About us
AIStart AI Incubator is a joint initiative by five organizations, led by Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. The project partners include the cities of Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa, as well as the Helsinki XR Center, managed by Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, which features cutting-edge labs.
Funded by the European Union, the initiative aims to help SMEs adopt and apply artificial intelligence in various business areas through hands-on guidance and tailored training. Participants also gain access to a wide range of testing platforms across the Helsinki metropolitan area.
This project is part of the broader HEVinnovations program, designed to enhance innovation activities and networks in the Helsinki region.
Get in touch with us by filling out our online contact form.
Partners
Teijo Javanainen, AIStart Project Manager (Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences)
Teijo.javanainen@haaga-helia.fi
Teijo works as a Project Manager at AIStart, and I like to see myself as an enabler and a source of support for both the project and our community.
“I believe generative AI has the potential to significantly boost growth opportunities for Finnish businesses. It’s exciting to be part of a project that strengthens the digital capabilities of SMEs and enhances their competitiveness by providing them with practical tools and resources.”
Janina Rannikko, Project Manger of Immersive Sustainability Lab (Metropolia)
Aline Santa Izabel
Networks & Ecosystem Manager (Business Helsinki)
The Networks & Ecosystem Manager at AIStart plays a key role in connecting SMEs with the right partners, resources, and opportunities to accelerate AI adoption. This role focuses on building and strengthening collaborations within the AI and XR ecosystems, both locally and internationally.
Bridging the gap between early-stage AI adoption at AIStart and advanced development opportunities at FAIR and beyond.
“With the AISTART Incubator program, we are creating a dynamic and supportive ecosystem, that ensures that microcompanies, startups and SMEs in the Helsinki capital region can seamlessly integrate AI into their business and scale their innovations for long-term success.”
Kim Qvick
AI Expert
(Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences)
kim.qvick@haaga-helia.fi
I work as an AI expert in AIStart, helping SMEs move toward an AI-capable future. My focus is on making AI understandable and usable for everyone, not just for tech specialists.
“I’m excited about making AI feel accessible. AI belongs to everyone, and in AIStart, we help SMEs take real, confident steps toward using it in ways that matter to their business.”
Laila Bröcker
Testbed service Manager
(Vantaa)
laila.brocker@vantaa.fi
“Let AI take care of the routines, and inspire people to create the future.”
Nelli Vasse
Business Advisory Specialist
(Espoo)
nelli.vasse@espoo.fi
“AIStart supports the development of business advisory services by offering advisors the opportunity to strengthen their AI expertise, engage in co-creation, and build a roadmap for the future of AI-powered advisory services.”
In collaboration with:
