For Founders

Have you ever stopped to think about the amazing journey of a pioneering tech company? Especially one that’s tackling a big global challenge with innovative solutions. Let’s dive into the story of Resistomap, a company that’s all about developing and using a cutting-edge biosecurity intelligence platform. They’ve got a really cool history, with lots of milestones along the way. It’s a fascinating story of growth, innovation, and smart planning. They’ve managed to secure the resources they need to bring their powerful vision to life in a world that’s always changing. From Vision to Validation: The Foundational Years (2018-2022) Let me tell you about Resistomap’s exciting journey. It all started in 2018 when they were founded with a clear mission to tackle the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance. They made a big splash by partnering with Nordic Laboratories, which gave them valuable early validation and access to the healthcare and diagnostics sectors. The following year, 2...

Have you ever stopped to think about the complex thoughts, dreams, and strategic plans that go through the minds of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) when faced with the exciting and potentially life-changing world of Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Recent research from a dedicated AI consultancy that worked directly with Finnish SMEs offers a fascinating and detailed look into their changing priorities, their deep understanding of the technology, and the specific types of help they are actively seeking to use this amazing innovation to make their businesses even better. Finnish SMEs are not just curious about AI; they’re strategizing its integration with a keen eye for long-term growth. They’re seeing AI as a powerful tool to drive sustainable success. Through their direct interactions with business leaders and tech experts, these agile and resource-constrained businesses have identified three key areas where they’re focusing their efforts: strategic planning, knowledge and skil...

Have you ever had that brilliant idea, that innovative concept that you’re convinced could make a real difference, but then get stuck thinking about how to actually make it happen? Or maybe you’re already in the exciting but often complex and fast-changing world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), immersive Extended Reality (XR), or the powerful capabilities of High-Performance Computing (HPC), and you’re looking for expert guidance and resources to really unlock their potential for your projects? Well, our colleagues and collaborators at the Finnish AI Region | EDIH (FAIR) have put together a fantastic and comprehensive ecosystem of services specifically designed to help you innovate at every stage of your journey, from that initial spark of inspiration to real-world impact. Take a closer look at their carefully designed service map, and you’ll see a clear and strategic understanding of the innovation lifecycle. It’s like having a super organised and easy-to-find toolkit, filled with jus...

Hey there! Have you ever felt like the incredible power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is like a magical castle guarded by tech giants and research institutions, just out of reach for small businesses and startups like yours? Well, hold on to your hats because there’s some fantastic news that’s about to change everything! The AIStart Incubator is here, ready to smash those barriers and make AI accessible to businesses of all sizes. Picture this: you have all the tools you need, training programs that fit your specific needs, and a supportive network of people who are there to help you use AI to boost your business’s strength, efficiency, and competitiveness. That’s exactly what the AIStart Incubator is all about. This awesome initiative is dedicated to giving micro and small businesses, as well as those ambitious startups, the knowledge and skills they need to confidently navigate the ever-changing world of AI. Forget the idea that you need a fancy PhD in computer science or years of ...

Have you ever wondered how a country can truly embrace a sustainable future? It’s not just about making fancy policies or dreaming big; it’s about making real changes that we can see and feel. Let’s take a look at Finland, a country where innovation isn’t just for scientists and techies in fancy labs. It’s woven into the very fabric of their cities, towns, and regions. Finland isn’t just a place on a map; it’s an active innovation hub, a vibrant ecosystem that’s driving the shift towards a circular economy. In this circular economy, we minimise waste, value resources, and keep them in use for as long as possible. One great example of this decentralised yet effective approach is the Helsinki-Uusimaa Circular Hub. It’s not just a boring committee or an advisory board. It’s a dynamic ecosystem focused on transforming what we traditionally think of as waste into valuable resources. They’re also developing innovative and sustainable business models that support a circular economy. The Hub’s...

Have you ever wondered if we, as a species, could be doing a better job of taking care of our planet and its resources? Well, buckle up, because the highly anticipated World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2025 is almost here, and it’s going to be packed with seriously innovative and actionable ideas that could change the game! Led by the brilliant Finnish Innovation Fund, Sitra, which is a global leader in sustainable development, the WCEF is more than just a regular conference or industry gathering. Think of it as the ultimate global hub where the smartest minds from all walks of life, visionary entrepreneurs, groundbreaking researchers, and influential policymakers from all over the world come together with a shared and urgent mission: to build a more resilient, resource-efficient, and ultimately sustainable future for everyone. And guess what? This super important forum is heading to the vibrant and eco-friendly continent of South America! Mark your calendars, folks! In May 2025, the...

Ever stop to truly contemplate the final destination of your well-loved, albeit now outgrown or out-of-fashion, clothing items? Globally, the stark reality is that the vast majority – a truly staggering 99% – of all textiles produced each year are, unfortunately,  not  recycled back into new fibers or products. This colossal figure paints a sobering picture, revealing a linear "take-make-dispose" system that culminates in an ever-growing mountain of textile waste accumulating in landfills and contributing significantly to environmental degradation. And this statistic merely scratches the surface of the broader environmental impact exerted by the traditional textile industry, encompassing everything from resource depletion and water pollution to greenhouse gas emissions and chemical contamination. But amidst this concerning landscape, a vibrant spark of hope is igniting and shining brightly in the Nordic region. Finland, in particular, is proactively stepping up to the forefro...

The world is waking up to the urgent need for a more sustainable future, and it’s happening faster than you can say “green revolution.” Collaborative initiatives are leading the charge, driven by a shared vision to transform how we use the materials that make up our modern world, especially plastics and bio-based alternatives. Imagine a future where plastic waste is no longer a nuisance but a challenge we’ve conquered with innovative solutions. And where the incredible potential of renewable biological resources is not just talked about but used in all sorts of amazing ways. This inspiring vision isn’t just a dream; it’s becoming a reality through the power of partnerships, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to innovation at every stage of the material lifecycle. In this collaborative journey, we’re going to focus on building a solid foundation by working together to understand the path forward. We’ll bring together a diverse group of experts, including industry leaders, researche...

We’re at a really important moment in our relationship with the stuff we use every day. There are so many different kinds of resources flowing through our global economies, and it’s a complex challenge to manage them properly, especially when it comes to what happens to them after they’re used up. But guess what? This challenge is actually a great opportunity for us to change our way of thinking and create a more sustainable future. Instead of just throwing things away, we can turn them into valuable resources that can be used to make new products and drive economic growth. Imagine a world where the things we used to throw away are actually treated as precious assets, and they’re the building blocks for all sorts of innovative new products. This is the vision that’s driving a really exciting initiative that’s exploring four different ways to unlock the hidden potential in our waste streams. This initiative is all about giving our daily lives a fresh makeover, and one of the most exciti...

Imagine a world where the ubiquitous packaging that diligently preserves the freshness of our groceries, safeguards the integrity of our purchased products, and facilitates their convenient transport, transcends its current fate as a disposable commodity. Envision a future where this essential element of modern life doesn't culminate in overflowing landfills and environmental degradation, but instead transforms into a valuable and readily accessible resource, poised to be utilized again and again in a continuous loop of material valorization. This vision is not merely a utopian ideal confined to the realm of hopeful imagination; it represents a tangible and increasingly attainable future that we are actively constructing, brick by innovative brick, driven by groundbreaking advancements in recycling technologies and a fundamental rethinking of our relationship with packaging. The journey towards establishing a truly circular economy for the vast and complex world of retail packaging...

Have you ever been mesmerised by a towering skyscraper or a sleek, modern bridge, wondering how they were built? Beyond their impressive size and clever design, there’s a big question: how can we, as a global community, build structures for tomorrow that are not only smarter and more efficient but also environmentally friendly? Well, it seems like the answer might be in the world of plastics and composites. These versatile materials, which are often overlooked or even criticised in traditional construction stories, have the potential to change the way we design, build, and take care of our built environment. Recently, I came across a really interesting and helpful way to think about how we can make plastics and composites more common in the construction industry, which is often quite conservative. This approach, called market shaping, is a proactive and intentional way to guide the market towards embracing all the amazing possibilities that these innovative materials offer. Think of ma...