Welcome to the Helsinki-Uusimaa Region! Here, you can find information about key players driving innovation in the Helsinki-Uusimaa Region, including universities, research institutions, and innovation hubs.
Explore the map by using your mouse or trackpad to pan (drag) the map, and use the mouse wheel or zoom controls to zoom in and out to view different areas of the map. On mobile, use touch gestures to pan and zoom the map to explore different areas. You can also view the actors as a list by clicking the “LIST” button.
4Recycling is an innovation ecosystem that strives to build new solutions for enhanced recycling of plastics and to develop bio-based materials to replace plastics. The ecosystem is open for organisations interested in finding new business or in building new competences in plastics’ recycling and bio-based alternatives.
Aalto University is known for its multidisciplinary approach to science, tech, business, and art. It ranks 6th in art & design globally and in the top 100 for other subjects. Teaching, research, and art are conducted by six schools and their departments and units.
Image: Aalto University / Unto Rautio
The Academy of Finland is an expert organisation in science and research. They fund high-quality scientific research, provide expertise in science and science policy and strengthen the position of science and research. Image: Academy of Finland / Juho Karjalainen
Alimetrics Research is a contract research organization serving feed additive and animal health industries. We specialize in delivering comprehensive research and diagnostic services that support companies worldwide in developing innovative products aimed at improving animal health, gut health, and performance.
Arcada is a multi-disciplinary University of Applied Sciences with programs in Business, Energy tech, Health, Culture & media, and Healthcare. Research and lifelong learning are prioritized to create innovative solutions with societal impact. Image: Arcada
Baltic Sea Action Group is a non-profit foundation that takes effective actions to save the Baltic Sea. We promote regenerative agriculture through our Carbon Action collaboration in which farmers, researchers and companies learn about regenerative farming to benefit food production, the environment and the _ Baltic Sea.
Borealis is a leading provider of polyolefins, base chemicals, and fertilisers, with over 900 employees in Finland. Its five production units at Kilpilahti produce plastics mainly used in pipes, steel pipe coating, packaging, and cables. Image: Borealis / Eeva Sumiloff
Business Finland aids Finnish companies in global growth by encouraging collaboration between firms and research groups. They prioritize customer needs, seize opportunities from societal changes, and focus on sustainable development in their operations to meet the requirements of the Finnish economy. Image: Business Finland
Business Helsinki offers advice for beginning entrepreneurs and support for starting a business. We offer opportunities for business development and renewal – also by utilizing our international networks. We implement local and international innovation projects and industry-specific programs and offer companies pilot opportunities.
The City of Vantaa provides plenty of practical and useful opportunities for businesses to excel. In many areas we need your expertise to make Vantaa the best place to live and grow as well. Read more and join us in building an innovative Vantaa!
Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment
The Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centres) are responsible for the regional implementation and development tasks of the central government. ELY Centres grant support from several European funds. Image: Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment
CleverHealth Network aims to improve healthcare for Finnish people and promote successful export products for companies by developing innovative treatment solutions. The ecosystem facilitates collaboration between companies and healthcare experts, utilizing HUS's health data and leading clinical expertise. HUS coordinates the network.
CLIC Innovation Ltd is a non-profit organization creates industry-academia partnerships to tackle resource scarcity. Their focus is to accelerate commercialization of innovative solutions via research to demonstrations projects, covering a wide range of areas. Image: Clic Innovation
Destaclean Oy is a material recycling company established in 1998. Its goal is to promote material recycling in accordance with the Finnish waste legislation. by developing useful recycled materials. The company's operations cover the entire construction waste recycling chain, from waste collection and processing to the recycling of materials.
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Diak) 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.
Image: Diaconia University of Applied Sciences
Ductor creates solutions that help solve today’s environmental challenges in the energy and agriculture sectors by unlocking bio-resources to make food sustainable and energy clean.
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 business goals. Image: Espoo Marketing Oy / dspmedia
The FINIX project brings together large and SME companies as well as startups in the textile and forest industry and in waste processing together with non-governmental organizations and decision-makers to co-develop a sustainable textile system based on cutting-edge research.
Project partners: Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Aalto Univeristy
FAIR, the Finnish AI Region, provides SMEs with easy access to AI, augmented reality, high-performance computing, and cybersecurity expertise. FAIR promotes AI adoption, supported by the European Commission, as one of the four EDIHs in Finland and part of a European innovation hub network. Image: FAIR
Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) offers expertise on environmental concerns, including climate change, pollution, eutrophication, and biodiversity loss. The institute is overseen by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Image: SYKE
The Finnish Food Safety 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 Safety Authority
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) promotes the welfare, health, and safety of Finnish population through research, expert work, and developing the welfare society. They prevent illnesses and social problems while supporting the healthcare system. Image: THL
The Finnish Meteorological Institute conducts research on the atmosphere, seas, and near space, and provides weather, climate, air quality, and near space services for public safety, business, and citizens. It operates under the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Image: Finnish Meteorological Institute
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. Image: GTK
Globe Hope is a pioneer in responsible fashion since 2003. Globe Hope offer a better alternative. With us you can find unique clothes and accessories that respect nature and support sustainable development.
Green Net Finland is a cleantech cluster developing smart and low-carbon urban environment. They bring together the expertise and resources of Finnish cleantech companies, scientific and educational institutions and public authorities.
Haaga-Helia is a strongly business-orientated university of applied sciences. Haaga-Helia's Haaga campus is called the Hospitality Campus.
Image: Haaga-Helia
Haaga-Helia is a business-focused university of applied sciences, with the Malmi campus offering 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 strongly business-orientated university of applied sciences. Its 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 strongly business-orientated university of applied sciences. The Porvoo Campus represents a new style in campus construction with its use of space to create an open environment for learning and sharing knowledge. Image: Haaga-Helia
Hanken School of Economics is a leading university with 110 years of experience in research and education in economics and business administration. Hanken holds the three most prestigious accreditations for business schools, EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA, which only one percent of business schools worldwide have achieved. Image: Hanken School of Economics
The Helsinki Metropolitan health ecosystem is a collaborative network of healthcare, R&D, and companies, from innovative startups to multinational corporations. It supports the growth and development of the health ecosystem, startups, SMEs, international companies, and investors in the Helsinki Metropolitan area. Image: Health Capital Helsinki
A comprehensive three-year incubator program, Health Incubator Helsinki targets research-based early-stage teams and startups operating in the health sector in Finland and abroad.
Image: Health Incubator Helsinki
Health Incubator Helsinki provides up to three years of comprehensive business development services customised based on the individual needs of each selected team to maximise the odds of success. We do not take any equity nor invest in the startups.
Circular Economy, Food Ecosystem
Helsieni
Circular economy and urban farming. Helsieni was born with a core mission of cultivating mushrooms on what others call ‘waste’ (used coffee grounds, agro-industrial byproducts, or other un-utilized nutrient streams).
Helsinki institute for information technology (HIIT)
HIIT is a joint effort of Aalto University & University of Helsinki to fund and support information technology research. Computer Science researchers from both universities and Aalto's Information & Communications Engineering department form the research community. Image: HIIT
HiLIFE - Helsinki Institute of Life Science is one of the leading life science research institutes in the Nordics. It supports outstanding research and generation of innovations across the University’s campuses to create an attractive international environment where today’s grand challenges in health and environment are solved together. 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
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
Our technology turns textile waste that would otherwise be landfilled or burned into something truly valuable: Infinna™, a high-quality, circular textile fiber that reduces the world’s reliance on virgin raw materials.
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
Isover helps reduce the ecological footprint of the built environment by offering
low-carbon building products that support the circular economy and promote well-being.
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
Lamor brings together smart minds, advanced technology, and local knowledge to conserve our environment and to generate growth for businesses and communities.
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
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
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.
Lotus Demolition is a sustainable trailblazer of the demolition sector, reselling equipment and machinery from decommissioned industrial sites on behalf of the party ordering the demolition.
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
Orthex’s business is based on responsibly produced, durable, reusable, and recyclable plastic products, which play an important role in a sustainable circular economy.
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
Pure Waste creates recycled products and closed-loop solutions to inspire change towards a world without textile waste. At Pure Waste, we produce garments of 100% recycled fibers.
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.
Remeo collects and receives waste from businesses and process it into high-quality recycled raw materials for industrial use. We invest in the Finnish circular economy and aim to be pioneers in recycling technology—whether it's through the use of electric vehicles or AI-powered sorting robots.
Waste less, ResQ more! We are on a mission to reduce waste. ResQ Club connects businesses with surplus goods to people looking for good deals nearby. It’s a win-win!
The idea for Nolla was born out of our desire to make the restaurant industry more environmentally friendly. We want to show that tasty and imaginative food can be produced based on sustainable development and circular economy values, without producing waste.
E-waste. Romukeskus Oy is a wholesale company that operates as a common purchasing, support, and sales entity for scrap and recycled raw material businesses.
SERTY is a producer association of importers and manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment. SERTY manages the collection and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment on behalf of its members.
The impact of Solar Foods comes from breaking the connection between agriculture and food. Solar Foods unique bioprocess can grow a single microorganism, one of the billions found in nature, into an endless supply of edible food with air, electricity and fermentation. This bioprocess may not be traditional, but it is as natural as the air we breathe.
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
Sumi is a Finnish non-profit packaging producer organisation responsible for implementing the statutory packaging producer responsibility for metal, glass, plastic, cardboard and wood packaging.
Foodnix sells surplus food from food industry, supermarkets and events. We want to inspire our customers and friends to make change in their daily lives in order to reduce food waste – it is important to reduce the effects of the climate crisis and prevent the loss of nature. Our aim is to build a sustainable food culture and practice a circular economy.
Research Institutions
Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT)
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
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
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.
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
Circular Economy 
Universities 
Facilitators 
Food Ecosystem 
Universities of Applied Sciences 
Research Institutions 
Startup Hubs 
Development Companies 
