Health Incubator Helsinki

Health Capital Helsinki is building the greatest health capital – and in doing that, collaborating with various impactful organisations. Meet Our Partners is an interview series introducing you to our Finnish and international partners. This time we are having a conversation with Christian Lardot, the leader of Health Incubator Helsinki.

Health Incubator Helsinki is a unique incubator program that helps startups and research-based teams to develop their ideas and concepts. The program is a joint effort by the City of Helsinki and the University of Helsinki, and it’s provided in partnership with us at Health Capital Helsinki.

In the second part of our interviews series, we will meet Christian Lardot, the leader of Health Incubator Helsinki.

Hello Christian! What is Health Incubator Helsinki and why was it established?

Christian: Health Incubator Helsinki is a long-term incubator program driving the transformation of health innovation, research findings and expertise into international business, and attracting new talent and companies to Helsinki. Our concept is unique in the Nordics in its focus and duration: the incubator focuses solely on health, and the program is up to three years long. Also, the location at Terkko Health Hub, in the Meilahti hospital area in Helsinki couldn’t be more central for our type of operations. We are a non-profit organisation and do not take any equity in the companies, apart from a minor fee for the office space.

The first batch of Health Incubator Helsinki startups was selected in 2020. The second batch joined the program in May 2021.

Health Incubator Helsinki

What: A long-term incubator program driving the transformation of health innovation, research findings and expertise into international business

For who: For research-based early-stage teams and startups operating in the health sector in Finland and abroad

I’m satisfied when our startups are successful in getting funding in the early stage and gradually able to create a market for their products or services.

What is your role in the incubator?

Christian: A year ago I was asked to look into, build and establish the concept for Health Incubator Helsinki. At that time we did not even have a name or logo for the incubator so I had to start from scratch. I looked into similar concepts in Europe and the USA and in addition, visited the most known incubators and accelerators in the Nordics. Based on this research I started to create the structure for Health Incubator Helsinki with my colleague Francis Tam from NewCo Helsinki. My current role is to lead and plan the operations and team of three persons, and to ensure that we provide comprehensive support and an extensive network of organisations and experts to our companies.

What concrete things do you do with the companies that participate?

Christian: The program starts with individual discussions with the teams to set the short and long term goals for the companies. We provide up to three years of tailored, comprehensive business development mentoring, advisory and broad networking opportunities. Our approach is to offer tailored support for the teams and companies as the needs vary a lot in the teams. Each month we provide 2–3 general training sessions, workshops and education to the teams. The core of our approach is to address the business needs of the companies and find answers and solutions to their questions so that they can continue to develop their companies.

When do you feel you have really succeeded in your work?

Christian: I’m particularly satisfied when our companies are successful in getting funding in the early stage and gradually being able to create a market for their products or services. I am also pleased when we’ve been approached by other incubators and accelerators for possible collaboration. Positive feedback from our companies is also a sign that the approach we have taken serves a clear need.

Christian Lardot

“I’m the Incubator Lead in Health Incubator Helsinki. My vast experience covers business development, strategy, internationalisation and marketing in life science and med tech sectors as well as working with startups. I bring value to the startup teams in evaluating their innovations, going through the challenges and giving advice on the go-to-market strategy and building their business. Please be in touch in any matters related to the Incubator!”

Tel. +358 40 195 2639
christian.lardot@hel.fi

Cover photo: Slush 2019 / Veeti Hautanen / City of Helsinki