The energy sector is facing major changes

The annual global energy investments will total approximately 2 trillion dollars with a major focus on giving up fossil fuels and increasing renewable energy production. This means an increased need of grid flexibility and energy storage. P2X and hydrogen solutions are an essential part of future's flexible energy systems. The energy market experiences further changes with the electrification of traffic.

The energy sector will offer completely new business opportunities in particular for companies in the software and digital industries in the fields of data processing, data security and more. Energy consumption will be managed more efficiently with the help of learning and smart systems.

Finland possesses significant expertise in the fields of renewable energy technology, smart networks, power electronics and automation. The energy sector contributes to a major share of the Finnish exports and it is predicted to keep growing.

The annual global energy investments will total approximately 2 trillion dollars with a major focus on giving up fossil fuels and increasing renewable energy production. 

The program offers

• Funding for both ecosystem projects and the development of smart solutions for individual companies. An application cycle is constantly open for applying Business Finland funding for companies and research organizations. Learn more about our funding services here. 
  Please contact us before you apply for funding. 

• Building networks with international and academic communities.
  
  
• Opportunities for participation in the development of ecosystems and test platforms for business activities in Finland and the target markets.
  
  
• Internationalization services for export purposes, including
  • Customized B2B, buyer and influencer meetings.
  • Help with leads and recognition of market prospects globally
  • Training and support for the development of qualities needed for export activities
  • Market analyses
    
    
• See program's target markets
  

The objective & focus areas of the program

• To support the international growth of companies and to attract international investments to Finland
• To contribute to the creation of a solid foundation for expertise with the development of smart energy ecosystems and test platforms
• To challenge the energy sector into utilizing digitalization, IoT, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Energy
• To introduce new business concepts in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy storage systems, smart networks and integration of steering as well as consumer-oriented business.

Results of the program

Test platforms and ecosystems as growth engines of innovation

The test platforms and ecosystems are used to accelerate the innovations by Finnish companies and exports in the growing international markets and to attract investment in Finland. The ecosystems create opportunities for SMEs to enter the energy market that requires large investments with the help of partnerships and similar arrangements. 

The following test platforms have already been initiated as a part of the program:

• Smart Otaniemi
• Smart Energy Åland
• Vaasa

New test platforms will be launched during the program when necessary.

The program creates innovation ecosystems 

Funding by the Smart Energy Finland program can be used to support the development of innovation and export ecosystems. Ecosystems are formed of companies, research institutes, customers and municipalities that engage in joint R&D projects and facilitate the creation of a business environment that supports the program’s aims.

 
 HOPE – Highly Optimized Energy Systems

Examples of ecosystems launched in the program:

 Power-to-X ecosystem taking on new challenges for suture energy storage solutions

 SmartFlex for power plant flexibility

How to join?

Growth-oriented companies with potential for growth and internationalization are invited to join the program. The services of the program will be available for companies in the energy sector and those engaged in the development of smart solutions.

If your company is interested in services of the Smart Energy program, please contact Head of the program Helena Sarén.

Companies can apply funding constantly. Funding applications can be submitted to the Online Service of Business Finland. Indicate the text "SmartEnergy" in the field for comments in the application. We recommend that you contact the experts at Business Finland before submitting your application.

Online services

The Finnish offerings

• Smart Grids 
• Smart Building 
• W2E & Bio Energy 
• Smart Fire 
• EV Charging Infrastrucuture 
• Energy and Resource Efficiency 
• Smart Energy China Offering