Helsinki Incubators: February Community Round-Up

Welcome to our February edition of the Helsinki Incubators Community News Round-Up, where we bring you the latest updates, achievements, and opportunities from our dynamic network. Each month, we celebrate the milestones of our startups, alumni, and partners—whether it's product launches, bold initiatives, or major events.

This month, we shine a light on some particularly exciting developments—including a primetime TV appearance, high-stakes pitching competitions, and game-changing innovations. Let’s dive in!

1. Dora Health in Leijonan Luola ??

One of our own is about to take the plunge into Finland’s most high-profile startup TV showcase. Max Ahonen, founder of Dora Health Ltd., will appear on Leijonan Luola on March 26. If you’re unfamiliar, Leijonan Luola, which translates to Lion’s Den, is Finland’s version of Shark Tank, where entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to seasoned investors in hopes of securing funding and mentorship. Ahonen’s venture, Dora Health, aims to revolutionise digital healthcare, and we can’t wait to see how his pitch turn out. Will he get cheered by our Helsinki Incubators mentor and judge of the TV programme, Kim V?is?nen? We shall see!

2. WorkGuardAI Triumphs at Sauna Pitching ??

At the recent Sauna Pitching event, hosted by Sisu Factory , WorkGuardAI won as one of the two best pitches. The win secures them a coveted spot at Polar Bear Pitching in Oulu, where founders present their ideas from the icy waters of the Baltic. It’s a grueling but exhilarating experience, and WorkGuardAI’s founder, Endrit Kola, MSc. , expressed his excitement in a recent LinkedIn post:

“With 20+ ambitious startups pitching—including research-based ventures, EU-funded projects, and startups that have already raised €1M+—this recognition feels even more special.”

Joining WorkGuardAI in Oulu is another of our community members, Dr. Anton C. of Cornea Sense . Backed by Business Finland and Aalto University, Cornea Sense is developing a groundbreaking non-invasive technology for assessing corneal health, an advancement that could redefine ophthalmology.

3. The Mushroom Revolution: Three Mushketeers ’ Latest Insight

Three Mushketeers, the sustainability-focused startup tackling food waste, has just released a compelling article on their blog. The piece highlights a startling fact: in Europe, up to 20% of cultivated mushrooms—amounting to 62,000 tons annually—are discarded due to size or quality imperfections. Three Mushketeers is turning this waste into an opportunity, integrating mushroom by-products into their production process. We highly recommend giving their latest insights a read.

4. Wells Finland Joins Helsinki Education Hub Spring Batch

Education innovation is in the air, and WELLS Finland is at the forefront. The team has been selected as one of just five startups for the Helsinki Education Hub (HEH) . With renewed energy and focus, they’re gearing up for the final stretch of their Research to Business (R2B) project.

5. Ankerias Oy Completes First Testing Phase—And Looks Ahead

Big news from Ankerias Oy : the first testing phase of their innovative solution for chronic pain care and spinal cord stimulation has been successfully completed. Their work with the OuluHealth ecosystem, Pohjois-Pohjanmaan hyvinvointialue (Pohde), and OYS TestLab has been instrumental in validating their technology.

With this milestone reached, they’re now raising a €200k seed round to accelerate growth. Interested in AI-driven health innovations? Reach out to Hanna Viisanen-Kuopila for more details.

6. Lensor at TECHARENA: Scandinavia’s Largest Tech & Business Event

Finally, lensor.io recently attended TECHARENA in Stockholm—Scandinavia’s premier tech and business event. Their mission? To drive profitable transitions to regenerative land use. TECHARENA serves as a global stage for emerging enterprises, fostering connections between entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, media, and policymakers. We look forward to seeing how Lensor continues to make a change in this critical space.

Join Our Community – Applications Open!

Would you like to be part of our community? Applications for our pre-incubator programme, Pathways, are now open! Learn more about the programme and apply by 16 March here!

That’s all for this update! We’re always excited to celebrate the diversity and achievements of our incredible community. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being a part of the Helsinki Incubators family. Let’s keep the news rolling!

P.S. Got news to share? Don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here to help spread the word—because when one of us succeeds, we all succeed. ??

Text by: Lis Vila Rosas