What’s common with global game and tech giants AMD, Nvidia, EA, Ubisoft, Unity, and Zynga? They make great products, but are also present in Finland.

Many of the Finnish homegrown gaming companies have gone global but are still headquartered in Finland. Most of the Finnish gaming studios work on mobile games, like industry icons Rovio and Supercell. Consoles and PC are also covered, with titles like Quantum Break and Cities Skylines setting the bar for simulation and episode-based interactive gaming. Meanwhile, studios like Everywear Games and Small Giant Games are developing games for wearables and next-generation virtual and augmented reality apps. Smart games that make learning fun, such as Yousician and TeacherGaming, further widen and strengthen Finland’s game development portfolio.

Some of the companies involved in this sector include:

• RIVAL GAMES
• TICBITS
• TRIBEFLAME

The Helsinki region is where industrial and digital tech collide. An ideal environment for developing Industry 4.0 solutions. Suitable talent pool of 300,000 experts.

World-class IoT ecosystem with top R&D, unique piloting platforms, university and research collaboration, funding, partners and talent. Global industrial companies in, for example, the metal, forest and maritime sectors and digital companies exploring possibilities in IoT.

Companies involved in this sector include:

• NOKIA
• KONECRANES
• BASEN

Some of the key protocols behind today’s strongest encryption systems were invented in Finland in the early 1990s. For example, the SSH protocol is one of the world’s most widely-used encryption protocols. Today, numerous Finnish cyber security companies actively develop new state-of-the-art solutions to protect the digital world.

The Helsinki region has established clusters in secure e-payment solutions, vulnerability analyses and compliance testing, and security solutions for standard web usage. Two universities and several research institutions engage in the research and development of new solutions.

Some of the companies involved in this sector include:

• F-SECURE
• SSH COMMUNICATIONS SECURITY
• JETICO

The new 5G network in the Helsinki region is an ideal test network environment for companies developing new 5G-enabled solutions and business concepts.

The Helsinki region is home for mobile networks giant Nokia, its Global HQ and its largest R&D site. Ericsson and Huawei also have notable research and development activities based in the capital region. Aalto University, together with Nokia and Ericsson, has built a 5G test network that is available for test projects at its Otaniemi campus.

Companies involved in this sector include:

• NOKIA NETWORKS AND TECHNOLOGIES
• HUAWEI
• ERICSSON

For highly demanding Industry 4.0 solutions, the region has wireless solutions, display and touch development, sensors, big data analysis, SW development and cloud and security solutions. Cargotec, Sandvik, John Deere, Danfoss and several automotive and process automation companies develop their Industry 4.0 solutions here.

Companies involved in this sector include:

• TRELAB
• QUVA
• WIREPAS

Billions of euros are invested globally in AI and platform economy, and Finland’s got something to say about it. Finland has been working with AI research since 1960’s and today they have a wide variety of top-of-the-notch companies developing and utilizing AI in business operations and public sector.

AI can be utilized virtually anywhere like healthcare, customer service, Big Data processing, autonomous traffic, and Finland’s the right place to do it.

The fast-growing VR/AR markets are worth around 5.5 billion dollars. These technologies will already form a market worth an estimated 150 billion dollars by 2020. And what’s especially great, VR/AR is another area Finland’s good at, with a vibrant and hungry start-up scene.

With over 100 companies, rock solid gaming expertise and outstanding technological and institutional foundations, Finland has it all what is needed in developing Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality technologies – to revolutionize how we perceive the world and have an impact on any industry from manufacturing to healthcare.

The combination of population-based biobanks, innovation-friendly legislation, comprehensive healthcare registers, electronic medical records, and the nation’s isolated gene pool represents true Real World Evidence. This unique resource creates and ideal environment for advancing targeted drug discovery as well as more effective and efficient clinical research and trials.

In May 2019 Finland approved legislation on the secondary use of health data, which elevates research and innovation opportunities accross health and wellbeing, disease prevention, and predictive and personalized medicine including new methods of treatment. Pharma, CROs (contract research organization), and drug development companies can access this data through the upcoming Findata, the national one-stop-shop.

Finland has one of largest startup ecosystems in the world, offering a dynamic operating environment for startups and international partnerships alike. For decades, Finland has invested hundreds of millions of euros per year in health-related education, research, and research infrastructures. This has resulted in creating cutting-edge Finnish research and treatment for such specialist areas as cancer, brain diseases, orthopedics, and genetics research.

The global transformation of the health is establishing Finland as a recognized world-class healthcare innovation hub. Current market needs can be fulfilled with new approaches for care, new commercial opportunities, and new thinking all from Finland.

Researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and clinicians are all excited about the advancements in precision medicine. The readily available genomic, longitudinal, and biobank data in Finland brings 100% real world data to life.

Finnish data is unique in terms of breadth and depth. It is fully digitized and assessible reflecting recent legislation – Finnish Biobank Act of 2012 and Secondary Use of Data Law. It is further linked to electronic health records, which in Finland have a 100% penetration and include all clinical information, social care, prescription records, patient reported outcomes, and biobank and genomic data.

Biobank data originated in the 1920s and the first health registries (cancer) were started in 1953. The longevity and systematic collection of the data makes for more impactful research, cost-efficient clinical trials, and a significant reduction in both the cost of developing new drugs and the time to market. This makes Finland the ultimate research site and partner where real-world data and real-world evidence represent the new norm.

The Finnish government, as are Finns, are pro-research. Finland invested 1.8 billion euros in 2018 into R&D. The country’s systematic and long-term investment practice is not only strategically positioning Finland as a healthcare leader but allows for the rapid recruitment of the best patients for clinical trials.

The Finnish healthcare ecosystem has proven to be the best-in-class environment for pharmaceutical and biotech companies seeking to accelerate their research and make significant breakthroughs. Pfizer, Merck, Bayer, Biogen, Celgene, Genetecg, GSK, Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Snofi, and Roche have already partnered with Finland.

Finland is pioneering the future of healthcare. Its roots in innovation and foresight is driving the integration of R&D, ICT, digital, data, genomics, precision medicine, sensors, and much more. The outcome will be patient centric and patient-lead Smart Health.

Personalized Health from Individual Care

One of the megatrends in healthcare is the transformation of treatment towards individual care. By identifying individual effects through genetic research overlaid with health data, the ability to treat the right patient with the right drug at the right dose is made possible. Furthermore, this will lead to being able to anticipate and even prevent diseases.

The Personalized Health Finland program enables this initiative. It supports Finnish innovation and top-level research to create new healthcare platforms and businesses. It will leverage Finnish data from biobanks, health registries, prescriptions, patient reported outcomes, social care, and social determinants of health furthering the potential of personalized medicine.

On an operational level, the program addresses the scientific and business needs of companies in parallel with establishing a forum to exchange ideas and attract co-development and investment partners. Utilizing information on each person that is already digitized will lead to added value and insight for both individuals and populations. Personal Health Finland will create new global ecosystems and while solidifying Finland’s position as the leader in personalized medicine.

Digital Solutions for a Healthy Life

People are increasingly interested in their own health and wellbeing, and hopefully also taking responsibility for it. Changing population demographics and dynamics are impacting the workplace and lives of many. Chronic illness is growing while its prevention is moving at a slower speed. There is an ever-increasing global need for predictive and preventative care anywhere. It is becoming critical to develop fully digitized solutions that are scalable, affordable, and easy to use for patients and providers alike. Finland’s long-standing leadership role in integration of mobile, digital, and data is creating a new paradigm in healthcare delivery.

The Smart Life Finland program unifies and advances the development of health and wellbeing solutions that are based in digitalization, exponential technologies (i.e. XR, AI, 5G), the platform economy, and testbed environments.  Healthcare anywhere, anytime is coming of age.

The Smart Life Finland program has two focus areas:

A living environment that promotes health and wellbeing

• Solutions and services related to smart homes and living environments, nutrition, efficient data utilization, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality

Transforming healthcare 

• Solutions and services for the whole care path: virtual hospitals, testbed environments, remote monitoring, diagnostics and other mobile and homecare solutions.

Often the greatest advances are made together. Networking across sectoral, national, and global boundaries, as well as cooperation with research organizations can open up entirely new growth prospects. Companies can boost their outreach by creating joint offerings that address today’s medical and population needs.

More and more plastic ends up in the oceans, creating a global waste problem. Consumers around the world are increasingly aware of the issue which makes new innovative solutions an excellent choice for brands that emphasize ecological values.

Finland has excellent know-how in the use of wood-based fibers as packaging materials. There are several new and innovative start-ups and larger companies creating sustainable packaging solutions from wood. Some of these new innovations can even be manufactured with traditional production lines.

The production process requires much less water than cotton and the transition towards wood-based materials would also free land for food production. It has been estimated that if the current harvesting surplus in Finland would be transferred to fibers, it could replace 20% of the cotton in the world. In addition to being sustainable, textiles made out of wood fibers are pleasant to wear and touch. They can be utilized in several types of products in the textile industry, such as clothes and materials for interiors.

In Finland, the numerous ongoing research projects for developing wood-based fibers for the use of the textile industry have already created solutions with commercial potential. In the future, wood fibers could be used to replace cotton and synthetic fibers.

Wood and plant-based extracts can be used as organic raw materials in various healthcare and cosmetic products. Finland has world-class expertise and several companies focused on producing natural extracts for the cosmetic industry. In addition to extracts, resin formulations can also be used for wounds and skin care.

The use of wood in the healthcare sector is not limited to natural extracts and resins. A non-toxic and moldable material for casting and occupational therapy is another interesting example of utilizing wood. Compared to traditional casting, it is very easy to use and requires no water or gloves. Also worth mentioning is a wood-based solution for the prevention and care of lower urinary tract disease developed in Finland.

The concept is based on the unique combination of design-driven prototyping with strong technology development competence. The latter has traditionally been the key asset of the Finnish forest industry, which has been focused on B2B commerce with cost-efficient production technologies.

The goal is to make Finland the source of value-added cellulosic products and business concepts, and to accelerate the transformation of the current large-scale forest industry into a dynamic ecosystem for the bioeconomy, containing both large and small-scale businesses.

Finland is riding the wave of digitalization in the field of maritime. Finnish companies are changing the maritime industry with their digital skills.

They offer a wide variety of solutions that are optimal for advancing the digital transformation. Finnish solutions and services for the likes of the Industrial Internet and connectivity help maritime companies around the world to not only increase efficiency and optimize processes but also create new value and business models. Whether it is data acquisition, analytics, 3D technologies, wireless communications, or applications, Finland has the solution.

In terms of maritime digitalization, Finland also has the world’s first autonomous maritime ecosystem One Sea. The world-renowned ecosystem portrays incisively our status as the global forerunners in autonomous and remote ships, which will play a key role in the future of the maritime industry.

Ultimately, the transformation towards autonomous ships will fundamentally increase the overall efficiency and safety of maritime transport. This is well known by some of the leading global maritime companies that have decided to locate their autonomous maritime R&D activities in Finland.

Finland is a global leader in icebreaker design, polar shipbuilding, ice technology, and fleet operation. Finland is the only nation in the world that offers ice-proven products and services created through an exquisite and cost-effective value chain. Finland’s unique value chain covers R&D, education, ship design, engineering, building, operation, project management, and life cycle support services.

Consequently, Finnish companies have designed almost 80% of the world’s icebreakers. Meanwhile, about 60% of them have been built by Finnish shipyards.

Finland sets the benchmark for effective, environmentally friendly, and safe icebreaking. Finnish companies and technologies play a crucial role in setting international polar maritime rules, regulations, and standards.

Finnish companies have perfected their project execution models. For example, the multipurpose icebreaker Botnica was delivered and ready for service just 13 months after the shipbuilding contract was signed. Moreover, Finland can conduct full-scale ice trials in the Nordic waters, so there is no need to travel around the globe in search of sea ice. These unique benefits save time, without compromising quality.

The Finnish polar maritime network has consistently led to the creation and implementation of new icebreaking technologies. Finnish innovations in propulsion, electric power systems, and winterization, as well as double-acting technology, help maintain cost-effective marine operations around the globe by improving vessel performance, energy efficiency, and safety.

Most of the largest luxury cruise ships in the world are built or designed in Finland. At the heart of Finland’s expertise are the most energy-efficient cruise vessels and the greenest and quietest ferries in the world.

For reference, one of the biggest cruise ship in the world, Oasis of the Seas, was built in the Turku shipyard, underlining Finland’s state-of-the-art knowledge in designing and building luxury cruise ships. Furthermore, the comprehensive subcontractor network guarantees that Finland delivers cruise ships on schedule and on budget.

Finland combines a long tradition in shipbuilding seamlessly with latest technologies. Taking full advantage of Big Data, the Internet of Things, digital and environmental solutions, as well as propulsion innovations and LNG technologies, highlights Finland’s  leading position with cruise ships.

Globally, there is an increasing demand for polar cruise ships. Finnish maritime technology and solutions are exceptionally well suited for satisfying the demand.

The Finnish maritime industry has remarkable Arctic know-how, which is the backbone of Finnish companies’ market leader status with polar cruise ships. Finland’s deep understanding of winterization is crucial in the design and construction of ships for demanding polar conditions. Already for decades, Finnish solutions have enabled cruise operators to push both technological and geographical boundaries in the Arctic and Antarctic waters.

Finnish companies are forerunners in innovative offshore solutions. Finland’s companies effortlessly combines their world-famous features, including advanced project management, high quality, and environmental sustainability.

Top notch oil spill response solutions, premium-level platform supply vessels, accommodation spaces for oil rigs, and high-level expertise in propulsion systems, are just some examples of Finland’s offshore skills. Finland has also an outstanding offering of propulsion systems for advanced solutions in offshore platforms and vessels.

On top of everything, the majority of spar platforms in the world are developed in Finland.

Harbors are one the Finnish maritime industry’s core strengths. As all ports in Finland freeze during the coldest months of the year, we have exceptional know-how in operating in extreme environments.

Finnish companies have a longstanding expertise in the likes of harbor construction, infrastructure building, logistics design, harbor automatics, operation support, and harbor loading solutions. Additionally, the global maintenance network provided by local subcontractors supports our clients worldwide.

Finnish companies operating in the domain of harbor loading solutions are especially capable of crane handling. In recent years, digital solutions have become a rising area of expertise for Finnish companies in the harbor industry, creating an altogether new competitive advantage for Finland. Among others, Finnish companies master container tracking systems, unmanned operation, and remote monitoring.