Welcome to the Helsinki-Uusimaa Region(Will be opened in a new window)! Here you can find information about the key projects and actors driving innovation in the region. You can browse the selection according to different organisations, including universities, research institutions and innovation hubs, or according to the regional RDI priorities.
Explore the map by using your mouse or trackpad to pan, and use the mouse wheel or zoom controls to zoom in and out to view different areas. On mobile, use touch gestures to pan and zoom the map. You can also view the content as a list.
For more information or update requests, please contact: viestinta@uudenmaanliitto.fi.
Innovation Centers and Networks, Sustainability Solutions
4R 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 is known for its multidisciplinary approach to science, tech, business, and art. It ranks 8th in art & design globally and in the top 150 for other subjects. Teaching, research, and art are conducted by six schools and their departments and units. Image: Aalto University / Unto Rautio
Arcada is a multi-disciplinary University of Applied Sciences with programs in Business, Energy tech, Health, Culture & media, and Healthcare. The core areas of Arcada's research are artificial intelligence, health and well-being, and the circular economy. Image: Arcada
Baltic Sea Action Group is a non-profit foundation that takes effective actions to save the Baltic Sea. The foundation promotes regenerative agriculture through their Carbon Action collaboration in which farmers, researchers and companies learn about regenerative farming to benefit food production, the environment and the Baltic Sea. Image: BSAG
Business Espoo is a service network for companies and entrepreneus in the city of Espoo and the surrounding municipalities, formed by six organisations. Business Espoo's goal is to increase the number of jobs and vitality in Espoo by offering customer-oriented and high-quality support for starting a business, recruitment, applying for growth-supporting funding, skill development, and internalisation, as well as guidance in changing situations. Image: Business Espoo
Business Finland aids Finnish companies in global growth by encouraging collaboration between firms and research groups. Business Finland support companies' operations by offering services for various needs, such as internationalisation and product development, as well as funding, information, advice and networks for different phases of business. Image: Business Finland
Business Helsinki offers advice to new entrepreneurs and support for starting a business. The sercives include support in development and renewal, as well as connections to international networks. Business Helsinki implements local and international innovation projects, sector-specific programs, and pilot opportunities for sustainable development and growth for existing companies. Image: Business Helsinki
Experts from various departments of the City of Vantaa offer services to all companies in Vantaa: start-ups, SMEs, and large companies. Business Vantaa offers assistance in establishing, recruiting, developing, and relocating businesses. The services also include support for internationalisation and investment in Vantaa. Image: Business Vantaa
Health and Wellbeing, Innovation Centers and Networks
CleverHealth Network
CleverHealth Network is a health technology ecosystem established in 2017, where companies and healthcare professionals co-develop better care for Finnish citizens while also creating successful health technology export products for businesses. The product and service innovations are based on the extensive and high-quality health data of HUS Helsinki University Hospital and the top-level clinical expertise of its professionals. Image: CleverHealth Network
Innovation Centers and Networks, Sustainability Solutions
CLIC Innovation
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
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences prepares students for national and international roles in social and pastoral work. The study programmes cover the following fields: social work, health care, diaconal work and interpreting. Diak’s RDI activities are underpinned by the principles of open science and research. Image: Diaconia University of Applied Sciences
The Economic Development Centre (EVK) in Helsinki-Uusimaa Region promotes regional vitality in a multidisciplinary and cooperative manner. The organisation has offices in a regions in Finland, and includes most tasks previously carried out by the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY). The new Centres started their operations in January 2026. Image: EVK
Enter Espoo facilitates access to Espoo's innovation and travel ecosystems for companies, investors, visitors, and travel professionals. They find suitable services, startups, technologies, partners, and locations to support different types of business goals. Image: Espoo Marketing Oy / dspmedia
FINIX – Towards sustainable textile systems (2019-2025)
The FINIX project brought together large companies, SMEs, start-ups from textile, forest and waste management industries along with NGOs and policymakers, to co-create a more sustainable textile system with a solid scientific basis. Project partners in the region included Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) and Aalto University. Image: FINIX
Disruptive Technologies, Innovation Centers and Networks
Finnish AI Region (FAIR EDIH)
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 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
Innovation Centers and Networks, Regenerative Food System
Food Data Finland
The Food Data Finland network drives the systemic development of data throughout the food chain. The program develops common practices, more efficient operating models and new products and services for the use of data throughout the food chain. One of the priorities is to develop a food sustainability information model. Image: GS1 Finland
Forum Virium Helsinki is the City of Helsinki innovation company. They co-create urban futures with companies, universities, other public sector organizations and Helsinki residents. The mission is to make Helsinki the most functional smart city in the world. Image: Forum Virium Helsinki
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
Innovation Centers and Networks, Sustainability Solutions
Green Net Finland (GNF)
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
Haaga-Helia is a business-oriented university of applied sciences whose areas of research and development include sustainable futures, pedagogy and learning, working life and expertise, as well as artificial intelligence and digitalisation. The Haaga campus – the Hospitality Campus – offers degree programs in, for instance, hospitality, tourism and experience managament, food production management, as well as management of service-based business. Image: Haaga-Helia
Haaga-Helia is a business-oriented university of applied sciences whose areas of research and development include sustainable futures, pedagogy and learning, working life and expertise, as well as artificial intelligence and digitalisation. The Malmi campus offers Business Administration studies in Finnish. It caters to adult learners with evening and blended learning options, and the program has a strong emphasis on business. Image: Haaga-Helia
Haaga-Helia is a business-oriented university of applied sciences whose areas of research and development include sustainable futures, pedagogy and learning, working life and expertise, as well as artificial intelligence and digitalisation. It's Pasila Campus provides degree and specialisation studies, eMBA training, and customized education packages for domestic and international corporate clients. Image: Haaga-Helia
Haaga-Helia is a business-oriented university of applied sciences whose areas of research and development include sustainable futures, pedagogy and learning, working life and expertise, as well as artificial intelligence and digitalisation. In Porvoo Campus students can complete degree programmes in Finnish or in English, with the qualification titles of Bachelor in Hospitality Management and Bachelor in Business Administration. Image: Haaga-Helia
Hanken School of Economics, one of the oldest business schools in the Nordic countries, was established more than one hundred years ago. Today, Hanken is the only stand-alone business school in Finland. Hanken's strategy includes profiling the School as a genuinely international and research-oriented business school with close ties to the corporate world. Image: Hanken School of Economics
Health and Wellbeing, Innovation Centers and Networks
Health Capital Helsinki
Health Capital Helsinki is an innovation alliance of two cities, two universities, two universities of applied sciences, and a university hospital. It's core mission is to build joint research and innovation projects that bring together expertise from both public and private sectors. Image: Health Capital Helsinki
Health and Wellbeing, Innovation Centers and Networks
Health Incubator Helsinki
Health Incubator Helsinki is a three-year comprehensive incubator program for research based startups operating in the health sector in Finland and abroad. The program was initiated in 2019 by the City of Helsinki and the University of Helsinki to drive the transformation of health innovation, research findings and expertise into international business, and to attract new talent and companies to Helsinki, Finland. Image: Health Incubator Helsinki
Helsinki Institute for Information Technology (HIIT)
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 Think Company is a non-profit that supports students and researchers in developing innovative solutions to societal challenges through collaboration, workshops, and events. They provide co-working spaces and funding opportunities for selected projects. Image: Helsinki Think Company / Jonas Simberg
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 trials programs to develop new ways of identifying and treating diseases. Image: HUS
Innovation Centers and Networks, Sustainability Solutions
Helsinki-Uusimaa Circular Hub
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. We search, develop and share knowledge, knowhow, data, ideas, resources and networks.
Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council is a joint authority with 26 member municipalities, mandated by law and mainly funded by its members. The council focuses on regional and land-use planning, promoting local and regional interests, and articulating sustainable development goals and conditions.
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.
Humak is a national university of applied sciences that operates almost everywhere in Finland. The Helsinki campus is home not only to education programs in community education and interpreter training but also to a significant part of Humak's administration and services, including the office of the student union HUMAKO.
The cultural production campus in Kauniainen is located in the middle of Espoo - close to Helsinki and Vantaa. Humak students go for exchange studies and internships, for example, to the Music Industry Management program at Utrecht University or the Arts Management program at Fachhochschule Potsdam (Berlin).
iCAN is a national research flagship providing solutions to the cancer challenge through a discovery and innovation cluster at the interface of precision cancer medicine and digital health. Image: iCAN
Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR)
The Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR) at the University of Helsinki is a multi-disciplinary research unit focused on atmospheric and Earth system science. Its goal is to contribute scientific results to environmental and climate policy on a national and international level. Image: INAR
ICOS is a European-wide research infrastructure that produces standardized 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 measurements from over 168 stations across 16 European countries. Image: ICOS
Municipal Services and Development, Sustainability Solutions
Keuke
Keuke is a local development company that helps companies in Central Uusimaa to develop and grow in the areas of Järvenpää, Karkkila, Kerava, Nurmijärvi, Pornainen, Sipoo and Tuusula. Image: Keuke
KIRAHub is a multifaceted and transparent ecosystem of the real estate and construction industry. Their vision is to make Finland the forerunner in the sustainable digitalization of the built environment. Image: KIRAHub
Kumpula Business Labs (KBL) is an entrepreneurship hub located in Helsinki, Finland, that supports the creation and growth of startup companies. It is a joint initiative of Aalto University, the University of Helsinki, and the City of Helsinki, with the aim of combining academic research with business development. Image: Kumpula Business Labs
Laurea integrates research, development, and innovation as part of its university teaching. Hyvinkää campus features innovative learning environments, including a simulated hospital with the latest wireless simulator technology for patient care education. Image: Laurea
Laurea integrates research, development, and innovation into its teaching, offering Bachelor's degrees in programs including Business Management, Hospitality Management, Restaurant Entrepreneurship, Business Information Technology, and Security Management. Image: Laurea
Laurea University of Applied Sciences has a strong model for LbD, or Learning by Developing. At Laurea's Lohja campus, the students study to become a nurse, social worker, or business graduate. Image: Laurea
Laurea University of Applied Sciences has a strong model for LbD, or Learning by Developing. The Otaniemi Campus provides degree programs in social services, health care, physical education, and business management, leading to graduation as a Bachelor in various fields such as health care, social services, nursing, and business management. Image: Laurea
Laurea University of Applied Sciences has a strong model for LbD, or Learning by Developing. The Porvoo Campus offers a nursing program that incorporates ample practical experience in social services and healthcare environments as well as workplace development projects. Image: Laurea
Laurea University of Applied Sciences has a strong model for LbD, or Learning by Developing. The campus has many national and international projects, as well as strong learning, and development environments with partnership networks. These include the enterprise cluster CIDe Cluster and the POKE Living Lab for substance abuse treatment. Image: Laurea
Innovation Centers and Networks, Sustainability Solutions
LIMOWA Logistics Cluster
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
Disruptive Technologies, Innovation Centers and Networks
Location Innovation Hub
Location Innovation Hub provides coaching for European start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and public administration organizations. As a client, you will receive support in developing your business, exploiting future technologies, and finding funding opportunities.
Maria 01 is a leading Nordic startup campus, aiming to be Europe's most impactful. It fosters a dynamic community of tech startups, venture capitalists, and enterprises, offering a supportive space for Finnish startups to experiment, learn, and grow.
Image: Tapio Auvinen
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 all operations of Culture and Arts are centralized in Arabia, Helsinki. Image: HeliFoto Oy
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
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is Finland's largest university for Business, Culture, Health Care and Social Services, and Technology. Myllypuro Campus promotes well-being, a healthy future, and fosters new connections. Image: HeliFoto Oy
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 Myyrmäki campus in Vantaa is where Industrial Technology meets International Business. Image: Martin Sommerschield
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland (MEAE)
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (MEAE) is part of the Government. MEAE creates the conditions for economically, socially and ecologically sustainable growth. Image: Marja Väänänen
MyData is a human-centric approach to personal data management, which combines industry need for data with digital human rights. MyData is an alternative vision which offers guiding technical principles for how we, as individuals, can have more control over the data trails we leave behind in our everyday actions. Image: MyData
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: Natural Resources Institute Finland
Novia is a dynamic, international University of Applied Sciences (UAS) with high-quality education, research and development and innovation activity supporting working life. Novia is a leading actor in continuous learning. Raasepori Campus offers Bachelor's Degree studies in the areas of engineering and natural resources. Image: Novia
PlastLIFE SIP – Sustainable circular economy of plastics
The project promotes the implementation of Finland's plastic road map. The goal is a sustainable circular economy of plastics by 2035. Demonstrations, experiments, research, development, product design, analysis, communication and campaigning are carried out in the project.
Project partners: Finnish Environment Institute SYKE
Project time: 2023–2029
Posintra is a local development company in Eastern Uusimaa that provides support and resources for the growth and wellbeing of local businesses and the area as a whole. Their focus is on strengthening the competitiveness of companies in the region and providing assistance to those looking to establish or relocate their business to the area. Image: Posintra
Pääkaupunkiseudun Kierrätyskeskus is a non-profit company established in 1990 with the aim of reducing the consumption of natural resources, raising environmental awareness, increasing opportunities for participation and employment.
The Research Council of Finland (RCF) is a government agency whose activities are guided by the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture as part of the educational and cultural administration. The RCF funds long-term and innovative scientific research to ensure that excellent research and high-level expertise make Finland a leading country in sustainable growth. Image: Academy of Finland / Juho Karjalainen
Health and Wellbeing, Innovation Centers and Networks
SPARK Finland
Spark Finland is a startup accelerator and incubator focused on advancing the health and life sciences field by bringing academic and clinical discoveries closer to practical, commercially viable solutions. The organization provides resources and support for early-stage startups, helping them to grow and develop their businesses. SPARK works closely with universities, research institutions, and hospitals.
Startup Foundation's mission is to create more entrepreneurs, new companies, growth and internationalization, as well as supporting and promoting the startup mentality.
Image: Startup Foundation
VTT is a top research institution in Europe, owned by the Finnish government. Their goal is to promote the practical use and commercialization of research and technology in both business and society. Image: VTT
Techvilla helps SMEs in the Uusimaa region to grow, develop and internationalize. Their customers are growth companies and businesses in the industrial and technology sectors. Image: Techvilla
Terkko Health Hub is a startup community, a co-working space and an event venue focusing on health and life sciences. They are located in the heart of Helsinki’s medical campus and provide various services, events and programmes for our community in collaboration with local and global partners.
Image: Terkko Health Hub
Helsinki is a testbed for new innovations. The City of Helsinki provides companies and RDI actors a wide variety of development and testing opportunities for new innovations, products and services. The key content areas of the testing platform activities are EdTech, Smart Mobility, Built Environment, Circular Economy and Health & Wellbeing. Image: City of Helsinki / Maija Astikainen
Sitra is an accountable and independent future-oriented fund that is influential nationally and internationally and acts as a think tank, promoter of experiments and operating models and a catalyst for co-operation. Image: SITRA
The University of Helsinki's City Centre Campus is its largest, hosting approximately 17,000 students across multiple faculties including Educational Sciences, Arts, Theology, Law, Social Sciences, and the Swedish School of Social Science. Image: University of Helsinki / Veikko Somerpuro
The University of Helsinki's Kumpula campus is home to a number of research institutes, including the Institute for Molecular Sciences, the Institute for Astronomy, and the Institute for Biotechnology.
Image: University of Helsinki / Linda Tammisto
Meilahti Campus is a top medical campus in Europe that combines leading research, teaching, and medical care. It involves close collaboration between the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Medicine, the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), and the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa. Image: University of Helsinki / Veikko Somerpuro
The Viikki Campus of the University of Helsinki is a significant research center, comprising various faculties and institutes such as Agriculture and Forestry, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science. Image: University of Helsinki / Veikko Somerpuro
University of the Arts Helsinki provides the highest level of education in music, fine arts, theatre and dance. The university was established in 2013, when the Academy of Fine Arts, Sibelius Academy and Theatre Academy were merged. Image: Tuomas Uusheimo
Urban&Local – Sustainable food ecosystem of the future
In the Urban&Local project, an operator ecosystem is created that promotes research and business in the local food and restaurant industry in the capital region.
Project partners: Forum Virium Helsinki, Metropolia and Haaga-Helia Universities of Applied Sciences, Perho Culinary, Tourism & Business College, and the cities of Helsinki and Vantaa
Innovation Centers and Networks, Regenerative Food System
UrbanFarmLab
UrbanFarmLab is an urban indoor farming development platform and one of the four collaboration platforms of the Clean and Sustainable Solutions Innovation Hub at Metropolia. UrbanFarmLab is functioning as urban indoor farming development platform and a separate co-learning livinglab space for experts, companies and students.
vihtibusiness.fi is the municipality of Vihti's online portal for business services, including support companies seeking to grow their business by offering attractive business areas, functional premises, and customer-oriented business advisory services. Vihti Business operates according to the V2B model: a one-stop service, immediate personal service, and customer service. Image: Vihti Business
Regenerative Food System, Innovation Centers and Networks
Viikki Food Design Factory
Viikki Food Design Factory is a sustainable and healthy food innovation center, created by the collaboration of University of Helsinki and Aalto University. It's a hub for startups, researchers, and industry professionals, offering a pre-incubator program for transformative food system innovators.
The Viikki Research Farm spans 155 hectares of arable land and houses 60 genetically high-merit dairy cows. It offers a modern farm infrastructure that supports diverse research needs, such as feed preservation, alternative protein crop production, dairy cow welfare studies, and dietary strategies to reduce emissions. The farm is a part of the HiLIFE infrastructures. Image: University of Helsinki
Innovation Centers and Networks, 
Sustainability Solutions 
Higher Education 
Regenerative Food System 
Municipal Services and Development 
National Organisations 
Health and Wellbeing, 
Disruptive Technologies, 
Research Institutions, 
Creative Industries, 
