Jointly established by the City of Helsinki and the University of Helsinki in 2020, Health Incubator Helsinki is a business incubator that promotes the commercialisation and growth of research innovations into successful business. Now, Health Incubator Helsinki is seeking innovative early-stage startups and teams for its sixth incubator programme starting in May 2025. The call is open to both Finnish and international participants.
The programme offers up to three years of support, including tailored mentoring and advice, weekly webinars and workshops, extensive networking opportunities and office and shared-use facilities in the Meilahti Hospital area. With the exception of an affordable office space charge, the incubator services are free of charge for participants.
“For the new teams and startups joining the program, we put emphasis on getting them up to speed with the basics of developing their product or service and securing financing. Following this two-month initial phase, our focus will shift to providing tailored advice to each team,” says Christian Lardot, the head of Health Incubator Helsinki.
A total of EUR 40 million in funding secured so far
At present, Health Incubator Helsinki has a total of 26 teams developing their business at the Terkko Health Hub located in the Helsinki University Hospital area. Since 2020, the startup companies selected for the programme have secured over EUR 40 million in funding. In addition to this, two companies have successfully performed an exit, i.e. sold off their business.
In 2024, Health Incubator Helsinki’s startups secured a total of EUR 11 million in funding. This year's first funding announcement came from Solid IO, a medtech startup that is developing an organ-on-a-chip drug testing platform to eliminate guesswork in cancer care. The company has now successfully closed its first funding round of €0.8M.
“Health Incubator Helsinki has been invaluable in expanding our network and providing crucial support for Solid IO’s spinout and early milestones,” says Noora Hujala, CEO and one of the founders of Solid IO.
Pilot project at Vuosaari Health and Well-being Centre
One of Health Incubator Helsinki's fastest growing companies is MedicubeX, which is known for its autonomous self-assessment stations for patients and innovative approach to preventive health care. The company launched its first clinical pilot project with the support of Health Incubator Helsinki at Vuosaari Health and Well-being Centre in April 2023. Since then, MedicubeX has been continuously announcing new partnerships and expanding to new markets.
“The program facilitated key connections with the City of Helsinki and multiple key partners, providing crucial opportunities to co-create and pilot our product. For any health tech startup looking to gain traction, Health Incubator Helsinki prepares you for the way ahead with knowledge and support,” says Vili Kostamo, CEO and one of the founders of MedicubeX
Seeking innovative teams that solve real-world problems
Health Incubator Helsinki’s call for applications will remain open until 31 March. Following interviews, a total of 10–12 startups and teams will be selected for the programme, which will start in May 2025.
“During the application process, we will assess whether there is a market for the applying company's innovation, product or service. Is the company developing something new or refining existing solutions? One of the most important criteria that we focus on is the competence, dedication, passion and persistence of the team,” says Christian Lardot.
