BUSINESS FINLAND VETURI
Large-scale R&D&I programmes for globally competitive ecosystems
Call for proposals: April 2026 (stage 1) proposal deadline: 11 Sep 2026
Pitching with BF: Sep-Oct 2026
Full proposal for those selected to stage 2: Nov-Dec 2026
Results expected Jan-Mar 2027
Key deadlines and updates in Veturi
Business Finland Veturi
The Veturi funding programme for leading companies, launched by Business Finland, supports internationally operating companies that are ready to significantly increase their R&D&I activities in Finland and lead ambitious, long-term innovation ecosystems to solve significant challenges. Veturi enables companies to pursue clear, challenging missions with substantial impact on international competitiveness and Finnish society.
Business Finland Veturi is best for internationally active companies with strong growth ambition. The scope includes Finnish subsidiaries of global companies and companies aiming to become global players. The focus is on mission-driven, large-scale R&D&I programmes with significant ecosystem impact and long-term collaboration.
What does Business Finland Veturi support?
The focus is on ambitious, ecosystem-driven R&D&I programmes that can significantly contribute to reaching the targeted 4% of GDP spend on RDI in Finland by 2030. Veturi funding targets solutions that significantly improve international competitiveness, developed together with a strong Finnish (and international) ecosystem. Supported programmes are characterised by:
A clear & ambitious mission and strategic roadmap set to solve a major challenge
Building an innovation ecosystem engaging all relevant partners needed to tackle the challenge together
Multiple joint R&D projects with research and company partners across value-chains
Long-term collaboration and ecosystem spill-over effects to generate new sustainable business
Flexibility in subcontracting compared to standard Business Finland funding
The funding is granted directly to the applying company for comprehensive R&D&I activities. While parallel public research projects are not required, ecosystem-wide impact must be clearly demonstrated.
Funding characteristics
Business Finland Veturi is best suited for internationally active large companies with strong growth ambition. Eligible companies must be based in Finland or, in case of a global company, have their subsidiary in Finland. Veturi funding is designed to strengthen Finland’s strategic industries by supporting ambitious research, development and innovation programmes led by large companies that collaborate with SMEs, startups and research organisations.
Another category is meant for Challenger companies that strive to grow into a global player, solve a more focused challenge, develop completely new business openings or strengthen their role in an internationally operating group.
Funding available (indicative figures):
- Large (leading) companies:
- Up to €20 million grant (max. 40% of eligible costs) for the leading Veturi company
- Up to €50 million for the ecosystem partners (R&D grants, R&D loans, Co-innovation / Co-research funding)
- Challenger companies:
- Up to €10 million grant (max. 40% of eligible costs) for the Veturi company
- Up to €25 million for their ecosystem partners (R&D grants, R&D loans, Co-innovation / Co-research funding)
Duration of the Veturi programme:
3–5 years with continued funding dependent on reported progress (KPIs)
2026 call: The total indicative budget €60-80 million, enabling 3–6 funded Veturi programmes. Funding available may differ every year.
Eligible entities:
- A Leading company with significant operations in Finland or a Challenger company that strive to grow into a global player
- Committed to substantial growth in R&D investments (over next 5 years)
- Committed to building and leading an ecosystem that includes SMEs and research organisations and other key partners
- Demonstrates global competitiveness and market impact.
How the proposal process works:
Two-stage Veturi proposal
Stage 1 – Proposal and pitching
- Call opens: April
- First-phase proposal deadline: early September
- Pitching with Business Finland during September-October.
Stage 2 – Full proposal and pitching
- Invitation-only, based on Stage 1 evaluation
- Full applications prepared during October-December
- Funding decisions expected during Q1 the following year.
Applications are evaluated based on their credibility and impacts. These include e.g. increase of RDI investments and headcount in Finland, potential for export growth and strength and potential of the ecosystem to strengthen the Finnish RDI landscape, economy and export. Clarity of mission and objectives, integration of the Veturi programme to the company’s strategy and commitment of the top management are also of key importance.
Preparation time:
We strongly recommend getting started 3-6 months before the deadline as Veturi is a major investment from the company and needs aligning and commitment. We know what is needed and can guide you through the whole process.
Ensure the success of your Veturi funding proposal with us
Spinverse is the trusted partner in building a successful Veturi proposal. We have successfully supported several companies throughout their full Veturi preparation journey, starting from early scoping of the programme to funding proposal submission and pitching as well as to ecosystem building and facilitation when the programme is active.
We provide organisations with:
- Veturi programme concepting and strategy design
- Ecosystem structuring and identification of relevant partners
- RDI programme plan and funding proposal preparation
- Impact and KPI definition
- Alignment with Business Finland criteria
- Proposal writing and budgeting
- Programme governance, implementation support and comprehensive ecosystem leadership of a successfully funded Veturi programme.
Successful projects with our customers
We have years of experience in securing Business Finland Veturi funding for our customers. In addition, we have successfully supported our leading company customers and their partners with professional ecosystem leadership and facilitation after they have secured their funding.
SPIRIT
Boosting a sustainable plastics industryLed by Borealis, the SPIRIT programme and ecosystem aim to drive the transformation of the plastics industry in Finland by means of four main activities: the replacement of conventional fossil fuel-based feedstocks with renewably sourced ones; the development of technologies and processes for the mechanical and chemical recycling of plastics; and the decarbonisation of production operations through electrification as well as the use of hydrogen and renewable energy sources, and developing the circular product offering and shaping the markets to meet the demands of related value chains.
BioCircleToZero
Doubling value from wood without more harvestingLed by Andritz, BioCircleToZero ecosystem programme seeks to maximise the efficiency and sustainability of forest utilisation by boosting advanced biorefineries capable of producing a wide range of high-value biocarbon-based products, while minimising waste and emissions.
ExpandFibre
New bioproducts with lower carbon footprintExpandFibre is an R&D collaboration and an Ecosystem launched by Fortum and Metsä Group to accelerate the development of sustainable bioproducts. It focuses on upgrading pulp fibres, hemicellulose and lignin from renewable and sustainable sources of straw and northern wood into new bioproducts. Its ambition is to meet the growing demands for sustainable textile fibres and other added value biomaterials.
CleverHealth Network
Ecosystem for digital healthcare innovations & businessCleverHealth Network is an ecosystem, led by HUS Helsinki University Hospital, uniting healthcare experts and technology companies to develop scalable digital health solutions using AI & high‑quality clinical data. Supported by Spinverse in its design and coordination, the network aims to boost innovation, create new business opportunities, and strengthen Finland’s position in data‑driven healthcare while improving patient care and boosting international growth.
Competitive Edge
Low latency services and increases capacity in a sustainable wayNokia’s Competitive Edge programme accelerates the development of sustainable low‑latency and high‑capacity network technologies to meet the rising demands of 5G and future digital services. The initiative received €10 million from Business Finland to drive research and innovation with a broad ecosystem of partners. Its goal is to strengthen Finland’s leadership in edge computing and intelligent networks while enabling scalable solutions that support growing data needs in an energy‑efficient way.
Talk to our expert
Get in touch to discuss whether Business Finland Veturi is the right funding programme for your project and how Spinverse can support your proposal preparation.
Janne Kaukojärvi
FAQs
The Veturi challenge is a competitive call run by Business Finland to select leading companies to build large-scale, mission-driven R&D&I programmes in Finland and to mobilise ambitious innovation ecosystems around them.
The challenge is aimed at internationally operating companies that can make major additional investments in R&D&I in Finland and that can credibly lead a multi-partner ecosystem programme.
Yes. Ecosystem partners, including SMEs, startups and research organisations, typically apply through separate calls linked to the leading company’s programme once it has been selected. Partner eligibility and funding terms depend on the call.
The Veturi challenge is typically a two-stage or a three-stage process. Stage 1 comprises a small proposal and pitching. Stage 2 is by invitation and involves a full proposal for those selected after the Stage 1 evaluation. Companies selected after Phase 2 will refine their proposal in sparring sessions with BF before the final submission. The exact steps, templates and deadlines are defined in the call documents.
Business Finland publishes the current challenge call, eligibility rules, templates, timelines and funding terms on its website.
A leading company is the main applicant that defines the mission and leads the programme. Some calls may also include a challenger track for high-potential companies with a smaller funding envelope. The ecosystem is the network of companies and research organisations that contribute complementary capabilities, projects and routes to impact.
