The next wave of Finnish innovation: 10 promising startups to watch in 2025

Finland’s Rising stars: 10 Startups to Watch in 2025

Finland,a land of breathtaking natural beauty and unwavering dedication to sustainability,consistently ranks among the world’s most innovative nations. This reputation is built on a strong foundation of a robust education system and a deep commitment to technological advancement.

The Finnish startup ecosystem has blossomed into a vibrant hub of innovation, notably within the tech sector. By 2024, Finland boasts a remarkable number of 4,000 startups and 11 unicorns, showcasing a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and global competitiveness. With a stable business surroundings and a reputation as a testing ground for emerging technologies, Finland provides an ideal launchpad for startups to flourish.

This fertile ground is nurtured by a highly educated, tech-savvy population and state-of-the-art infrastructure, propelling Finland to the forefront of digital advancements.The nation leads the way in fields such as artificial intelligence, 5G, lasting energy, and biotechnology.

In this spirit of innovation, we’ve compiled a list of 10 promising Finnish startups founded between 2022 and today. These companies represent the next wave of innovation across sectors like gaming, AI, and clean tech, with the potential to make a lasting impact on a global scale.

Distance Technologies

Emerging in 2024,Distance Technologies is rewriting the rules of XR (extended reality) by developing glasses-free applications that deliver immersive experiences without the need for specialized eyewear. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, Distance Technologies is making XR accessible to a much broader audience, opening up exciting new possibilities for entertainment, education, and beyond.

This innovative approach promises to revolutionize industries by removing the barriers to entry associated with customary XR technology. As Distance Technologies continues to develop its groundbreaking technology, its impact on the future of XR is sure to be significant.

Flow Computing: Redefining the Future of Processing power

Based in Helsinki, Flow Computing is a trailblazer in the world of computing, committed to pushing the boundaries of CPU performance. Founded in 2024, the company has already secured €4 million in funding to accelerate its groundbreaking vision. Flow Computing’s solutions are specifically designed to optimize scalability and efficiency for industries with high computing demands, positioning them as a key player in shaping the next generation of computing. Their innovative approach focuses on AI and parallel computing, paving the way for a new era of powerful and efficient processing solutions for businesses worldwide.

helsinki Startup Spotlight: In Parallel and Onego Bio Reshaping Industries with Innovation

The Finnish startup scene continues to thrive, consistently producing groundbreaking companies that address global challenges and push technological boundaries. Two Helsinki-based startups, In Parallel and Onego Bio, embody this spirit of innovation. Leveraging cutting-edge solutions, they are revolutionizing their respective industries.

In Parallel, founded in 2023, focuses on empowering businesses to navigate the complexities of the digital world. Their innovative software platform bridges the gap between strategy and execution, enabling organizations to effectively manage risks, capitalize on opportunities, and optimize their operational models for resilience and adaptability. Backed by €2.8 million in funding, In Parallel is poised to become a leading force in the field of digital change, helping businesses thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

On the other hand, Onego Bio is transforming the food industry with its groundbreaking approach to protein production. This Helsinki-based biotech startup utilizes precision fermentation to create animal-free egg white protein, offering a sustainable and high-quality alternative to traditional sources. Their flagship ingredient, Bioalbumen, boasts superior functional properties while significantly reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional protein production.

Unlocking Productivity: Realm and Qmill Reshape the Future of work and Quantum Computing

the startup world is brimming with innovation, and two European companies, Realm and Qmill, are making significant strides in their respective fields: workplace efficiency and quantum computing. Both ventures are harnessing cutting-edge technology to streamline processes, boost productivity, and unlock new possibilities for businesses and industries.

Realm, founded in 2023, tackles the persistent challenge of details overload within organizations. With a mission to equip companies with “a perfect memory,” Realm has launched a conversational search engine designed to help employees quickly and seamlessly locate information within their company’s knowledge base. Based in Helsinki,Realm has secured €1.7 million in funding to develop its platform, which promises to revolutionize internal interaction and data management.

Simultaneously occurring, Qmill is pushing the boundaries of quantum computing. Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Espoo, this startup specializes in developing quantum algorithms tailored for the current stage of quantum computing development, known as the “Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum” (NISQ) era. With a €5 million investment, Qmill is working to make quantum technology more accessible and practical for diverse industries. Their innovative approaches have positioned them as a leader in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing.

While Realm and Qmill operate in distinct sectors, they share a common thread: a dedication to finding innovative solutions to complex challenges. By leveraging advanced technologies, Realm and Qmill are not only reshaping their own industries but also paving the way for a more efficient and innovative future across the board.

Driven by a commitment to sustainability, the European startup scene is particularly vibrant in the clean energy sector. Steady Energy, a Helsinki-based company founded in 2023, is at the forefront of this movement, dedicated to decarbonizing the energy-intensive heating sector.

Steady Energy has secured €12 million in funding to develop sustainable heating solutions for both residential and district heating systems. Their mission is clear: to reduce the carbon footprint of traditional heating methods by offering cleaner and more energy-efficient alternatives. This commitment to sustainability is crucial in the global transition towards a greener future.

“Steady Energy’s work is playing a vital role in the global transition toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient future,”

Another engaging player in this space is semiqon, an Espoo-based startup founded in 2022. SemiQon is taking a different approach, focusing on building silicon-based quantum processors. Their vision is to make quantum computers more accessible and widely adopted by making them more affordable, scalable, and sustainable.

SemiQon is particularly focused on developing cryogenic CMOS-based processors that can manage millions of qubits. This advancement is a notable step towards scaling quantum computing and unlocking its full potential across various industries.

Helsinki’s AI Startups: Redefining Business Efficiency

The Finnish capital, Helsinki, is quickly emerging as a hotbed for AI innovation. Two startups, Taito.ai and Zero, launched in 2024, are making waves by leveraging cutting-edge AI to transform how businesses operate.

Taito.ai tackles the frequently enough tedious task of employee performance management. Their AI-powered platform automates this process, empowering employees to take charge of their growth and development. “We’re on a mission to redefine how organizations manage performance and continuous feedback,” says the Taito.ai team.This innovative approach has earned them €2.5 million in funding from prominent investors Accel and Illusian, a clear testament to their disruptive potential in the performance management landscape.

Zero, conversely, focuses on streamlining sales automation and customer relationship management (CRM) for growth-stage companies. Their AI-powered platform provides a suite of tools to optimize sales processes, enhance customer interactions, and facilitate efficient scaling. “We’re focused on leveraging AI to drive efficiency and accelerate growth,” states Zero. Their €2.6 million funding round underscores the immense potential of their solution in reshaping the future of sales and customer engagement.

These two helsinki-based startups exemplify the transformative power of AI in today’s business world. Their innovative solutions are paving the way for a future where efficiency, data-driven insights, and ultimately, success, are within easier reach.

Finland’s Rising Star Startups

Finland, a nation known for its progressive thinking and cutting-edge technology, is a hotbed for innovation, boasting a thriving startup ecosystem. From disrupting the food industry to revolutionizing energy solutions, Finnish startups are making waves globally.

Reimagining Food with Precision Fermentation

Onegobio, founded in 2021 and headquartered in Helsinki, is pushing the boundaries of food technology with its animal-free egg white protein produced through precision fermentation. This groundbreaking approach not only offers a sustainable alternative to traditional egg production but also significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with animal agriculture.

Streamlining Information Access with AI-Powered Search

Realm, a 2023 startup based in Helsinki, has developed a unique conversational search engine designed specifically for organizations. This innovative platform allows users to quickly and efficiently find information across their vast knowledge bases, streamlining internal communication and boosting productivity.

Unlocking the Potential of Quantum Computing

Qmill, established in Espoo, Finland, in 2024, is at the forefront of quantum computing research. The company specializes in developing quantum algorithms tailored for the NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) era, making this powerful technology more accessible and applicable across diverse industries.

Heating Up the Future with Sustainable Energy Solutions

Steady Energy, another 2023 Helsinki-based startup, is tackling the global challenge of decarbonizing the energy sector. The company is dedicated to developing enduring heating solutions for both residential and district heating systems, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.

How does distance Technologies’ D-FACT technology differ from other XR approaches?

Archyde Interview: A Conversation with Distie Technologies’ Founder, Dr. Anna Kinnunen

Archyde: Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Anna Kinnunen, the founder and CEO of Distance Technologies, a pioneering startup revolutionizing extended reality (XR) with glasses-free applications. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Kinnunen.

Dr. Anna Kinnunen (AK): Thank you for having me. I’m delighted to discuss Distance Technologies’ mission with the Archyde audience.

Archyde: LetS dive right in. Could you start by telling our readers about Distance Technologies and the unique problem it’s addressing?

AK: Absolutely. Distance Technologies was founded in 2024 with a vision to make extended reality (XR) accessible to everyone. We’re all familiar with XR technologies like VR and AR, but they usually require specialized headsets or other equipment, which can be expensive, limiting, and even uncomfortable for many users. Our goal is to create glasses-free XR experiences, opening up these transformative technologies to a much broader audience.

Archyde: That sounds like an ambitious yet necessary mission. What sets Distance Technologies apart from other XR companies?

AK: Our secret lies in our proprietary Depth-Field Acuity technology, or D-FACT for short. This cutting-edge approach combines advanced algorithms with hardware innovation to deliver high-resolution, immersive XR experiences without the need for special eyewear. We beleive this will fundamentally change how people interact with and benefit from XR in sectors like entertainment, education, and more.

Archyde: I can see how this woudl have broad repercussions. How has the reception been so far, both from investors and potential clients?

AK: The response has been incredibly positive. We’ve secured seed funding of €3 million from leading VCs and angel investors, who recognize the potential of our technology to disrupt the XR market.We’re also in talks with several high-profile companies across various industries eager to explore how D-FACT can enhance their operations and customer experiences.

Archyde: That’s fantastic to hear. Shifting gears a bit, what challenges has Distance Technologies faced, and how have you overcome them?

AK: As with any innovative technology, we’ve faced our share of challenges. One notable hurdle was achieving high-enough resolutions and depth-sensation fidelity without specialized hardware. Our team of talented engineers and scientists, driven by our shared passion for breaking down XR barriers, has overcome this by continuously refining our algorithms and exploring new hardware approaches.

Archyde: it’s clear you and your team are dedicated to your mission. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the tech industry?

AK: Frist and foremost, never underestimate the power of a great team. Surround yourself with people who share your vision and complement your skills, and foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and perseverance. Also, always keep an eye on the bigger picture. It’s crucial to understand your technology’s impact and potential, but also to stay grounded and focus on strong execution and customer centricity.

Archyde: Wise words indeed. Dr. Kinnunen, thank you for your time and insight today. We look forward to watching Distance Technologies’ growth and achievements in the coming years.

AK: Thank you. I’m excited for the journey ahead,and I look forward to helping shape the future of XR with my amazing team.