The 90 Day Finn Program

The Finnish Center of AI (FCAI) pioneers in human-centric AI, making Helsinki a hub for responsible AI innovation. Finland is strongly investing in AI and establishing an ELLIS institute to accelerate research and attract talent.

Northern Europe’s largest private AI lab was founded in Helsinki and recently acquired by AMD in a $665 million deal. Europe’s largest AI acquisition to date solidifying Helsinki’s place as a powerhouse for world-class AI innovation.

The University of Helsinki and Aalto University offer acclaimed programs and resources in AI, helping to train a highly skilled talent pool. The free online course Elements of AI was developed in Helsinki and has educated over 1 million users with Finnish AI expertise.

With Nokia’s deep-rooted expertise, Helsinki has a strong foundation in telecommunications and microelectronics, with a focus on advancing semiconductor technologies.

VTT Technical Research Centre is heavily involved as collaboration partner for companies in microelectronics and semiconductor R&D, supporting industry advancements in power-efficient and advanced microchips.

Invented in Finland 50 years ago, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) transformed semiconductor manufacturing and remains a cornerstone of modern chip technology. Semiconductor research in Helsinki is built on a long history and deep expertise.

Helsinki’s quantum research benefits from direct access to LUMI, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers and the largest in Europe, located in Finland.

Helsinki’s own IQM is Europe’s fastest-growing quantum computing company and Bluefors’ cutting-edge systems for ultra-low temperature cryogenics are widely used. Making Helsinki a critical center for translating quantum breakthroughs into practical business applications.

Finland plays an essential role in the European Quantum Flagship Program, which aims to accelerate quantum computing and securing Europe’s place in this transformative field.

Helsinki is recognised for its strong cybersecurity ecosystem, with global players like F-Secure and WithSecure leading innovation in digital security solutions.

As a NATO partner, Finland contributes to cutting-edge research in cyber defence. One accelerator and two test centres will be established in Finland by NATO’s DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic).

Finnish universities and companies train a highly specialised workforce in cybersecurity, making Helsinki an ideal location for companies focused on secure tech and digital resilience.

The European Commission has been monitoring Member States’ digital progress through the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) reports since 2014.

Happiest country in the world for 7 years running.

Regional Innovation Scoreboard, 2024

Helsinki takes second spot for best cities to live and work in, with many benefits that promote a healthy work-life balance. The Finnish capital places a strong focus on community and healthy lifestyle. Such aspects contribute to Finland ranking at number one on the World Happiness Index. Many companies in Helsinki offer flexible working arrangements, such as remote work options, which help employees to balance their work responsibilities with personal obligations. Overall, more more than half of job vacancies advertised involved remote or hybrid working.

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is the most widely used global corruption ranking in the world. It measures how corrupt each country’s public sector is perceived to be, according to experts and businesspeople.

While 92% of the global population is exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution Finland maintains a high quality of air.

The GDS-Index is a destination-level programme that measures, benchmarks, and improves the sustainability strategy and performance of tourism and events destinations.

Helsinki region’s GDP per capita ~40–45% above the EU average.

Over 50% of working-age residents hold a university-level degree or equivalent—one of the highest rates in Europe, signifying a highly educated talent pool.

Of Finnish startups are based in Helsinki.

Helsinki is often cited in top-10 lists of Europe’s most innovative or startup-friendly cities. EU-Startup Monitor and StartupBlink consistently rank it as a leading hub in the Nordics.

Finland invests 3%+ of GDP in R&D (among the highest in Europe), with a significant share allocated to the capital region. Major tech firms such as Nokia, Rovio, and Supercell maintain (or originated) their R&D presence in Helsinki.

Despite fluctuations in global markets, Helsinki’s share of Finland’s inward foreign direct investment remains consistently above 60% of the national total, reflecting the capital’s draw for international businesses.

Over 70 of the Forbes Global 2000 companies have a presence in Helsinki, many establishing regional HQs to leverage the city’s logistics and talent base.

Helsinki’s push toward carbon neutrality by 2030 is stimulating clean-tech startups and attracting sustainability-focused ventures.