University of Helsinki:
Research breakthroughs enhance lives and support economic growth
Universities educate students and conduct research. But that's not the whole job. Universities also help researchers and students turn their ideas into companies.
The University of Helsinki takes this seriously. Over 30 science-based spinouts have emerged from the university, working on solutions to problems like cancer, climate change, and clean energy. These companies have created more than €400 million in economic value. Since 2022, they have raised almost €200 million in funding.
“The past 20 years were the era of software, and the next 20 years will be the era of deeptech and science. We're solving harder problems than ever before, like energy, biotech, and space exploration, and therefore the role of university research and spinouts will only increase in importance. We're thrilled to continue the long partnership with University of Helsinki to make sure scientist and researchers get closer to commercialising life-changing research.” says Noora Saksa, CEO at Slush.
The University invests in its own spinouts and holds an average ownership stake of about 10% in these companies. Nanoform, Mobidiag, Herantis Pharma, Uute Scientific, and HEI Schools all started this way. You can explore all the companies on our website: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/strategy-economy-and-quality/university-finances/financial-securities-investments/venture-investments.
On top of that, our incubator operations have helped launch over 130 companies. More than 800 teams have joined our incubation programmes, and over 1,300 people have built entrepreneurial skills through them. Over 400 students have also started our new entrepreneurship and innovation MOOC courses at the University of Helsinki.
We're looking for partners and talent from different fields
At the University of Helsinki's booth, we'll showcase the latest deeptech innovations from various fields of science, along with the university's commercialization and incubation work. Here are some examples:
SuperBase Solutions develops a scalable, cost-effective way to produce the superbase Triazabicyclodecene (TBD). The process cuts both production costs and investment needs, making industrial-scale production possible.
TrueScreen offers a non-invasive, urine-based test for urological cancer. It replaces more invasive traditional methods, helping doctors catch cancer earlier while avoiding unnecessary biopsies.
EcoGeo has developed novel technology to manufacture scalable mineral-based sorbents for direct air capture systems.
Many teams are looking now, or will be soon, for partners and for people to join them, including CEOs and commercialization experts. Experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders are also regularly sought for the projects' steering groups.
Industry collaboration matters for many commercialization projects, often from the very start. Through pilots, a research group and an industrial partner can test working together already during the commercial exploration phase.
"We want to learn more about industry's strategic investments, especially in the 3 to 7 year range. Commercial maturity in research often develops over that time frame," says Marjo Berglund, CFO at the University of Helsinki. She continues:
"We're always happy to help companies find the right technologies or partners at the university. We'd love to show you our commercialisation project portfolio!"
Read more: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/helsinki-innovation-services/industry-and-investors/commercialisation-project-portfolio
You can explore the projects presented at Slush in more detail on our website, which will be updated in the autumn: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/innovations-and-cooperation/innovations-and-entrepreneurship/slush.
Y Science
The Slush Signature Side Event Y Science (https://www.y-science.org/) celebrates cutting-edge life science innovation. It brings together researchers, students, companies, and investors. The 2026 edition, organised by HiLIFE at the University of Helsinki, takes place on Wednesday, November 18. It will feature inspiring talks and start-up pitches across three themes: Health and Pharma, Food Systems, and Nature and Forestry. The program will also highlight a selection of the University of Helsinki's most exciting research-to-business projects in the life sciences.
For enquiries, please contact Marketing and Communications Manager Harriet Haras, Helsinki Innovation Services (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/helsinki-innovation-services), harriet.haras@helsinki.fi, +358 40 482 4324.
You're warmly welcome to meet us at our Slush booth!