Autonomous Systems Innovation Ecosystem

We develop innovation ecosystem for autonomous airborne systems

Project Duration

1.10.2026 – 31.12.2028

Source of Funding

Helsinki-Uusimaa Region, ERDF

Total Funding

€688,596

Autonomous systems are transforming logistics, security, environmental monitoring, and industry. The project will establish a nationally significant autonomous systems innovation ecosystem in the Turku region, where companies can develop, test, and pilot new technologies in real operational environments. At the same time, it will strengthen the region’s research, innovation, and business capabilities while creating a foundation for new growth-oriented companies and future investments.

Autonomous systems are a rapidly growing technology sector that offers new solutions for logistics, security, environmental monitoring, and industrial needs. The project aims to build an innovation ecosystem for autonomous systems in the Turku region, bringing together companies, research institutions, and public sector actors to develop, test, and pilot new technologies in a real-world operating environment.

Autonomous systems are a rapidly growing field of technology that offers new solutions for logistics, security, environmental monitoring, and industrial needs

From the perspective of small and medium-sized enterprises, a key problem relates to the conditions for research and innovation activities. Companies often lack access to open testing and piloting environments, networks that support R&D&I collaboration, and a practical understanding of the regulatory environment and safety requirements that govern the adoption of advanced technologies. Without these capabilities, companies’ opportunities to participate in RDI activities and leverage new technologies remain limited.

The project is developing Finland’s first urban testing and piloting environment for autonomous aircraft

The project is developing Finland’s first urban testing and piloting environment for autonomous aircraft, which uniquely covers populated urban areas, marine environments, and port areas. This diverse operating environment enables the development, testing, and demonstration of autonomous systems under conditions that mirror real-world operating scenarios.

The project aims to develop the region’s research, developmentand innovation capabilities, strengthens companies’ ability to utilize autonomous solutions, and creates the conditions for new business opportunities, growth companies, and investments. At the same time, it will strengthen Turku’s position as a national and international development and testing environment for autonomous systems.