Deep Tech – Universities and Headquarters
Explore the Deep Tech map below to find locations and partners in the region.
Universities at the heart of the region, talent next door
It was an exciting moment in 2023. Leena Kokko, Head of Cancer Diagnostics at Uniogen Oy, reviewed results with her colleagues. The Turku-based company had spent years developing a test for the early detection of ovarian cancer after acquiring the invention from a University of Turku biotechnology research group. Blind testing involving hundreds of patients confirmed what they had hoped: a simple blood test using nanoparticles could identify the most common subtype of ovarian cancer at an early stage.
Today, promising results have been obtained from more than 5,000 samples. Located close to Turku city center and next to the universities in Turku Science Park area in the Kupittaa district, the company is currently carrying out development work required for registration in Europe, with plans to expand to the United States and to other cancer types. None of this would have been possible without the University of Turku’s early research and close industry collaboration. Uniogen is also part of Women’s Health Hub Finland, an innovation network advancing women’s health.
Collaboration at the core
For us as a company, collaboration with universities is extremely important. We cannot carry out early-stage basic research ourselves, while universities cannot commercialize their inventions on their own. Today, we exchange knowledge and expertise in both directions, and our facilities are within walking distance of each other.
Leena Kokko
Head of Cancer Diagnostics, Uniogen Oy
Why set up operations in the Turku region?
Companies benefit from a highly skilled talent pool, short distances between universities and businesses, and opportunities for collaboration with higher education institutions.
At the heart of this ecosystem is Turku Science Park, one of Finland’s most ambitious innovation districts. The area brings together universities, research organisations, companies, startups, corporate headquarters and the university hospital within walking distance of one another. The area is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades, creating thousands of new jobs and attracting major private investments.
Turku offers high quality of life with short commutes between home and work, lower office and housing costs compared to the Helsinki metropolitan area, a vibrant cultural scene and its historically beautiful downtown—all right by the sea.
Companies settling to Turku receive a Business Turku welcome package designed to make the start as smooth as possible. The package includes up to three months of free office space, a public transport bus card and free Business Turku services. We help you settle in, build your local network, and get started quickly.
If you would like to be part of one of Northern Europe’s most connected university and innovation environments, get in touch with us and let’s talk more. We’d be happy to help.
Did you know?
Nearly every major Finnish pharmaceutical breakthrough has been developed in the Turku region.
In Focus
University partnerships power Bayer’s renewal in Turku
Discover how collaboration between Bayer and local universities supports innovation, talent development and long-term growth in the Turku region.
Deep Tech – RDI Infrastructure
Turku Science Park, university-driven innovation district, extending from the university campus through Kupittaa to Itäharju and bringing together over 400 organisations in a dense RDI ecosystem.
University Campus Cluster, home to the University of Turku, Åbo Akademi University, Turku University of Applied Sciences and Novia University of Applied Sciences, creating one of the largest concentrations of higher education and research expertise in Finland.
Health Campus Turku, an integrated innovation environment connecting universities, the university hospital, researchers, companies and public-sector actors through shared RDI activities and testbeds.
Turku University Hospital (TYKS) Campus, a major university hospital integrated into the Turku Science Park innovation district, enabling close collaboration between healthcare, research and industry.
Turku BioImaging, Euro-BioImaging Headquarters and the Turku PET Centre, internationally recognised research infrastructures supporting biomedical imaging, diagnostics and translational research.
BioCity, PharmaCity, ICT-City and DataCity, a specialised network of research, laboratory, office and innovation facilities designed for collaboration between academia and industry. BioCity and PharmaCity provide advanced life science and laboratory infrastructure, while ICT-City and DataCity support digital and technology-focused RDI activities.
Tech Campus Turku, a collaborative technology research platform connecting universities, businesses and engineering expertise in areas such as digitalisation, AI, advanced manufacturing and sustainable technologies.
Turku Growth Hub and Startup Hub, offering co-working spaces, business acceleration services, commercialisation support and connections to investors, research organisations and global companies.
Kupittaa Core Partnership Project, one of Finland’s largest urban innovation district projects, creating new space for research, headquarters, businesses, housing and innovation activities.
