2024 marks the 10th consecutive year for the successful collaboration including Y Science Slush Official Side Event, and the University unveiling a number of science-based inventions at Slush.
Ten years of science-backed, multidiscipline spinouts
From the life sciences to AI research, and even the social sciences and humanities —thereʼs serious commercial significant waiting to be unleashed. The University of Helsinki aims to be one of the top innovation-generating universities in Europe, constantly making strides towards this goal.
“We believe that we can translate our world-class scientific research discoveries into global commercial success and this way create research-based impact that will benefit and improve the lives of people worldwide.ˮ
- CEO Marko Hakovirta of Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd, overseeing the technology transfer and commercialisation of research at the University.
The innovation ecosystem has become a central part of the University’s activities
In recent years, the university has invested millions of euros into innovation and entrepreneurship, yielding great results.
Around 25 science-based spinouts from University of Helsinki research have been established between 2015 and 2024, and incubator operations have launched over 70 businesses in just two years’ time. Contributing to this, collaboration with businesses has also grown and evolved. This fall, the university will release an ambitious innovation roadmap outlining its goals and guidelines for the near future.
The University of Helsinkiʼs investments in innovation are boosting Finlandʼs RDI goals, but Finnish universities have the potential to drive even more breakthroughs and fuel the growth Finland needs. It all begins with top-notch basic research and teaching.
“Slush is where groundbreaking research meets investors and industry leaders, transforming academic excellence into real-world impact. We’re excited to partner with the University of Helsinki to advance Finland’s RDI goals.ˮ
- Aino Bergius, CEO of Slush
Research and innovation meet business at the University of Helsinki’s booth
Teams working on commercialization will showcase their research-based innovations at the universityʼs booth, featuring biotechnology, green technology, health technology, as well as wellbeing and social sciences.
The booth will feature several projects, including:
- A preventive peer-to-peer online course designed to build psychological flexibility, enhance mental health at work, and prevent the worsening of mental health issues.
- A technical solution that enables large-scale cultivated meat production, making meat products more affordable for consumers.
- A tool for creating a unique cancer fingerprint for each patient, helping doctors assess the risk of aggressive cancer and identify effective treatments.
- A technical solution that speeds up the adoption of clean energy by making hydrogen production more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable.
Read more about the projects through the University of Helsinki website.
At Slush, the University aims to connect with new partners and investors—join the conversation.
Y Science, the official Slush side event by the University of Helsinki’s Helsinki Institute of Life Science, takes place on Nov 20, 2024. The event will showcase several examples of science-based innovation and will host three pitching competition focused on pharma, food systems and sustainable materials. More information to follow.
Additionally, a highlight event InvestED Helsinki from Helsinki Education Hub —a partnership between the University of Helsinki and the City of Helsinki—will take place on Tue, Nov 19. Bringing together investors, startups, and researchers, this event is perfect for networking and exploring new trends in education technology. Open to everyone, the event will be held in the University Main Building. Registration opens later in the autumn.
Sign up for Y Science: https://www.y-science.org/
To read more about Helsinki Education Hub contact Niko Lindholm and Heidi Lammassaari at helsinki.fi/educationhub.