News

Health Incubator Helsinki is seeking promising health startups – apply by 13 March

Health Incubator Helsinki is seeking promising health startups – apply by 13 March
Ecosystems

Health startups in Europe, this is your opportunity to apply for customised, long-term business development support at Health Incubator Helsinki! The incubator is open for applications until 13 March. Approximately 10-12 startups are chosen for the new program starting in April 2022.

Health Incubator Helsinki is a long-term, customised business incubator program for research-based growth companies operating in the health sector. This is the third time that the program is seeking new, promising startups. Health Incubator Helsinki is open for applications until 13 March, and approximately ten teams will be selected for the program starting in April.

Finland is renowned for its excellent healthcare system, high-quality medical and pharmaceutical research and exceptionally extensive and diverse health data. The Helsinki Metropolitan Area is home to a progressive health ecosystem consisting of various research universities, hospitals, companies and organisations operating in the sector. There are also close to 100 health sector startups operating within the area’s active startup community. The Helsinki region truly is a unique development environment for companies that develop products or services based on health data to cater to the needs of healthcare professionals.

Health Incubator Helsinki helps commercialise research innovations

Health Incubator Helsinki was established in 2020 to boost the commercialisation and growth of research innovations towards successful business operations. On an international scale, the incubator program is long-term – it lasts up to three years – and it provides the participating companies with expert mentoring, networks and peer support.

“The program is customised based on the individual needs of each selected team. We can help, for example, with concept development and piloting as well as gaining access to financing and the market. We have an extensive network and we like to bring together various operators,”

says Christian Lardot, Incubator Leader at Health Incubator Helsinki.

Currently there are 23 startups, almost all of which have their roots in university research, that are developing their business operations in the incubator, located in the Meilahti Hospital area in close proximity of HUS Helsinki University Hospital. With the exception of an office facility fee, the incubator program is free-of-charge for the participants, and both Finnish and international startup teams are encouraged to apply. Health Incubator Helsinki is a joint effort of the City of Helsinki and the University of Helsinki, and it cooperates with Health Capital Helsinki, an alliance focused on developing the ecosystem.

First-program startups raised significant financing

The first results of Health Incubator Helsinki are encouraging, to say the least. The 11 startups that started in the first program raised in total EUR 8 million in funding in 2021. The sum includes both private direct investments and grants.

Uute Scientific Oy started in the first incubator program in 2020. The company has developed a microbial extract called Reconnecting Nature™, containing microbes from forests that enhance the human immune system. The extract can be used, for example, in cosmetics or textiles. The company recently announced that it has received an additional EUR 1.2 million in funding to accelerate its operations.

“Health Incubator Helsinki’s business advisors listen to the individual needs of companies and react to them by organising relevant training and meetings with investors. This together with the flexible office facilities have given us an excellent opportunity to focus on growing our business,”

says Kari Sinivuori, CEO of Uute Scientific Oy.

Last autumn, Phonolyser Oy, a company that started in the second incubator program in 2021, won the world’s largest health technology event MEDICA’s startup competition with its innovation that detects congenital heart disease in infants quickly and cost-efficiently. The entire Phonolyser team relocated to Finland from abroad after having been selected for the program and established their company in Helsinki.

“Health Incubator Helsinki team is ‘all-in’ when it comes to supporting, promoting and mentorship. It’s like a family: they are always there when we need them. Business premises and good location within the HUS Helsinki University Hospital is the least you can expect,”

says Bahman Doaeian, CBO of Phonolyser.
The Uute Scientific Co-Founders from left: Olli Laitinen, Rita Nordin, Oliver Boldt, Kari Sinivuori, Heikki Hyöty and Aki Sinkkonen. Image: Uute Scientific

In search of ground-breaking innovations and persistent teams

The application period for the third incubator program is 7 February–13 March 2022. Candidates selected from among the applications will be invited to interview. Approximately 10–12 teams will be selected for the program starting in April 2022.

“During the application process, we will assess whether there is a market for the company’s innovation, service or product. Is the company involved in creating something new or improving existing solutions? One of the key factors we are looking for is dedication and perseverance of team members,”

says Lardot.

For more information, please contact:

Click here to apply by 13 March

Contact information:

Christian Lardot, Incubator Leader, tel. 040 195 2639, christian.lardot@hel.fi

NEWS​

Related News

An innovation helping millions manage the side effects of cancer treatment

19 Dec 2024
A UK business with expertise in cooling and refrigeration has evolved to develop innovative ways to radically reduce the trauma linked to cancer treat...

DMHIC Report: Evaluating Digital Interventions for ADHD Diagnosis and Management for Adults within the UK

17 Dec 2024
Download DHI's "Evaluating Digital Interventions for ADHD Diagnosis and Management for Adults within the UK (Excluding Scotland)" here.

Strata Health Solutions Shortlisted for Best Contribution to the Improvement of Urgent and Emergency Care at the 2025 HSJ Partnership Awards

17 Dec 2024
Strata Health Solutions, NHS England, and East Lancashire Hospitals Trust are thrilled to announce that our Urgent and Emergency Care Digital Front Do...

4C Accelerator – Apply for the free qualification program for MedTech startups

12 Dec 2024
Until January 17, 2025 founders in the MedTech sector can apply for the free & funded “4C Accelerator”. The programm enables founders in the MedTe...

Future4care International Call4Applications 2025 – Now Open!

10 Dec 2024
Are you a digital health startup looking to expand into France and Germany? Don’t miss the opportunity to join Future4care’s one-year, equity-free acc...

AGE-WELL, Canada’s technology and aging network, releases its 2023-2024 Annual Report

10 Dec 2024
Hot off the digital press, the latest AGE-WELL annual report, AgeTech for Aging Well, showcases recent activities and accomplishments from across the ...

Become a member

Join ECHAlliance to amplify your organisation’s message, grow your networks, connect with innovators and collaborate globally.
 
First name *
Last Name *
Email Address *
Country *
Position *
First name *
Last Name *
Email Address *
Country *
Position *