The Turku region’s startup ecosystem is experiencing strong growth, according to the 2025 Startup Survey. Entrepreneurs view the local business environment more positively than before, and the area is attracting an increasing number of international talents. New initiatives, such as the emerging startup hub and blue economy programs, are driving development towards one of Finland’s most dynamic growth regions.
The new Turku Region Startup Survey 2025 shows that local startup entrepreneurs are more satisfied with their operating environment and more committed to the Turku region than ever before. Of the startups that responded to the survey, 62% consider the Turku region an excellent or good location for their business. 88% have no plans to relocate elsewhere, which is an increase of 11 percentage points from last year.
– It’s truly encouraging to see that startups in the Turku region already perceive their business environment as stronger and more supportive. We are only just gaining momentum in strengthening the ecosystem as we will establish a startup hub in Turku. The recruitment for Business Turku’s Startup Account Director attracted enormous interest, and the events organized for startups over the summer and autumn have been extremely fruitful, says Vesa Palander, Director of Business and Economic Development for the City of Turku.
Finland’s most international startup ecosystem
The Turku region is the first area included in Finland’s startup surveys where a majority of startups (52%) use English as their primary working language. This highlights the growing international nature of the ecosystem and its ability to attract talent from around the world.
Turku also stands out as a national center for medtech and healthtech startups, with 19% of the region’s startups operating in health and medical technology — a notably high share compared to the national average. The region’s strong position in health innovation is further reinforced by the launch of Women’s Health Hub Finland in 2025, which brings together companies, researchers, and investors focusing on women’s health to develop solutions to global health challenges.
The survey also reflects changes in the development stages of startups: 23% of Turku region startups are in the pre-revenue phase, compared to 13% last year, indicating a strong wave of new emerging companies.
– The Turku startup community is not only growing but also becoming increasingly international and diverse. It’s inspiring to see more and more new startups choosing the Turku region as their home base, says Elias Savonlahti, Coordinator at Business Turku.
Strategy for vitality supports growth and access to funding
In Turku’s Economic Vitality Strategy, startups and growth companies play a key role in shaping the region’s future. The city actively develops the innovation ecosystem together with universities, research institutions, and businesses.
The Turku region has also positioned itself as a center for the blue economy, aiming to become the Nordic leader in the field. The A’Pelago Blue Accelerator program is part of the developing blue economy ecosystem in the region. Complementing this, the recently launched Blue VC Fund and the upcoming Blue Economy Center – opening in Åbo Akademi University’s Astra building in November – support the growth and internationalization of blue economy startups.
– Turku is committed to improving access to funding instruments and financing channels for startups. The Redstone Blue VC Fund is a great example of this. Our goal is to create the best possible conditions for new startups to emerge and grow, Palander adds.
Turku Region Startup Survey 2025
The Turku Region Startup Survey is conducted annually to provide up-to-date insights into the situation, development trends, and needs of local startups. The survey is carried out by Tommi Uitti from the Startup Support Association in cooperation with the City of Turku and Business Turku. The results are used to support both regional decision-making and the development of the business ecosystem.
The first survey in Turku was conducted in 2023. In addition to Turku, the survey is carried out in Tampere, Espoo, Vantaa, Oulu, and Lahti.
More information:
Elias Savonlahti
Coordinator, Business Turku
elias.savonlahti@businessturku.fi
+358 10 321 8892
Vesa Palander
Director of Business and Economic Development, City of Turku.
vesa.palander@turku.fi
+358 44 907 4083
Tommi Uitti
Implementer of the survey
Startuptukiyhdistys
tommi.uitti@tuni.fi
+358 40 367 5698