Finnish companies excelled and networked at the world’s largest innovation fair
Business Helsinki participated in an international innovation fair focused on sustainable urban solutions. As souvenirs, the innovative companies that traveled with us gained many new contacts and insights for growth and development.
Business Helsinki helps companies grow and develop in many different ways. We participated in the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona in November 2024 together with eight innovative companies. Known as the world’s largest and most influential innovation event, it was a significant opportunity for Helsinki and the participating companies to showcase Finnish expertise in sustainable urban solutions. We represented the Nordic capitals together with Stockholm and Oslo at the Nordic Capitals booth.
Networking and new opportunities
– Business Helsinki offers companies diverse opportunities and support for growth and development. The companies that joined us on the trip had become familiar to us through, for example, our testbed activities. We noticed, that the Smart City Expo was an excellent opportunity for them to network with professionals in sustainable urban development and to showcase their innovative solutions to international markets. We provided support for pitching and helped companies find useful contacts at the fair. We are excited that the companies gained so much from the trip, says Paula Miettinen, Director, Business Services at Business Helsinki.
With us at the Smart City Expo
These companies,focusing on areas such as circular economy in construction, energy efficiency, and smart mobility, had the opportunity at the Smart City Expo to present their solutions at the Nordic Capitals booth, pitch on one or more stages, participate in panels, and engage in discussions with representatives from many cities and companies. It was easy and natural to network with those working towards the same goals, and the companies found promising business contacts.
Feedback from companies on the Smart City Expo trip with Business Helsinki
“Smart City Expo World Congress was extremely beneficial. Cities from around the world gathered under one roof, making face-to-face meetings possible. The atmosphere was collaborative. We had promising discussions with various cities. It felt great to showcase our expertise to the world!” – Teemu Terttunen, Bout
“Business Helsinki created a bubbly and joyful atmosphere. The Nordic and Baltic pavilion was lively and popular. Other Nordic countries are good benchmarks and potential partners.” – Ilkka Törmä, Tommila Architects
“This was an excellent opportunity for us to network with other cities and companies and learn about e.g. market entry in the target country. The best part was the fantastic group from Finland, as well as the excellent arrangements and side programs.” – Ville Hyvärinen, Pictue
“Being present with other Nordic and Baltic countries was very relevant and provided an opportunity to meet people from other cities easily. The best results were achieved by personally reaching out to participants. The Helsinki team was encouraging and very helpful. I’m amazed that such help and support can be available.” – Viivi Pitkänen, Kausal
“The Nordic Capitals booth provided us with a platform to network with the key stakeholders. It was a pleasure to be part of the booth’s bubbly environment and among interesting, warm-hearted people who supported us with their networks.” – Emilia Syväjärvi, Spolia Design
“My expectations were exceeded. Business Helsinki organized the events excellently. The best part was the discussions with various cities and exhibitors. The threshold to start conversations was very low.” – Tapio Toivanen, Eeneman
“The pitch at the Nordic Capitals stage was a fantastic experience. The Expo overall exceeded our expectations. We connected with construction companies and architects and currently have discussions ongoing with several Nordic companies. I’d recommend the Expo to innovative companies to make meaningful connections and advance growth.” – Abhishek Kumar, Ekotekt
Could we also support your company in growing and developing, as well as solving global challenges with new innovations internationally? Explore what Business Helsinki can offer you or propose your idea for an experiment in a real urban environment!
