Industrial metaverse and AI drive Finland’s tech leadership

Innovation in Finland defines the way business operates. The country fosters ecosystems where global players connect, and technology leadership spans AI, connectivity, electrification, and defense. For international investors and partners, Finland offers advanced solutions and a collaborative model that accelerates impact.

“We are living in an AI supercycle,” notes Nokia’s Veli-Pekka Luoma, emphasizing Finland’s shift from connecting people to connecting intelligence. This vision is backed by robust infrastructure, cutting-edge R&D, and a commitment to sustainability.

Five strengths that set Finland apart from other countries

1. Advanced connectivity and industrial metaverse

Nokia leads Finland’s push into the industrial metaverse, integrating AI, digital twins, and immersive technologies into enterprise solutions. “Security and sustainability are the platform for everything,” Luoma stresses, highlighting Finland’s role in setting global standards for interoperability and commercialization.

2. AI leadership and ecosystem power

AI Finland connects over 350 companies, from startups to large corporations, fostering co-innovation and accelerating adoption. “The AI transformation is new to all of us… the beauty and importance of the ecosystem is that we join forces, especially in a small country like this,” says Iida Lähdemäki, Chief Operating Officer of AI Finland. Finland also hosts Lumi, one of Europe’s most powerful supercomputers, enabling high-performance AI development.

3. Electrification and green energy

Kempower exemplifies Finland’s leadership in sustainable mobility. “We expect 500,000 electric trucks on European roads by 2030… Finland is in a perfect place with green energy,” notes  Tommi Rissanen, Head of Kempower’s HETE Ecosystem. Kempower’s Leading Company program, funded by Business Finland, is building a global electric logistics ecosystem, targeting €1 billion in new international revenues.

4. Defense and security innovation

Patria’s E-Alliance combines civil and defense technologies to deliver advanced connectivity and mobility solutions. “Hardly any company can shine on its own. To create something unique, we need to do it together,” emphasizes Juha Välimäki of Patria. Finland’s NATO membership and access to European Defense Fund programs further strengthen its position as a trusted partner in security innovation.

5. Sustainability and manufacturing excellence

Epec, part of Ponsse Group, is driving the electrification of heavy machinery with advanced control systems and battery technologies. “We are targeting CO₂ neutrality and proud of our new factory in Seinäjoki in Western Finland,” says Petri Aaltonen, Program Manager, Autonomous and Assistance Systems at Epec, underlining Finland’s commitment to green manufacturing.

Ecosystems are Finland’s competitive edge

Business Finland’s Leading Company (Veturi) program,programs have created “supercharged ecosystems” where companies co-innovate across sectors. From AI and connectivity to defense and electrification, these attract global partners and funding. “We have to create ecosystems of ecosystems,” said Jari Partanen of Bittium, whose work spans 5G, 6G, and secure communications.

This collaborative model accelerates innovation cycles and opens doors to European markets. As Välimäki notes, “Joining the ecosystem means access to bigger markets and funding instruments within Europe and NATO.”

For international partners, the benefits are clear: world-class infrastructure with high-performance computing and advanced connectivity; cross-sector collaboration that brings AI, defense, electrification, and industrial metaverse under one roof; leadership in sustainability through CO₂-neutral manufacturing and renewable energy integration; and a global outlook with strong ties to EU programs, NATO, and Nordic-Baltic partnerships.