Health Incubator Helsinki, Finland’s first long-term incubator program for research-based health sector startups and teams, welcomes new applications from 3 March to 31 March 2025.

Health Incubator Helsinki is seeking innovative, Finnish and international early-stage health sector startups and teams to join its unique program. The new and so far the sixth batch of startups will begin their journey in the program during May 2025.

The incubator, initiated by the City of Helsinki and the University of Helsinki, was established in 2020 to boost the commercialization and growth of research innovations towards a successful business. The program provides up to three years of support, including customized mentoring and advice, weekly webinars and workshops, wide network opportunities, and office and co-working space in the Meilahti hospital area. Apart from a small fee for the office space, the incubator services are free for the participants.

– For the new teams and startups joining the program, we put emphasis on getting them up to speed with the basics of developing their product or service and securing financing. Following this two-month initial phase, our focus will shift to providing tailored advice to each team, says Christian Lardot, Incubator Lead at Health Incubator Helsinki.

A total of €40M funding collected so far

Currently, 26 teams are developing their business operations in the incubator, located at Terkko Health Hub, in the HUS Helsinki University Hospital area. Since 2020, the startups selected to the program have raised over €40 million in funding. Two companies have had a successful exit.

In 2024, Health Incubator Helsinki startups secured a total of €11 million in funding. This year’s first funding announcement came from Solid IO, a MedTech startup developing an organ-on-a-chip drug testing platform to eliminate guesswork in cancer care. The company has now successfully closed its first funding round of €0.8M. 

– Health Incubator Helsinki has been invaluable in expanding our network and providing crucial support for Solid IO’s spinout and early milestones, says Noora Hujala, CEO and co-founder of Solid IO. 

In addition, another Health Incubator Helsinki startup, CurifyLabs, is currently raising €7M through Springvest growth funding platform. 

One of Health Incubator Helsinki’s fastest-growing companies is MedicubeX, known for its autonomous self-measurement stations and an innovative approach to preventive healthcare. The company launched its first clinical pilot project at the City of Helsinki Vuosaari Health and Well-being Centre in April 2023, with support from Health Incubator Helsinki. Since then, MedicubeX has consistently announced new partnerships and expanded into new markets.

“The program facilitated key connections with the City of Helsinki and multiple key partners, providing crucial opportunities to co-create and pilot our product. For any health tech startup looking to gain traction, Health Incubator Helsinki prepares you for the way ahead with knowledge and support”, says Vili Kostamo, CEO and co-founder of MedicubeX.

Looking for innovative teams addressing real-world problems

Applications for Health Incubator Helsinki are open from 3 March to 31 March, 2025. Teams selected for interviews will be contacted in early April, after which 10–12 startups and teams will be selected for the program, starting in May 2025.

In addition to a dedicated team of at least two founders and a clearly defined idea addressing a real-world problem, applicants are expected to have an established company. Exceptions may be made, provided the team is ready to register a company within three months of acceptance into the program.

– During the application process, we will assess whether there is a market for the company’s innovation, service or product. Is the company developing something new or refining existing solutions? One of the primary criteria we look for is the skill set, dedication, passion and perseverance of the team, says Lardot.

Read more about the program.
Apply here by 31 March.

Contact information:
Christian Lardot, Incubator Lead, tel. +358 40 195 2639, christian.lardot@hel.fi