Health Incubator Helsinki, Finland’s first long-term incubator program for research-based health sector startups and teams, is accepting applications until 28 February 2026.

Health Incubator Helsinki is looking for Finnish and international early-stage health sector startups and teams to join its unique program. The new batch, consisting of 10–12 promising companies, will begin their incubator journey in May 2026.

Established jointly by the City of Helsinki and the University of Helsinki in 2020, Health Incubator Helsinki boosts the commercialization and growth of research innovations into successful businesses. 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 services are free of charge for the participants.

“As our expert network has grown to more than 150 organizations, so has the range and depth of support we can offer. One recent example is access to laboratory facilities at Biomedicum, which we’ve been able to provide to some teams since last autumn”, says Christian Lardot, Incubator Lead at Health Incubator Helsinki.

€65M 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. To date, Health Incubator Helsinki has supported more than 60 startups.

The program begins with a two-month initial phase focused on building a solid foundation for securing financing. This is one area where Health Incubator Helsinki companies stand out with a particularly strong track record: since 2020, startups in the incubator have raised more than 65 million euros in funding. 

Last year, they broke new records by raising a total of 22.4 million euros, nearly double the average annual total of 11–12 million.

One of these companies is Solid IO, a MedTech startup developing an organ-on-a-chip drug testing platform to eliminate guesswork in cancer care. Founded in early 2025, the company closed not just one but three successful funding rounds within the same year.

“Being part of the Health Incubator Helsinki ecosystem has given us visibility, and access to a broader health innovation community”, says Noora Hujala, CEO of Solid IO, summarizing the program’s role in the company’s journey so far.

During the three-year program, Health Incubator Helsinki companies receive support and guidance across a wide range of topics. After the initial phase, the emphasis shifts to tailored, company-specific support based on the team’s needs, development stage, and goals.

“Each team is assigned a business advisor whom they meet with regularly throughout the program. Advisors provide industry expertise through business development support and coaching and, when needed, connect teams with the program’s broader expert network,” Lardot says.

Looking for innovative teams addressing real-world problems

Applications for Health Incubator Helsinki are open until 28 February 2026. Teams selected for interviews will be contacted in March, after which 10–12 startups and teams will be chosen for the program that will start in May 2026.

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.

“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 28 February. 

Contact information:
Christian Lardot, Health Incubator Helsinki Lead, tel. 040 195 2639, christian.lardot@hel.fi