Business Finland is Finland’s national catalyst for economic transformation and the strategic partner for ambitious companies and research institutions tackling global challenges. Business Finland funds and fuels the boldest ideas, from AI and quantum computing to clean energy and health tech, forging powerful alliances between industry and academia. Its mission is to renew entire industries, generate sustained economic growth and secure Finland’s competitive edge on the world stage. Business Finland does not just fund innovation; it builds the ecosystems that make breakthrough success inevitable. 

Technology Academy Finland (TAF) awards the global one-million euro Millennium Technology Prize focusing on technological innovations for a better life. The winning innovations are scientifically rigorous and uniquely significant in their field. The Millennium Technology Prize, awarded every two years, is one of the biggest and most prestigious global science and technology prizes. The prize has repeatedly highlighted scientists and inventions that have later also been awarded the Nobel Prize, for example.

Together, the two organizations share a common belief in the power of science, research and innovation, whether it is to solve today’s most difficult global problems such as climate change or to promote sustainable economic growth in any country. These ambitious goals are not contradictory but mutually supportive.

“Transforming bold ideas into reality demands relentless effort and vision. True innovation thrives on collaboration, and that’s why we see it as vital to foster connections between scientists, innovators and industry leaders, enabling them to amplify the impact of groundbreaking solutions. The Millennium Technology Prize honors the innovators who overcome every challenge to redefine the future,” explains Maija Liiri, CEO of Technology Academy Finland.

In Finland, substantial public resources will be invested in the research and development of companies and in cooperation between research institutes and companies in the future—even though part of the world is moving in the opposite direction. The goal set out in Finnish law is to increase investment in RDI to over 4% of GDP by 2030 (estimated 3.2% in 2025).

“In Finland, we know that education, innovation and cooperation between businesses and academia play a key role in creating sustainable solutions for ensuring wellbeing. Our conviction is that future growth will be based on knowledge-based investments, commercial understanding and implementation capabilities that combine cutting-edge expertise, bold research and the ability to renew business,” explains Lassi Noponen, General Director of Business Finland. 

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