Developing Markets Platform and the top-up funding model for developing markets were revised at the beginning of 2025
Updated 30 January 2026
Developing Markets Platform is a joint endeavor of Business Finland and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland (MFA), combining Business Finland’s expertise in innovation and export promotion with the services of the MFA and other key partners.
Developing markets need sustainable innovative solutions that internationalizing and responsible Finnish companies can develop and provide.
“Economies and populations of developing markets are growing rapidly, and they attract increasing international attention and investments. These markets need sustainable innovative solutions that internationalizing and responsible Finnish companies can develop and provide”, says Kiira Kärkkäinen who heads Developing Markets Platform at Business Finland.
Developing markets cover more than 100 countries from least developed to upper middle income countries – as defined by the OECD.
Top-up funding to complement R&D funding can now be applied from Finnpartnership
Since the beginning of 2025, companies that have a Research and Development (R&D) project funded by Business Finland have been able to apply for complementary, top-up de minimis grant from Finnpartnership. The top-up funding can be used for (further) developing innovative solutions together with local partners in developing markets and it must be linked to a Business Finland funded R&D project. Finnpartnership innovation funding is the successor to the top-up funding for co-innovation in developing markets previously granted by Business Finland.
Towards New Openings with the Help of Business Finland
My Business Finland service offers startups and SMEs a shortcut to the right services. To begin using the service, you will need signing authority for the company and approximately 15 minutes of your time. After creating an account, all individuals invited to the service can use it.
You are also encouraged to explore the "Perspectives for Innovation and Growth" situation reports. These provide helpful background information when considering new market openings.