From lab to launch: Finnish university spin-outs secure significant investment

Back in mid-August, as many returned from their summer holidays, a familiar sight was witnessed in the academic world. Seven Finnish universities had once again ranked among the globe’s top 800 in the 2025 Shanghai Rankings – a reflection of the country’s academic strength and its growing impact on science-led innovation.

This wave of academic innovation continues to leave its mark on the business world, as well. From brain health to biodegradable packaging, Finnish universities are no longer just centres of research – they’re becoming launchpads for ventures tackling global challenges.

Spin-outs across health, food and materials science are moving faster and further, not through licensing alone, but via founder-led companies built for commercial growth. The result is a surge of science-backed startups attracting serious early-stage investment – with several securing major rounds.

Still early-stage but rapidly progressing, here are some of the startups beginning to draw serious attention from investors both in Finland and beyond.

1. Soihtu DTx – turning video games into therapies for depression

Built on neuroscience and game design at Aalto University, this start-up’s focus is no surprise given Finland’s global strengths in gaming and design: developing digital therapeutics that engage users like a game – but with clinical intent.

“Video games are a neurocognitive medium by default,” said ,” said Jukka Laakso, CEO of Soihtu DTx. “The player uses their memory, attention, and problem-solving constantly.”

The company has already secured over three million euros in funding and received further backing from Innovestor’s Life Science Fund. In 2024, Soihtu moved from concept to clinical development, using its pre-seed capital to prepare for regulatory progress.

The company’s first product targets mild-to-moderate depression and is designed to be used alongside conventional care in clinical or home settings.

2. Polku Therapeutics – developing new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases

This spin-out from the University of Helsinki focuses on PREP ligands as potential treatments for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – harnessing a decade of biomedical research.

Its drug candidates are designed to slow the progression of such conditions by blocking a brain enzyme that contributes to toxic protein build-up and inflammation.

“I’m super excited to see how far in the drug development our ligands and ideas can reach, and of course hope to see them helping patients in the future,” co-founder Professor Timo Myöhänen remarked.

With two million euros in pre-seed funding secured in 2024 from the likes of Innovestor and Helsinki University Funds, the company is advancing toward preclinical trials.

3. Marginum – giving surgeons real-time insight during cancer operations

Developed from the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Marginum’s HIVEN fluorescence tool helps surgeons spot tumour tissue mid-operation.

“Our tissue monitoring solution is the first-of-its-kind objective tumour detection platform,” stated Samu Lehtonen, CEO of Marginum.

Built to integrate with standard surgical workflows, the tool provides real-time imaging without altering procedure time.

In August 2025, the company raised 2.5 million euros in Pre-Series A funding, backed by key investors and Business Finland, to support clinical trials and regulatory approval steps.

“The acquired seed funding enables us to finalise the development of our first product and positions the company well for market entry,” Lehtonen continued.

4. Woamy – replacing polystyrene with biodegradable cellulose foam

Spun out of Aalto University, Woamy has developed a featherlight cellulose foam designed to do everything polystyrene can – except pollute.

“Our multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, designers and entrepreneurs is ready to make the foam industry sustainable,” explained Susanna Partanen, CEO of Woamy.

Woamy’s foam is made from renewable, plant-based cellulose and is fully compostable – offering a credible alternative to fossil-based packaging.

The one million euro seed round secured in 2024, led by CMPC Ventures, is being used to scale production and test the material in industrial applications.

Lightweight, durable and recyclable, the foam will be developed primarily using CMPC’s sustainably sourced cellulose.

5. Perfat Technologies – creating sustainable food with university science

Spun out from the university of Helsinki, Perfat develops oleogel technology to mimic solid fats using only material physics – no chemistry and maximum impact.

“We have received phenomenal interest from leading European and global food producers,” commented Jyrki Lee-Korhonen, CEO of Perfat.

The company’s approach helps manufacturers reduce or eliminate saturated fats in foods such as plant-based spreads, pastries and processed snacks – without compromising texture or shelf life.

Perfat’s one million euro seed round, raised in March 2024 and led by Nordic Science Investments, is accelerating pilot-level production of the technology.

“This investment will not only enable us to add further resources to our R&D operations but will also help Perfat in moving from lab scale towards industrial scale,” Lee-Korhonen continued.