In the Helsinki Business and Science Park, you can find an innovative American start-up company FMI Medical Systems among the newcomers. The biomedical company successfully fights cancer and other severe diseases with its portable ultra-high resolution diagnostic imaging machine. Finland’s proximity to European and Russian markets, well-functioning bureaucracy, strong networks, knowhow in global medical research and good science parks were the reasons why the founders chose to invest in Helsinki and decided to open a research & development centre there.
FMI has recently developed a machine for the early detection and monitoring of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and bone infections. The cost-effective diagnostic imaging technology can be combined with drugs and molecular tracers and enables advanced therapy.
A way open to Europe
FMI is now establishing a R&D centre in Helsinki to develop further its groundbreaking technology. The company may later also set up its European head office in Finland. FMI is planning to hire a 3–4 person sales and marketing team as well as more than 10 researchers in Finland.
FMI discovered opportunities in Finland through cooperation with Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, and via the BioFinland Technology Bridge Program, a joint collaborative initiative between the Akron Global Business Accelerator and the Helsinki Business and Science Park (HBSP).