From satellite hardware to intelligence on Earth. Build with expertise in Earth observation, communications, positioning, and the systems that connect them.
Finland’s New Space ecosystem is built around startups, research institutions, and university-based commercialisation. Its strengths lie in the digital and operational layers of space systems: satellite communications and non-terrestrial networks, Earth observation and SAR, resilient positioning and timing, and the data services that turn space capabilities into practical applications. ICEYE, Kuva Space, and ReOrbit show how that expertise becomes commercial technology, from radar and hyperspectral imaging to software-defined communications satellites.
Aalto’s student satellite programme helped launch a generation of space companies, building on Finland’s research and telecommunications expertise. Today, demand for resilience, defence, and security of supply creates opportunities across the ecosystem. University research, VTT’s development and testing services, and dedicated ESA programmes support founders working on the satellites, components, software, and services behind those capabilities.
ICEYE develops synthetic aperture radar satellites and supplies imagery, data services, and satellite systems. Radar imaging enables observation through cloud cover and in darkness. Kuva Space develops hyperspectral satellites that measure reflected light across many spectral bands, supporting analysis of materials, vegetation, and environmental conditions. These capabilities are relevant to northern applications including boreal forest monitoring, snow and ice observation, maritime awareness, and climate adaptation.
ReOrbit develops software-defined communications satellites and connected satellite systems. Metaktik develops lightweight metasurface antennas for communications and radar. Nokia contributes expertise in telecommunications and the integration of satellite connectivity into mobile and non-terrestrial networks. VTT contributes research and development expertise in radio technology and satellite communications.
Finnish research combines satellite navigation, terrestrial radio, sensors, and algorithms to improve the reliability of positioning and timing when signals are disrupted. Tampere University researches resilient positioning, while the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute contributes expertise in satellite navigation, geodesy, and geospatial research. SharpNav is developing a low Earth orbit positioning, navigation, and timing system intended to complement existing GNSS services.
Aurora Propulsion Technologies develops small-satellite propulsion and the Plasma Brake, a charged-tether device designed to support deorbiting. Huld, now part of Gofore, develops software for demanding space missions, including ESA’s LISA gravitational-wave observatory.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute combines meteorology, Earth observation, space-weather research, and operational data services. Its satellite reception infrastructure in Sodankylä supports the collection and use of satellite data. The institute also develops instruments for planetary missions: its pressure and humidity instruments aboard NASA’s Curiosity and Perseverance rovers use Vaisala sensor technology.
Aavuus develops ground-based laser technology for tracking space debris. NorthBase provides ground-station services from Finland through its own infrastructure and partner networks. Polar Orbital develops ground systems and services for receiving and handling satellite data. Together, these capabilities support the operation of missions beyond the spacecraft itself.
Finland’s space companies draw on experience from student satellites, scientific missions, and commercial spacecraft. Aalto’s satellite programme helped bring together people who went on to build companies including ICEYE, Kuva Space, and Aurora Propulsion Technologies.
Explore Aalto’s satellite engineering, VTT’s development and testing services, positioning research at Tampere University and the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute, and the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s instruments and operational data services. For founders, a key step towards scale is validating technology in operational settings and building reference cases with public authorities, cities, and critical infrastructure users.
ESA BIC Finland supports selected space-related startups with incubation and up to €90,000 in funding. ESA Phi-Lab Finland supports selected geospatial innovation projects with €200,000–€500,000, covering up to 80% of allowable costs for SME work.
Resilience, defence, and security of supply are growing priorities across Europe. Finland’s strengths in secure satellite communications, resilient positioning and timing, Earth observation, and weather services align with these needs. Its Act on Space Activities provides a national framework for authorising and supervising space operations. For founders, the opportunity is to develop systems that help public authorities and critical infrastructure operators maintain essential services and respond to disruption.
Explore the organisations behind the research, technical support, and startup programmes.
ESA BIC Finland supports startups using space technology, data, or expertise, and businesses developing solutions for the space market. Selected projects receive up to €90,000 in incubation funding and up to 80 hours of expert support.
Applicants can be planning a new company or operating one no more than five years old, with a team in Finland or planning to locate here.
ESA Phi-Lab Finland supports geospatial innovation in sensor technologies, advanced computation, and digital services. Selected projects can receive €200,000–€500,000, covering up to 80% of allowable costs for SME work.
The programme is open to legal entities established in Finland and connects research with commercial development. Alongside funding, it provides business and technical advisory support and connections to research partners.
Aalto’s satellite programme connects research, engineering education, and practical spacecraft development. Professor Jaan Praks leads its small-satellite and microwave remote-sensing research group, whose student projects helped establish the networks behind several Finnish space companies.
Aalto Startup Center operates ESA BIC Finland and ESA Phi-Lab Finland, connecting satellite engineering and research with startup incubation, funding, and support for commercialisation.
VTT develops space components, sensing technologies, and satellite communications. Its work combines expertise in telecommunications and radio technology with development, testing, and validation services for companies building space systems.
Together with Aalto University, it hosts the NATO DIANA Secure Connectivity, Space and Quantum Test Centre, bringing laboratory and field-testing capabilities to companies developing technology for civilian and security applications.
Business Finland supports research, development, and international growth, and coordinates Finland’s participation in ESA programmes. For space founders, it connects national funding opportunities with European programmes and the wider Finnish space ecosystem.
Its Space Business Forum brings companies and research organisations together to exchange information, discuss industry needs, and build connections through presentations, discussions, and networking.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute combines meteorology, Earth observation, space-weather research, and operational data services. Its Arctic Space Centre in Sodankylä supports satellite reception, remote sensing, and research into northern conditions.
The institute also develops instruments for planetary exploration. Its pressure and humidity instruments, using Vaisala sensor technology, operate aboard NASA’s Curiosity and Perseverance rovers on Mars.
Aalto Space Association brings students together around practical space projects, including satellites, rockets, and rover development. Its teams take on engineering challenges that turn research and classroom learning into experience with real hardware.
Projects, events, and industry collaborations give members opportunities to meet other builders, work across disciplines, and develop technical skills through contributions to the Finnish space community.
Tampere University researches wireless systems, satellite positioning, and resilient navigation. Its work addresses the reliability of location and timing information used by transport, autonomous systems, and critical infrastructure.
Professor Heidi Kuusniemi’s research combines satellite systems, terrestrial radio signals, sensors, and algorithms to improve positioning and timing when signals are disrupted or conditions are challenging, including in Arctic and urban environments.
The University of Helsinki researches space physics and the near-Earth environment, including the effects of space weather on satellites and their signals. This research addresses disruptions that can affect satellite operations, communications, and navigation.
Academy Professor Minna Palmroth leads its Centre of Excellence in Space Resilience, which studies the changing use of near-Earth space and the reliability of systems society increasingly depends on.
Meet companies developing satellites, components, software, and services across the space industry.
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