Business Finland funding

Business Finland supports companies’ research and development projects, internationalisation and expansion into new markets. The funding can cover up to 75% of a project’s costs, which makes it a valuable opportunity for companies that want to accelerate their growth, develop their innovations and strengthen their competitive edge in international markets. The support is designed especially for projects that advance the development of international business and support the company’s competitiveness.

Who can apply?

Business Finland funds companies that have a Finnish business ID, real business operations in Finland and the aim of growing in international markets. The applicant can be a startup, an SME, a midcap or a large company. In a large company’s project, part of the work must be bought from SMEs or research organisations. Sole traders cannot apply for Sprint or for research, development and piloting funding, and Sprint is only for small limited companies (fewer than 50 employees).

How much funding is available?

• Sprint: a grant of €75,000–100,000, covering 75% of approved costs.
• Research, development and piloting: grants for research of up to 50% of costs for SMEs and 40% for midcap and large companies. Loans for development work of 50%, or 70% for SMEs and midcaps with a justified reason.
• Deep Tech Accelerator: three phases of up to €400,000 each, covering 75% of approved costs.
• Energy aid: up to 40% for new-technology projects for SMEs and 30% for large companies, typically 15–30% for renewable energy projects.

The funding is discretionary, and projects compete for the same money.

When to apply?

Sprint and research, development and piloting funding are continuous calls, and applications are processed as they arrive. Energy aid can also be applied for at any time. Deep Tech Accelerator had one call in 2026, and themed calls have their own deadlines. A Sprint application is submitted only after a discussion with a Business Finland expert, and an energy aid project must not start before the funding decision.

Why choose Business Finland funding

Business Finland offers companies a unique combination of funding, expertise and networking opportunities, which makes it a far stronger option than many private sources of funding.

Benefits of the funding for your company:

• Lower-risk, flexible funding Business Finland’s grants and loans offer a safe and flexible way to develop your business. Unlike investments that require equity, the support does not affect ownership arrangements, and the funding is based on clear goals that support your company’s independence.
• Cost-effective expert help The funding can cover the costs of external experts, such as market research and business plans. This lets you draw on high-level expertise without significant investment of your own.
• Support for growth and internationalisation Business Finland helps companies expand into new markets by providing funding, expertise and networks. Because the support is aimed at international business, it is a far stronger option than, for example, foundations or other public sources of funding.
• Current funding services for small companies Business Finland offers small companies funding through, for example, Sprint funding, research and development projects and energy aid. The funding services support companies’ growth, renewal and internationalisation.

Sprint funding

Support for developing a new innovation and preparing for international growth

Sprint funding is intended for small Finnish companies that have a new innovation and the potential for rapid international growth. The aim of the funding is to help companies verify that their solution works and has business potential, and to prepare for larger research and development projects and for raising private capital.

The Sprint grant is €75,000–100,000, and the funding covers 75% of the project’s approved costs. Sprint has been open as a continuous call since 1 September 2026.

Applicants need a committed team of at least two people and at least €50,000 of equity on the balance sheet. At least two thirds of the project must be research and development. A company older than five years can apply only for a major change of direction. Sprint is granted as de minimis aid.

Benefits of the funding for your company:

• Proving the solution works: supports verifying a new innovation’s technical feasibility, customer need and market potential before larger investments.
• Preparing for international growth: helps the company build readiness for international markets and develop its solution to meet the demands of global competition.
• Testing product and service ideas: Supports assessing how ideas work in export markets through small-scale trials and pilots, which reduces the risks of internationalisation.
• First R&D funding to start a new phase: suits companies that are starting their first research and development project or seeking a significant change of direction for their business through a new innovation.
• Readiness for further funding: the aim is to prepare the company to carry out larger R&D projects and to raise private investment.
• Combining development work and market research: Sprint projects can combine research and development, market research and business planning in the same project.

Research and development funding

Support for developing new solutions and international growth

Business Finland’s research and development funding is intended for companies that are developing new products, services, business models or technologies and aiming for international growth. The funding suits SMEs and midcap companies that want to advance research, development, piloting and the commercial preparation of a new solution.

With the funding, a company can develop and test a new solution, show that it works with customers, and build readiness for wider growth and internationalisation. Business Finland’s funding is aimed especially at projects with novelty value, credible growth potential and the possibility of significant international business.

Benefits of the funding for your company:

• Developing new solutions: supports the development of new products, services, technologies and business models.
• Piloting and proving the solution works: makes it possible to test and verify the solution before wider commercialisation.
• Stronger customer understanding: helps assess the solution’s performance and marketability from the perspective of customer need.
• Readiness for international growth: supports projects with a credible opportunity for international business and scaling.
• A foundation for further funding: helps lay the groundwork for later R&D projects, commercialisation and growth funding.

Deep Tech Accelerator

Support for developing deep technology and international growth

Deep Tech Accelerator is aimed at research-based startups developing deep technology that have the potential for international growth. The aim of the funding is to speed up the development, commercialisation and market launch of new technology.

The DTA funding package consists of three phases of up to €400,000 each. The first two phases are grants and the third is a loan. Business Finland’s share of the funding covers 75% of approved costs. The 2026 call was open from 11 May to 16 August 2026, and the next call has not yet been announced.

Benefits of the funding for your company:

• Developing technology: supports the further development and maturing of a new technology, solution or application.
• Preparing for commercialisation: helps take a research-based innovation towards the market and a business.
• Readiness for international growth: supports companies with a credible opportunity to build international business.
• A long-term funding path: the funding progresses in phases, which supports planned progress in development work and growth.

Energy aid

Support for sustainable development and innovation

Energy aid (opens another website) gives companies the opportunity to improve energy efficiency, increase their use of renewable energy and develop innovative energy solutions. The aid is aimed especially at projects that promote energy savings, strengthen the reliability of electricity systems or use new technologies not yet tried in Finland.

Particular attention is paid to the first pilots of new technology, where the costs and risks of deployment can be higher than usual. These projects must be carefully planned, and their cost-effectiveness must support the goals of the energy aid programme. Projects carried out without significant environmental impact take priority.

Benefits of the funding for your company:

• Improving energy efficiency: Reduces energy consumption and lowers energy costs.
• Renewable energy solutions: Supports the move to environmentally friendly energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
• Innovative technology: Encourages the development and use of new energy solutions, especially untested technology.
• Risk management: Reduces the costs and financial risks of pilot projects.
• Carbon neutrality goals: Helps companies reach their environmental goals and supports sustainability.

Sources

• Business Finland: Funding (in Finnish) (opens another website)
• Business Finland: Ongoing Sprint grant funding (opens another website)
• Business Finland: Research, development and piloting (opens another website)
• Business Finland: Deep Tech Accelerator (in Finnish) (opens another website)
• Business Finland: Energy aid (in Finnish) (opens another website)