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
Professor, Aalto University, School of Science
Eija Raussi-Lehto
Senior Innovation Manager at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
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.
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 Helsinki University Hospital is Finland’s largest provider of specialized healthcare and one of Europe’s leading university hospitals. HUS is responsible for organizing specialized healthcare in the Uusimaa region, and several rare and complex disease treatments have been nationally centralized to HUS. As a university hospital, HUS combines patient care, research, education, development and innovation activities, and works closely with higher education institutions, companies, and national and international networks.
Key areas of expertise
• Advanced specialized healthcare and clinical excellence.
• Clinical and translational research, education and university collaboration.
• Digital health, artificial intelligence, data analytics and knowledge-based management
• Innovation activities with research units, companies and wellbeing counties. For example; co-innovation and business collaboration. Assessment, validation and implementation of new treatment practices, service models and technology solutions.
Key platforms, infrastructures or projects
•HUS innovation activities and business collaboration within the Strategy and Development function in close co-operation with hospitals
•Research innovations with partners, Helsinki University, Aalto University and other research units.
•The HUS-coordinated CleverHealth Network ecosystem, where HUS experts and companies jointly develop new health technology solutions.
•Health Proof Helsinki, a testing and innovation environment developed in collaboration with the City of Helsinki and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.
•HUS Data Lake and HUS Acamedic as infrastructures for research, data utilization and secure development.
•Helsinki Biobank, FinBB, FinnGen and ICAN.
•National and international networks such as EUHA, NUHA, TEF-Health and Nordic Proof.
Collaboration opportunities
•Joint research, development and innovation projects with companies, higher education institutions, research organizations and wellbeing services counties.
•Clinical-need-driven co-innovation and piloting of solutions in an authentic healthcare operating environment.
•Assessment, validation and preparation for implementation of health technology, digital services, artificial intelligence and data-driven solutions.
•Guiding companies to suitable collaboration pathways, such as CleverHealth Network, Health Proof Helsinki, research collaboration, or testing and validation services.
•Leveraging national and international innovation networks to scale new solutions and strengthen their impact.
International collaborations, especially with EUHA and NUHA networks.
Organization’s role in the Health Capital Helsinki ecosystem
HUS is a key healthcare and university hospital partner in the Health Capital Helsinki ecosystem. It contributes extensive clinical expertise, research and innovation environments, high-quality health data infrastructures, and connections to patient care, research and business collaboration. Through these assets, HUS strengthens the ecosystem’s ability to launch impactful joint projects and promote the development, testing and implementation of new solutions in healthcare.
Education and Student Service
• 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.
Link to the organization’s website / further information
Further information: www.hus.fi and www.cleverhealth.fi.
Health Proof Helsinki: www.healthproofhelsinki.fi.
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, Tech & Innovation
Espoo is experiencing robust growth in health tech, medtech, and AI sectors. The city’s innovation landscape is notable, with over 9% of Espoo-based early-stage startups operating in health and medtech. The local ecosystem is dynamic, with new companies continuously emerging both as startups and spin-offs from advanced research. The city’s strength lies in its diverse deep tech base. Espoo fosters the development and integration of advanced technologies across multiple domains..
KEY PROJECTS AND INIATIVES
Espoo’s innovation ecosystem
Finland’s most valuable corporations and pharma companies are in Espoo, along with the two most important sustainable innovation players Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.
LUMI AI Factory
A world class platform for advancing AI adoption built on the LUMI supercomputer, enabling innovation across key sectors, such as life sciences, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and engineering.
Kvanttinova
An ecosystem that brings together companies, researchers, talent, investors, and partners across microelectronics, photonics, and quantum technologies.
Greenline
Finland’s leading centre of expertise in green chemistry, circular economy and clean technology will be built along the metro line in Espoo. Green Line provides operators with a platform for innovation cooperation and sharing expertise.
HyteData 2.0
An Espoo lead initiative that 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.
COLLABORATION
Business Espoo
Aalto University
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Collaboration between municipalities, wellbeing counties, NGOs, and companies.
OBJECTIVES & IMPACT
Espoo supports the growth and internationalisation of health, med tech, and deep tech startups and scaleups by providing business advisory services, investor matchmaking, and ecosystem partnerships. As an active member of the Health Capital Helsinki ecosystem, Espoo helps growth-oriented companies succeed through collaboration with innovation partners, including the Wellbeing Services County of Western Uusimaa, contributing to leading Nordic health innovation events and granting access to specialised facilities through partner networks.
Read more about Business Espoo
SUMMARY
Espoo is a national leader in tech and innovation and ranked the fourth European city with the most EPO patent applications. Espoo’s strong position in health, medtech, AI, and deep tech is supported by a world-class innovation ecosystem that includes Aalto University, VTT, companies, and initiatives such as LUMI AI Factory, Kvanttinova, and Greenline. Through close collaboration between businesses, research organisations, municipalities, wellbeing counties, and NGOs, the city drives innovation, data-driven health solutions, and sustainable growth.
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.
The Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services Division provides opportunities for clinical drug and health technology trials within its units and operates as a development and testing environment for health and wellbeing innovations in cooperation with companies and research organisations.
Business Helsinki ensures and enhances the possibilities for innovation and entrepreneurship in the growth area of Health and wellbeing.
KEY AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Research, Development & Innovation Collaboration
Social, Health and Rescue Services Division enables its staff to conduct clinical drug research within city units. The division opens its operations to health and wellbeing companies and innovation organizations as development and testing environments.
Clinical research collaboration is possible due to large population and patient base, combined with primary care and psychiatric services. This offers opportunities for research in chronic diseases, geriatric medicine, and drug treatments. Helsinki also 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.
Business development, Product development and Testing Collaboration
Business Helsinki enhances cooperation between sectors and provides startups and innovators in health and wellbeing sector wide range of opportunities to develop the business. Innovators can also familiarize themselves with city service needs and co-develop solutions with professionals and clients in real operational environments.
KEY PLATFORMS, INFRASTRUCTURES AND PROJECTS
Helsinki 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. Services provided by Helsinki:
Testbed Helsinki
A city-wide platform allowing companies and research organizations to pilot and test new solutions in urban settings, including health and wellbeing.
Health Incubator Helsinki
A unique three-year comprehensive incubator program for research based startups operating in the health sector in Finland and abroad.
Forum Virium Helsinki
The City’s innovation company facilitating collaboration and technological development across sectors.
HELSINKI AS A KEY PARTNER
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.
Health Capital Helsinki Alliance
Helsinki cooperates with its alliance partners in order to make the Helsinki metropolitan area and Finland globally recognized as a top location for research, development and business. Helsinki supports alliance through joint ventures and projects and events and information sharing.
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.
More info and contact for companies
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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