In 2024, Finland isn’t just participating in the global innovation race—it’s quietly setting the pace. Ranked 7th in the Global Innovation Index, Finland’s ascent is fuelled by strategic investments in artificial intelligence, deep-tech ventures and sustainable technologies.
The nation’s commitment to AI is evident through a €10 million investment by the Technology Industries of Finland, aimed at accelerating AI adoption across industries and attracting global talent. In the deep-tech arena, Finnish companies collectively surpassed €1 billion in revenue for the first time, signalling a robust rebound in investment volumes from the previous year.
This surge in innovation is mirrored in Finland’s patent landscape. The country ranks 4th in Europe for academic patents per capita, with institutions like Aalto University and VTT leading in patent filings. Notably, over 90% of academic patents in Finland are filed through collaborations with third parties, highlighting the nation’s emphasis on industry-academia partnerships.
This report explores the top domestic innovators of 2024 and traces their growth from 2023, that are transforming Finland from a quiet achiever into a global force.
Top Leading Finland Companies in 2024
| Rank | Company | Patent Published in 2024 | Patent Published in 2023 | YoY Change(%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valmet Technologies Oy | 62 | 67 | -0.074627 | |
| Neste Corporation | 51 | 48 | 0.0625 | |
| Elisa Corporation | 44 | 42 | 0.047619 | |
| Nokia Technologies | 40 | 40 | 0 | |
| UPM-Kymmene Corporation | 36 | 46 | -0.217391 | |
| Metso Corporation | 21 | 9 | 1.333333 | |
| Ponsse Plc | 15 | 12 | 0.25 | |
| Icare Finland | 11 | 2 | 4.5 | |
| Kone Corporation | 11 | 5 | 1.2 | |
| Konecranes Plc | 11 | 7 | 0.571429 | |
| Picosun Oy | 11 | 10 | 0.1 | |
| Dispelix | 9 | 16 | -0.4375 | |
| Kemira Oy | 9 | 20 | -0.55 | |
| Beneq Oy | 7 | 13 | -0.461538 | |
| Planmeca Oy | 7 | 8 | -0.125 | |
| Virta Ltd | 7 | 9 | -0.222222 | |
| Wirepas | 7 | 4 | 0.75 | |
| Framery Oy | 6 | 4 | 0.5 | |
| Mirka Group | 6 | 5 | 0.2 | |
| Nokian Tyres Plc | 6 | 3 | 1 | |
| Peikko Group Oyj | 6 | 2 | 2 | |
| SAKO Oy | 6 | 2 | 2 | |
| Metsa Board | 5 | 5 | 0 | |
| Moviator Oy | 5 | 4 | 0.25 | |
| CooliBlade | 5 | – | – | |
| Avant Tecno Oy | 4 | 1 | 3 | |
| Betolar Oy | 4 | 1 | 3 | |
| eCouP Oy | 4 | 3 | 0.333333 | |
| Flow Modules Oy | 4 | 3 | 0.333333 | |
| Helander Holding Oy | 4 | – | – | |
| Metsa Spring Oy | 4 | 3 | 0.333333 |
Finland’s corporate patent landscape in 2024 reveals a tale of quiet shifts and bold leaps. While established leaders like Valmet Technologies Oy and UPM-Kymmene scaled back slightly, others stayed the course—Nokia Technologies held firm at 40 patents, and Neste Corporation rose modestly by 6.25%, likely fueled by continued innovation in renewable fuels.
The spotlight is clearly shifting: industrial players like Metso Corporation more than doubled their output (+133.33%), while Icare Finland, focused on smart medical diagnostics, saw an explosive 450% surge in patent activity. Even names like Ponsse Plc (+25%), known for forest machinery, and Peikko Group (+200%), active in construction tech, registered notable gains.
At the same time, under-the-radar firms such as Avant Tecno Oy, Betolar Oy and SAKO Oy all posted 300% year-on-year increases, signaling a growing wave of innovation bubbling beneath the surface.
Behind every breakthrough in Finland, there’s an inventor making it happen. Check out our Top 50 Inventors in Finland and discover the minds reshaping industries, both domestically and globally.
Over a third of the 31 profiled companies filed fewer than 10 patents, yet many recorded growth rates over 100%, pointing to focused bets on high-impact technologies. As we move forward, Finland’s startup ecosystem steps into view and the next section highlights the emerging players reshaping Finland’s innovation.
| Start-up | Founded Year | Patent Count in 2024 |
| CooliBlade | 2019 | 5 |
| Betolar Oy | 2016 | 4 |
| Flow Modules Oy | 2016 | 4 |
| Metsä Spring Oy | 2018 | 4 |
But innovation in Finland isn’t confined to boardrooms and product labs alone. As we shift focus, the story gets even more exciting — academia is now stepping into the ring. The next section highlights the key domestic universities that are actively contributing to Finland’s patent landscape.
Which Universities Are Driving Innovation in Finland Through Patents in 2024?
| University | Patents |
| LUT University | 5 |
| University of Oulu | 4 |
| University of Turku | 3 |
| University of Helsinki | 3 |
| Tampere University | 3 |
| Aalto University | 2 |
| University of Jyväskylä | 1 |
Finland’s academic institutions are increasingly pivotal in driving innovation, as reflected in their patent activities in 2024. LUT University leads with five patents, focusing on clean energy and circular economy solutions, including advancements in biomass fractionation and emission reduction technologies.
The University of Helsinki contributed three patents, making strides in green hydrogen production through innovative nanoparticle designs. Aalto University, with two patents, continues to foster innovation through its robust technology transfer processes and startup ecosystem.
Finland’s 2024 patent landscape tells a clear story: innovation here isn’t loud, but it’s deliberate and forward-looking. From established names refining their edge to emerging startups breaking new ground, and universities translating research into real-world solutions, every layer of Finland’s ecosystem is pushing in one direction: meaningful progress.