"I would like to warmly congratulate all the leading companies that have secured funding. The ecosystems built around leading company projects, which include thousands of SMEs and startups, are shaping Finland’s future and well-being. The funding decisions for the leading company competitions have shown that the companies making Finland’s largest R&D investments are ready to significantly increase the amount of their growth investments. There are already over a thousand partnership projects underway in the leading company ecosystems. This proves that Business Finland’s funding not only leverages investments by leading companies, but also drives the growth of R&D activities at thousands of other companies," says Lassi Noponen, Director General of Business Finland.
"This year, for the first time, we are awarding additional funding to expand leading company projects that have exceeded their targets. I am particularly pleased that so many of the ongoing leading company projects are ready to further increase their development activities and expand their ecosystems. Leading company projects are highly competitive and very much in line with the choices made in Business Finland’s new strategy."
Introducing new leading company projects
Fossil free steel production and low carbon products
SSAB’s Sustainable World through Steels leading company project aims to transform Finland’s and its wider Nordic steel production model into a modern, efficient, and sustainable manufacturing system and, together with its customers, develop new advanced high strength decarbonized steel grades. The ecosystem’s objective is to create new and improved industrial applications that drive business growth and increase Finnish exports. Globally, the market for decarbonized steels is expected to grow to over EUR 110 billion by 2032.
"This funding is a significant enabler on our journey toward low carbon steel production and the development of a fully fossil free value chain. It is an honor for SSAB to act as the initiator and leader of this new collaboration program," says Tony Harris, Head of the SSAB Europe division.
Open ecosystem renews the mining industry
The goal of the More than a Mine proposal of Sokli and its owner, Finnish Minerals Group, is to create an extensive industrial ecosystem in Finland focusing on critical and strategic raw materials and their processing. The project aims to develop and pilot next-generation mining and processing technologies that enable the refining of raw materials in Finland. The intention is to extend the value chain beyond traditional mining, for example, into chemicals needed for electric car batteries and permanent magnets.
"We are excited about the trust from Business Finland and this opportunity. This project is, as its name suggests, more than a mine. We are building an open ecosystem that creates new technology and expertise in Finland. We will also invite companies and research institutions to partner with us in building future solutions, sustainable industry, and high-level jobs for decades to come," says Pasi Heino, acting CEO of Sokli Oy.
MERiON guides the maritime industry amid upheavals
Meyer Turku is launching a five-year MERiON lead program, which focuses on strengthening the shipbuilding industry through ecological, digital and geopolitical changes. The program brings together the existing maritime network as well as new business sectors to develop solutions for cruise ships and floating infrastructures. MERiON increases Finland's RDI investments and expertise, especially in the circular economy, naval structural architecture and energy solutions. The program further strengthens the international competitiveness of the maritime cluster and creates new business opportunities.
Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm: "The MERiON lead program is an important part of our strategic ambition to actively shape the future of sustainable cruise shipbuilding together with our partners."
Introducing leading company expansion projects
Finland's food industry is renewing
Launched in 2024, Valio’s Food 2.0 leading company project is building a food system in Finland. The project has made excellent progress and built a significant ecosystem. Hence, additional funding has been granted for the project’s expansion.
"The expansion of the Food 2.0 project is of great importance for the entire food sector. Renewal requires courage and risk tolerance at every level, from primary production to the consumer making choices in the store, but also brings unique opportunities: Finland has the potential to grow into a food country larger than its size, and export not only sustainably produced food to the world, but also a wide range of food innovations and expertise," says Annikka Hurme, CEO of Valio.
Full press release
Food 2.0 ecosystem website
Shaping the Green Transition – with net carbon negative surfaces
Mirka’s leading company project SHAPE contributes to the green transition in Europe, by developing solutions enabling net carbon negative surfaces, with a potential of decreasing the carbon footprint of European manufacturing and construction industry.
"SHAPE was established to challenge conventional manufacturing models, provoke change and to develop practical, scalable solutions that lower emissions while strengthening long-term competitiveness. With the extended funding, we can scale what we have started, deepen ecosystem collaboration and secure long-term industrial impact," says Mirka CTO Mats Sundell.