Finland Q3 2025 business snapshot: Clean energy, AI, and quantum drive growth

In the third quarter of 2025, Finland strengthened its position as one of Europe’s most forward-looking economies. The Nordic nation advanced its clean energy transition, expanded its maritime and hydrogen capabilities, and deepened its role in space technology, quantum computing, and AI-driven healthcare.

These developments were underpinned by significant foreign investment, policy incentives, and strategic alliances, signalling Finland’s growing importance as a hub for sustainable and digital innovation.

Clean energy and battery investments accelerate

Finland’s green transition gained strong momentum this quarter. Authorities received 54 applications for major climate-neutral projects, representing more than €20 billion in potential investment and exceeding expectations.

The surge reflects confidence in Finland’s predictable regulatory environment and its new tax credit scheme for large-scale clean transition projects. The country’s near self-sufficiency in electricity – achieved through nuclear and renewables – offers a stable base for energy-intensive industries such as data centres and battery manufacturing.

International partnerships are playing a pivotal role in this expansion. TOWII Renewables – a joint venture between Japan’s Tokyo Gas and Denmark’s EWII – confirmed two onshore wind projects in Raahe, a coastal city in Western Finland.

South Korea’s BEI (Beyond Energy Innovation) announced plans for a battery cell research and production facility by 2027. At the same time, British-Swedish Beowulf Mining Plc is backing a graphite anode material plant in Kotka on Finland’s southeastern coast, through its Finnish subsidiary Grafintec – the project will strengthen the Kotka-Hamina region’s emergence as an international battery industry hub.

Maritime strength and hydrogen horizons

Finland’s shipbuilding sector continues to attract global attention, thanks to its unique expertise in Arctic marine engineering. Canadian-owned Davie Shipyard expanded its footprint by acquiring the Port of Pori’s Mäntyluoto shipyard in western Finland, creating a combined entity capable of delivering complex icebreakers. 

Finnish yards also joined forces with Canadian Seaspan and US-based Bollinger in a bid for upcoming US icebreaker contracts. This move underscores Finland’s unrivalled capabilities in vessels designed for extreme winter conditions.

Hydrogen is another area where Finland is positioning itself for leadership. EU-backed feasibility studies for the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor (NBHC) are underway, aiming to connect Finland with neighboring countries through a large-scale hydrogen pipeline. 

Meanwhile, CMA CGM – the world’s third-largest container shipping company – invested in Finnish hydrogen innovator Hycamite TCD Technologies to accelerate decarbonisation in maritime transport. These developments align with Finland’s broader strategy to become a key player in Europe’s clean energy infrastructure.

Space, AI, and digital leadership

Finland’s technology sector recorded landmark achievements this quarter, reinforcing its reputation as a deep-tech hub. Polish state investor Vinci injected €9 million into Helsinki-based satellite pioneer Iceye, following Poland’s earlier €200 million procurement of three satellites.

In the quantum sector, Finnish quantum computer firm IQM secured €275 million in growth funding – Europe’s largest quantum round to date – enabling the global expansion of its data center infrastructure and accelerating partnerships with US research institutions. 

Adding to this momentum, Finnish technology companies are gaining access to a billion-euro fund through the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF). The fund targets deep-tech ventures in areas such as AI, quantum technology, biotechnology, and autonomous systems. While no direct investments have yet been made, John Ridge, Director of Deployment at NIF, praised the country’s startup ecosystem as “absolutely incredible.”

Innovation reaches everyday life

Health technology led the headlines this quarter. Oura, the Finnish wearable tech company best known for its smart rings, saw its valuation climb to $11 billion after a major funding round. At the same time, Google Cloud announced it is launching a collaborative Healthcare AI Hub in Finland, due to its strong digital infrastructure and innovation-friendly legislation.

Beyond health, Finland’s consumer and tourism sectors showed strong momentum. Foreign tourism rebounded sharply, with overnight stays up 12% year-on-year compared to 2024. Germany, Sweden, and the US remain the largest source markets, while arrivals from China posted the fastest growth. Finland’s appeal lies in its pristine nature, safe environment, and unique experiences such as Lapland’s Northern Lights.

Moving into Q4, Finland stands out as a strategic destination for companies seeking both stability and innovation. With strengths ranging from clean energy to quantum computing, the country provides global investors with tangible opportunities to engage in one of Europe’s most dynamic and innovation-driven business landscapes.