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Helsinki is backed by over 60 years of AI research.

Everyone is talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI). While AI is all the rage today, we Helsinkians have been quietly committed to it for over six decades. In fact, Helsinki is home to one of the most powerful AI ecosystems in Europe. 

a man pointing at a woman in a wheelchair with VR glasses testing artificial intelligence

Why Helsinki for artificial intelligence?

3% of Finland’s GDP is devoted to R&D

Finland ranks #3 in global innovation, driven by large investments in research and development. With 3% of our GDP devoted to R&D—set to increase to 4% by 2030—passion for technological is backed by the national government. This has fostered tight-knit collaboration between universities and industry. And five of Finland’s top-ranking AI universities are located right here in Helsinki.

Finland was the first country to launch an ICT Climate Strategy

Green transition is more than a buzzword here; it’s a way of life. Finland leads the charge in green ICT and boasts extensive renewable energy sources. Not to brag, but we were the first country to launch a Climate and Environmental Strategy for the ICT sector. Currently 90% of the country’s electricity production is fossil-free. At 42% our share of renewable energy is the second highest in Europe. And we’re not stopping there. We’ve got big goals and Finns don’t overpromise – we over deliver.

Finland ranks #1 in digitalisation in Europe

Finland ranks #1 in data science and machine learning proficiency globally. Our highly skilled workforce keeps getting better. And bigger. Top-ranking AI institutions like the University of Helsinki fuel the next generation of experts. At the same time, the widespread use of English makes Helsinki one of the most attractive expat destinations for AI talent today.

Nordic state of AI

47% of Finland’s digital talent pool live in the Helsinki region

With a highly skilled workforce, 82% of IT professionals possess advanced programming skills, and 58% hold a Master’s degree or PhD. This deep pool of expertise makes Helsinki an exciting place for AI innovation. So, what are all those talented people doing here? While there’s a lot to explore in AI, we’re particularly known for research in pattern recognition and machine vision, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Generative AI, and large language models (LLM).

World-class AI institutions

Helsinki’s AI institutions, including the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence (FCAI), rank among the top in the world. Our robust ecosystem of over 400 AI startups ensures access to cutting-edge research and development facilities.

Helsinki is home to LUMI the 3rd fastest supercomputer globally

LUMI-HELMI combines CSC’s LUMI supercomputer with VTT’s HELMI quantum computer, forming the most powerful quantum-assisted supercomputing infrastructure in the world. Up to 20% of LUMI’s resources are available to industry and SMEs, supporting their RDI activities.

Finland gives companies a 150% tax deduction for joint R&D projects

Helsinki is a place where government agencies, academic institutions, research organisations, and private companies work together. The Finnish government supports such collaboration by offering a 150% tax deduction on the cost of research and innovation projects. And with a 20% corporate tax rate–one of the lowest in Europe–Helsinki is an attractive destination looking to open a European subsidiary.

Business Finland

Free soft-landing services

With unmatched government support, a thriving talent pool, and a global reputation for innovation, Helsinki offers businesses the perfect environment to grow and thrive in AI technology. Discover why so many pioneers call Helsinki home.

AI success stories from Helsinki

Tech Mahindra Innovation Centre

Tech Mahindra, a leader in digital transformation and consulting, chose Helsinki to set up their Makers Lab, due to Helsinki’s status as a top destination for innovation and collaboration in the quantum computing space. The new centre will foster innovation in areas like quantum computing, Generative AI, and Metaverse, tapping into the local startup ecosystem and universities for R&D opportunities across various industries.

Tech Mahindra

NVIDIA’s AI Technology Centre

In 2020, NVIDIA and The Finnish Centre for Artificial Intelligence (FCAI) established the NVIDIA AI Technology Centre (NVAITC) to boost AI research and computational capabilities in Finland, fostering innovation across various sectors. NVAITC provides access to advanced GPU technology and AI software, enhancing Finland’s capacity for high-power AI projects and positioning it as a leader in AI development and application. In partnership with FCAI, NVIDIA established an AI Technology Centre in Helsinki, enhancing our city’s capabilities in AI research and development. This centre provides access to advanced GPU technology, reinforcing Helsinki’s position as a leader in AI.

NVIDIA

Silo AI: Europe’s Largest Private AI Lab

Established in 2017, Silo AI is on a mission to build a European flagship AI company, with offices currently in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, United States and Canada.

Silo AI provides its customers unique access to world-class AI expertise, as well as the Silo OS infrastructure to speed up AI development and deployment. Founded in Helsinki, with projects spanning smart devices, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities, Silo AI exemplifies the innovative spirit of Helsinki’s AI ecosystem.

Silo AI

Hei AI Innovators, welcome to Helsinki  

Are you looking to expand your business? can help you identify the right opportunities when starting a business in Finland—whether opening a subsidiary, piloting new products or services, establishing an R&D hub, and more. We can introduce you to key people in the city, from government officials to private companies and research institutions. We’ll also help you access tax incentives, understand corporate tax rates, get access to data sharing and funding opportunities, and offer practical advice on expanding into Europe. 

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