki metropolitan area. The initiative promotes the region for industrial investment by offering access to a skilled workforce, competitive industrial sites and strong transport connections. Acting as a single point of contact for investors, the network helps international companies identify suitable locations and establish operations in Southern Finland. Image: Helsinki Ring of Industry

The Helsinki-Uusimaa Circular Hub is a regional initiative striving for a carbon neutral Helsinki-Uusimaa region by 2030. The Hub is a community of experts, municipalities, companies, organisations and research institutes that form an innovation ecosystem. It acts as an accelerator for innovative solutions and pilots in areas like construction, food chains, textiles, plastics, and electronics. As a regional ecosystem, the Hub facilitates new business opportunities while building a good living environment for our citizens. Image: Helsinki-Uusimaa Circular Hub

HEVi is a government program in Finland that aims to strategically allocate public and private funding for research, development, and innovation. The program focuses on the three cities of Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa and seeks to create a large project portfolio for urban development and innovation activities from 2021 to 2027. Image: HEVi

Hydrogen Cluster Finland is a network that promotes the development of the hydrogen economy and the transition towards climate neutrality. The cluster brings together companies, industry associations and other stakeholders ranging from startups to multinational corporations. Its activities focus on facilitating collaboration, sharing knowledge and advancing business opportunities related to hydrogen production, infrastructure and applications.

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

KCL BIOHUB is an industrial biomaterials competence cluster coordinated by KCL. The initiative provides shared laboratory, testing and piloting facilities for companies developing biomaterials and bioproducts solutions. Supported by Business Finland, BIOHUB is expanding its infrastructure and capabilities to strengthen collaboration between businesses, researchers and technology developers. Image: KCL

Kilpilahti is one of the Nordic region’s leading industrial clusters and a major hub for the bio and circular economy, located in Porvoo. The area hosts a concentration of companies in the energy, chemicals, logistics and bioeconomy sectors, creating extensive opportunities for industrial symbiosis and resource efficiency. Industrial side streams and waste materials are utilised as valuable raw materials, supporting more sustainable production processes. Image: Kilpilahti business area

KIRAHub is a real estate and construction industry innovation ecosystem operating in the form of a non-profit association. It's vision is to position Finland as a pioneer in sustainable digitalisation of the built environment. Their mission is to accelerate the seamless digitalisation development of the industry. Image: KIRAHub  

The LIMOWA Logistics Cluster is a Finnish network association to develop and support intelligent logistics solutions and boost the competitiveness of Finnish companies. LIMOWA works close to its member organizations supporting their business and export activities. Image: LIMOWA

Move2Green is a research and development programme led by Kalmar and supported by Business Finland’s Leading Company Challenge initiative (Veturi). The programme aims to enable net-zero heavy logistics chains in ports, terminals and industrial logistics environments by 2045. Its core focus areas include electrification, energy storage, data-driven services, circularity and responsible business practices. Through an ecosystem of companies, research organisations and universities, Move2Green seeks to develop globally scalable solutions for zero-emission cargo handling and logistics. Image: Kalmar

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

The Net Zero Energy Ecosystem (NZEE) is an RDI ecosystem led by Sumitomo SHI FW. The programme, supported by Business Finland’s Leading Company Challenge programme (Veturi), aims to balance energy consumption with renewable energy production and storage, helping to achieve net-zero or even carbon-negative energy systems. Its focus is particularly on sustainable fuels, long-duration energy storage, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), and lifecycle services. The NZEE ecosystem enables SMEs to access high-growth technology markets and participate in the development of future net-zero energy solutions. Image: NZEE

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

SynBio Powerhouse is a Finland-based synthetic biology ecosystem that brings together companies, research organisations, investors and startups. It provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation, helping to connect scientific research with commercial applications. Through multidisciplinary projects and ecosystem development activities, SynBio Powerhouse supports the growth and international visibility of Finland’s synthetic biology sector. Image: SynBio Powerhouse

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

Urban Tech Helsinki is a platform dedicated to advancing clean and sustainable urban solutions. The initiative connects entrepreneurs and startups with investors, universities, companies and the City of Helsinki to accelerate the development and adoption of urban innovations. It supports collaboration, real-world testing, networking and funding exploration across areas such as clean energy, the circular economy, smart mobility, urban farming and wellbeing. Image: Urban Tech Helsinki

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

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

The Zero Emission Marine (ZEM) ecosystem is a Business Finland Leading Company Challenge (Veturi) programme led by Wärtsilä, aiming to accelerate the decarbonisation of the maritime industry. The initiative brings together fuel producers, shipping companies, technology providers, logistics operators, research organisations and regulators to develop solutions for zero-emission shipping. Its work focuses on green fuels, advanced propulsion technologies, optimised operations and new business models. Image: Wärtsilä

Zero4 is a co-innovation ecosystem of Finnish and international partners led by Konecranes. The ecosystem focuses on improving industrial productivity through sustainable and digitalised material flows. Its activities address key challenges related to information barriers, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, wasted energy and safety incidents, while supporting the commercialisation of innovative solutions. The programme is co-funded by Business Finland through its Leading Company Challenge (Veturi) initiative. Image: Konecranes