Uusimaa
62% of Finnish startups locate here—Helsinki ecosystem raised €1.2B in 2024 while producing 10+ unicorns, demonstrating how capital and talent agglomeration creates self-reinforcing innovation concentration.
Uusimaa hosts 1.7 million people—30% of Finland's population on 3% of its territory. Helsinki anchors this concentration, but the region extends through Espoo's technology corridors and Vantaa's logistics zones. Over 62% of Finnish startups locate here; the Maria 01 campus and Aalto University form innovation nuclei where Finland's 10+ unicorns (Supercell, Wolt, Rovio) emerged.
The startup ecosystem raised €1.2 billion in 2024, demonstrating resilience during global volatility. Finland ranks #7 in Western Europe and #14 globally for startup ecosystems. Distance Technologies, Flow Computing, Onego Bio—the next generation develops in Helsinki-area incubators.
Finland committed to 4% R&D spending by 2030; the country hit 3.1% (€8.4 billion) in 2023. FSC member companies plan €925 million domestic R&D by 2028, tripling from €301 million in 2024. This trajectory positions Uusimaa as Scandinavia's technology laboratory.
Self-driving vehicles, smart health, hydrogen technology, cybersecurity—Helsinki-Uusimaa innovation concentrates in strategic value chains. The region demonstrates how capital agglomeration creates knowledge agglomeration: talent follows funding; funding follows talent. This positive feedback loop makes Helsinki's dominance difficult for other Finnish cities to challenge.