About Us
Health Capital Helsinki (HCH) is an innovation alliance of the Cities of Helsinki and Espoo, University of Helsinki, Aalto University, HUS Helsinki University Hospital and Metropolia and Haaga-Helia Universities of Applied Sciences.
HCH’s core mission is to build joint research and innovation projects that bring together expertise from both the public and private sectors. We unite these sectors to co-create innovative solutions that advance health and generate shared value for both society and business in the Helsinki Capital Region.
Steering Group
Santtu von Bruun
Director of Innovations and Innovation Ecosystems at University of Helsinki
Jouko Lampinen
Dean, Aalto University, School of Science
Minna Elomaa-Krapu
Director of Innovation, Future Proof Health
Teemu Moilanen
Principal lecturer, project manager at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences
Saila Koivusalo
Senior Medical Officer in Charge of Research, MD, docent at HUS
Annika Forstén
Development Manager at City Of Espoo
Paula Miettinen
Director, Business Services at City of Helsinki
Alliance Partners
Key Research Area: Health and well-being
Aalto University’s expertise in health and well-being is broad-based, with strong clusters of research groups such as in medical devices, health AI, neuroscience, and care-facility architecture. We engage in deep collaboration with bedside and other R&D partners, including for already 45 years with the Helsinki and Uusimaa provincial hospital district HUS.
Health and well-being is one of Aalto University’s seven key research areas. The university has a strong, decades-long track record in health and well-being (H&W), in both research results and in facilitating adoption and commercialization. Indeed, at Aalto University, the basic research results that we pursue are being developed into innovations, applications, and services for end users, with several notable success stories, including from the earliest decades of H&W research. In this way, we are constantly making efforts to respond to societal needs
Within our internal health and well-being (H&W) community, we have the following clusters of expertise
• Devices and related methods and analytical tools
• Neuroscience
• Bio- and chemical technologies
• AI and data science
• Architecture, buildings, and design
• Management and economics
Future Proof Health and Wellbeing is one of the Metropolia UAS´s three innovation hubs, which offers a favourable operating and research, development and innovation (RDI) environment to solve global challenges across industries, sectors and technologies regarding health and wellbeing issues.
In innovation hub, we operate in three Research and Development Programmes and two Collaboration Platforms.
R&D Programmes build ecosystems with a long-term perspective and implement national and international RDI-projects:
• Equitable and diverse life (contact: R&D Programme Director Hanna Repo Jamal)
• Wellbeing of children and youth (contact: R&D Programme Director Salla Sipari) • Future health and ageing (contact: R&D Programme Director Olli Matilainen)
Two collaboration platforms offers the framework for quick experimentation, testing and piloting and for active cooperation between public entities, businesses, organizations and citizens. Platforms also play a key role in speeding up learning.
• Health Proof Helsinki (HPH) provides Testing Environments and Expert Services for Companies in the Fields of Health Technology and Medical Technology. Metropolia Proof Health (MPH) is a part of HPH.
• Metropolia Smart Care is a transdisciplinary and international collaboration platform focused on the development, research, innovation, and learning of futureproof and user-friendly digital solutions in promoting health and wellbeing.
Future proof Health and Wellbeing innovation hub in Metropolia UAS want to create and develop solutions to promote equal possibilities for a meaningful and good life. We collaborate with businesses, research institutes, cities, wellbeing services counties, organizations, residents and students to tackle global challenges.
Health & Life Sciences at Meilahti Campus
The Meilahti campus is the heart of the University of Helsinki’s medical and clinical research, integrating the Faculty of Medicine, HiLIFE, HUS University Hospital, and Terkko Health Hub. It forms one of Europe’s most dynamic clusters for health, life sciences, and innovation.
The Faculty of Medicine (LTDK) drives over 30% of the University’s publications and doctoral degrees, training healthcare professionals and educators based on cutting-edge research. Teaching is closely linked to clinical practice, supported by dual appointments at HUS.
Key Research Areas
• Genetics & Genomics – Precision medicine, translational research
• Cancer Research – Tumor biology and molecular oncology
• Neuroscience & Mental Health – Brain function and disorders
• Inflammation & Immunology – Immune responses and inflammatory diseases
• Public & Population Health – Epidemiology, prevention, and health services
• Single-Cell & Multi-omics – Analytics supported by Meilahti Biodata Unit
Infrastructure & Innovation
• Research Programs Unit (RPU) – Multidisciplinary biomedical and clinical programs
• Life Science Research Infrastructures (LSRIs) – Genomics, imaging, bioinformatics, and model systems
• Innovation Ecosystem – Terkko Health Hub, SPARK Finland, Biodesign Finland, and Health Incubator Helsinki
Collaboration & Impact
• Partnerships with hospitals, companies, and welfare regions
• Active in projects advancing clinical research, healthcare, and education
• Provides expertise, infrastructure, and leadership across medicine, psychology, and translational health sciences
Summary
Meilahti campus is Finland’s core hub for health and life sciences, combining research, education, clinical practice, and innovation. Its strengths in genetics, cancer, neuroscience, inflammation, public health, and bioinformatics are supported by world-class infrastructures and a thriving innovation ecosystem.
Research and Education
HUS is the largest university hospital in Finland and, together with the University of Helsinki, forms one of Europe’s most active research and education clusters. The Meilahti campus serves as the central hub for research and education, integrating specialized medical care, clinical research, and academic training.
Key Research Areas
• Cancer: The HUS Comprehensive Cancer Center is a leading site for cancer research and treatment.
• Child and Adolescent Health: The Children’s Hospital and Pediatric Research Center focus on research and development in pediatric diseases.
• Perioperative Care, Intensive Care, and Pain Medicine: Research focuses on patient safety and optimizing care during surgical and intensive care phases.
• Meilahti Vaccine Research Center (MeVac): Focuses on vaccine research and development, particularly in infectious disease prevention.
• Diagnostic Center Research: The HUS Diagnostic Center produces approximately 600 scientific publications and 20 doctoral dissertations annually in clinical laboratory medicine and medical imaging.
Education and Student Services
• Coordination of Teaching: HUS Research and Education leadership coordinates and supports medical education in collaboration with the University of Helsinki. This includes improving teaching quality, enhancing instructors’ pedagogical skills, and ensuring dialogue between students and the organization.
• Student Services: HUS provides students with practical training opportunities, guidance, and support during their studies, including participation in research projects and doctoral work.
Collaboration and Networks
• EU Projects: HUS actively participates in EU-funded research and development projects, promoting international collaboration and research impact.
• Networks and Committees: HUS is involved in numerous national and international networks and committees, including ethical review boards and research councils, supporting research quality and ethical standards.
Summary
The Meilahti campus of HUS is a central hub for research and education, combining top-level clinical expertise, academic research, and innovative training. The close collaboration between HUS and the University of Helsinki enables seamless integration of research and teaching, advancing patient care and healthcare development.
Research and Development
Haaga-Helia is a leading Finnish university of applied sciences, emphasizing practical, business-oriented education and research. The institution’s RDI activities are organized into four primary research areas, supported by interdisciplinary research groups that foster collaboration across organizational and thematic boundaries.
Key Research Areas Digital Transition & Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Focuses on aiding businesses in digital transformation and integrating AI into operations.
• Engages in applied research and offers advisory services to companies in digitalization, data, and AI fields.
• Operates innovation hubs like the Applied AI for Business and Education Innovation Hub.
• Service Innovations and Design
• Concentrates on the development of service businesses and enhancing customer experiences.
• Research and development efforts target sectors such as travel, tourism, hospitality, sports, recreation, wellness, and retail.
• Pedagogy and Learning
• Conducts research in higher education, teacher education, vocational education and training, and the world of work.
• Aims to shape the pedagogy of the future through collaborative efforts.
Entrepreneurship and Business Renewal
• Supports companies in developing operations by creating customized processes for effective commercialization of innovations.
• Assists businesses in implementing change and updating competencies to align with future work life.
Interdisciplinary Research Groups
• Human-Driven AI Research Group
• Focuses on integrating AI into organizations in a way that supports human well-being and sustainable development.
• Engages in projects like “AI and Equity in Work Communities” and “RoboBoss – AI in the Leadership of Knowledge
Work” to explore AI’s role in leadership and organizational competitiveness.
• Development and Learning of Teams
• Conducts applied research on team interaction, psychological safety, guidance, facilitation, and learning.
• Explores teamwork in relation to AI and digitalization, aiming to enhance team dynamics and effectiveness.
Health, Wellbeing & Innovation
The City of Espoo prioritizes resident- and client-oriented services, using feedback and data to develop services that meet citizens’ needs. Espoo is a leader in health, wellbeing, and smart city initiatives, coordinating projects that integrate municipalities, welfare services, NGOs, and technology partners.
Key Projects & Initiatives
• HyteData 2.0 – Enhances data availability and quality for health and wellbeing promotion, supporting evidence-based decision-making in municipalities and the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County. Key activities include user-oriented reporting, analytics for multilingual youth and social inclusion, training on data-driven management, and strengthening collaboration between municipalities and NGOs.
• FAIR EDIH – Finnish AI Region innovation hub, focusing on digital services, smart cities, and health, helping companies, especially SMEs, implement artificial intelligence in daily operations. Services include advisory, competence development, experimentation, networking, and investment support. The City of Espoo coordinates concept development, experimentation platforms, and events to facilitate funding and partnerships.
• Sustainable City Initiatives – Includes SPARCS, UserCentriCities, and other projects supporting sustainable, carbon-neutral, and resilient urban development.
Objectives & Impact
• Improve data-driven decision-making in health and wellbeing promotion.
• Enable evidence-based service planning, resource allocation, and monitoring of outcomes.
• Strengthen collaboration between municipalities, wellbeing counties, NGOs, and companies.
• Support competence building through training and co-creation in data analytics and management.
Collaboration & Contribution
• Partners include municipalities, welfare service counties, NGOs, universities, and companies.
• Espoo offers expertise in digital innovation, AI adoption, health and wellbeing analytics, and smart city development.
• Projects combine data, technology, and citizen-centered approaches to enhance service quality, equity, and social inclusion.
Summary
Espoo is a national leader in health, wellbeing, and smart city innovation, combining data-driven management, AI, and cross-sector collaboration to deliver high-quality, resident-centered services and sustainable urban development.
Health, Wellbeing & Innovation
The City of Helsinki promotes resident- and client-oriented services, using feedback and data to develop high-quality services for citizens. Helsinki is a leading hub for health and wellbeing innovation, integrating public services, research institutions, and startups to address societal health challenges.
Research, Development & Innovation Collaboration
Helsinki’s Social, Health and Rescue Services Division enables its staff to conduct clinical drug research within city units. The division also opens its operations to health and wellbeing technology companies and innovation organizations as development and testing environments, aligning with the city’s broader innovation strategy.
Key Areas:
• Clinical Research Collaboration – Large population and patient base, combined with primary care and psychiatric services, offer opportunities for research in chronic diseases, geriatric medicine, and drug treatments.
• Partnership with HUS Institute – Helsinki has a framework agreement with HUS Institute to manage clinical trials in city units, handle contracts with pharmaceutical companies, and employ doctors and research nurses for study periods. Participation is voluntary for patients.
Development & Testing Collaboration
• Development & Testbed Environments – Provides innovators in health and wellbeing the chance to familiarize themselves with city service needs and co- develop solutions with professionals and clients in real operational environments.
• Health Proof Helsinki – A collaborative ecosystem established by the City of Helsinki, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, and HUS University Hospital. It supports health technology companies in testing and developing solutions in Metropolia’s simulation hospital and city/HUS specialty care environments.
More info and contact for companies
Health Capital Helsinki Alliance
Health Capital Helsinki is an alliance of the City of Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Aalto University, and HUS, focused on developing a research-based innovation and business ecosystem in life sciences and health technology. The alliance aims to make the Helsinki metropolitan area and Finland globally recognized as top locations for research, development, and business in the sector.
Supporting Structures
• Testbed Helsinki – A city-wide platform allowing companies and research organizations to pilot and test new solutions in urban settings, including health and wellbeing.
• Forum Virium Helsinki – The City’s innovation company facilitating collaboration and technological development across sectors.
Summary
Helsinki combines research, clinical practice, innovation, and data-driven management to create a thriving health and wellbeing ecosystem. Through initiatives like Health Proof Helsinki and Health Capital Helsinki, the city provides companies and researchers with real-world testing environments, networks, and expertise, reinforcing its position as a leading hub for health innovation in Europe.
Testimonials
Collaboration Partners (Pharma partners?)
Helsinki is the capital of Finland. Helsinki provides all the conditions for living the best possible life.
Espoo is a leading innovation hub that creates the kind of innovation the world needs. Ideas flow through our innovation community like tides, carrying the excitement of people and leading to better quality of life.
HUS Helsinki University Hospital is the biggest health care provider in Finland. As a university hospital, we continuously develop and evaluate our treatment methods and activities.
The University of Helsinki is the oldest and largest institution of academic education in the country. The university is an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers.
Aalto University is where people who think differently bring the best out of each other. A place where imagination and theory meet practice and reality. A community to solve challenges most consider impossible.
Pharma testimonials
Unique Health Data (Heli kirjoittaa)
(Navigaatiossa oma sivu?)
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