Business Finland’s New Strategy Accelerates Health Innovation – Health 360 Finland Program Already Delivering Strong Impact

Launched in August 2024, Business Finland’s Health 360 Finland Program invests EUR 20 million annually (a total of EUR 85 million by 2028) in Finnish digital and preventive health solutions.

“We believe that the future of healthcare is human-centric, digital, and data-driven. The Health 360 program opens doors for Finnish companies to international markets and builds strategic partnerships globally,” says Program Director Tarja Enala.

“Business Finland creates wealth and wellbeing for Finland by accelerating the renewal of companies and the growth of research and development activities. In our new strategy, we have clearer thematic priorities and we are seeking impact even more strongly,” Enala explains.

• R&D funding linked to the program reached EUR 20 million
• Over 100 investor meetings and company pitching opportunities
• Joint solutions and pilots implemented with international partners
• A significant share of leading companies received EU advisory and activation support

Sustainability criteria exceeded targets: 87% of transactions met responsibility and sustainability objectives. With the customer, measures related to sustainability and its promotion have been reviewed, such as reducing carbon dioxide emissions and developing sustainable business models within innovations. Sustainable service-based business, clean energy production, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals are also included in the sustainability criteria.

Strategic cooperation focused on North America enabled 10 Finnish health technology companies to have direct meetings with, among others, the Mayo Clinic, and resulted in seven term sheet offers through the Amplify platform. In addition, the program facilitated eight high-quality joint applications for funding from Business Finland and the German ZIM programme, aiming to launch market-oriented innovation projects between small and medium-sized enterprises.

Our program is a concrete example of how Business Finland’s new strategy is translated into action. Together with companies and partners, we are building the foundation for the next Finnish success stories in health technology.

The Health 360 Finland program has significantly increased Finland’s visibility as a country of health innovations. The results of the program have also been widely covered in national media.

“Through customer stories, Business Finland wants to inspire and encourage companies to take a leap to the next level. Over the year, the program has increased the readiness and interest of actors in the health sector to pursue growth, for example through the sustainable healthcare campaign and other active customer communication.”

Business Finland’s new strategy introduces major reforms in funding, programme operations, and operating models. The goal is to strengthen Finland’s position as a global frontrunner in innovation and to support companies more effectively in building sustainable growth and international competitiveness. Digitalisation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, security, and quality of life are at the core of the strategy – and health technology is one of the key themes.