SPARK Finland provides selected health tech & life science teams a necessary bridge between early-stage idea development and full-on business incubation. By working with an internationally acclaimed process model, SPARK Finland helps participants' ideas increase in maturity and become practical and value creating solutions in their field.
In addition to benefiting from SPARK Finland's European and global networks of experts and collaborators, you'll be offered world-class mentorship and education, solution development training, and all the business & finance understanding you'll need to successfully journey on towards creating a successful enterprise. Ranked a Top 25 European Biotech incubator, SPARK is the perfect programme for ambitious innovators to develop their careers and navigate the hazardous intermediary developmental period inherent to health teach & life science solutions.
With calls for applications twice a year in May and November, the next call for SPARK will be in May 2024.
Applying teams are expected to consist of individuals from SPARK Finland member institutions and cannot have an operating company. In addition, they must have a crystallised idea for a new solution in medicine, health tech, or life sciences addressing an unmet need in that area. That solution should utilise a novel approach which ideally includes patentable IP, and have the potential to advance to clinic, clinical trials, or commercialisation within 2-3 years.
To apply, teams should fill out the SPARK Finland application form and submit a two page application and a 5-minute video presentation. After initial review of applications by an expert panel, the most promising teams will be invited to present their proposal. Following this, selected teams will be notified of their admission within 2-3 weeks.
More information about the application elements and the process can be found on SPARK Finland's own page at the link below.
Health Incubator Helsinki provides up to three years of comprehensive business development services, modern office and coworking facilities in Terkko Health Hub, and broad networking opportunities to selected health-sector startups. The incubator programme is always customised based on the individual needs of each participating team to maximise their odds of success. Apart from a minor fee for the office space, the incubator services are free for the participants and no equity is taken.
In addition to the services outlined above, HIH's offering to participants includes connections to the right experts, investors, partners, and customers; advice on regulatory, intellectual property, fundraising, and commercial strategies; and regular review meetings and update calls to brainstorm challenges.
The next call for HIH is currently open until the 31st of March – read more below, and apply!
The application period for Health Incubator Helsinki is once a year in spring, with the current call being open until 31 March 2024.
Applying teams or startups should be made up of at least two members, although there is no requirement for members to be affiliated with the University of Helsinki. These teams or startups should have a business idea based on an innovative technology or concept featuring a scalable product or service which solves a clearly defined problem within one of the following areas:
In addition, a preliminary implementation strategy for the business idea is expected, and applicants with a launched prototype of the product or service will be considered at an advantage during selection.
More information can be found at the Health Incubator Helsinki site below.
+358 50 320 4176