Here is a selection of what the international press has published about Finland in the last week:
US questioning academics in Finland and Netherlands on ‘gender ideology’
The U.S. administration’s politically charged questionnaires to some researchers in Finland, Netherlands and other EU countries receiving U.S. funding, questioning ‘gender ideology’ were covered in an article by EUobserver on March 26.
The article highlights how such a survey appears to be part of a broader effort aligned with the U.S. President Donald Trump’s ideological stance on education and research.
These surveys, sent by the United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB), contain 36 questions that probe into various aspects of research institutions. They enquire whether researchers engage in diversity initiatives, climate or environmental justice programmes, or activities perceived as counter to U.S. government interests. One question specifically asks whether the institution collaborates with entities linked to communist, socialist, or totalitarian parties.
European academic institutions have expressed concern over the nature of these questions. In the Netherlands, Universities of the Netherlands (UNL) have issued warnings about the questionnaire, though the only confirmed case so far is at Wageningen University & Research (WUR).
Finland has also been directly affected. Last month, the University of Helsinki received similar enquiries through the U.S. Fulbright programme. These enquiries pressured the university to remove specific words from scholarship advertisements, including “climate change”, “equal society”, “inclusive society” and “women in society”. This move was widely seen as an attempt to influence academic discourse and align research themes with the Trump administration’s ideological stance. The Finnish academic community responded strongly to these developments, with approximately 700 researchers protesting in defence of academic freedom and demanding institutional protection against external political pressures.
Original story was published by EUobserver on 26.03.2025 and can be found here.
Finnish satellite operator ICEYE to provide data to NATO headquarters
Finnish satellite operator ICEYE’s announcement on providing imaging data to NATO's Situation Centre at its headquarters in Brussels was covered in an article by Reuters on March 28. The article describes the partnership between ICEYE and NATO as Europe seeks to enhance its space-based monitoring and communication capabilities, and underscores Finland’s increasing integration with NATO.
ICEYE, a privately owned company, operates a fleet of 48 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites that offer near real-time Earth observation, regardless of weather conditions or time of day. The company already serves military clients, including Ukraine. The European Commission is advancing a €10.6 billion secure satellite constellation project to strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty.
The rapid expansion of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network has further motivated European efforts to develop independent space infrastructure. While Starlink focuses on connectivity, ICEYE’s satellites specialise in Earth observation and intelligence gathering.
“We are proud of the opportunity to cooperate and support NATO users and decision-makers with data from the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, owned and operated by ICEYE,” Pekka Laurila, ICEYE’s Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder said in a statement.
Original story was published by Reuters on 28.03.2025 and can be found here.
The happiest country in the world is seeking innovators
Finland’s 90 Day Finn Program, inviting 10-15 foreign innovators to explore Finland’s deep tech ecosystem, was covered in an article by Forbes on March 28. The article gives details of the initiative by Helsinki Partners, which offers participants a three-week or optional 90-day immersive experience in Helsinki, providing access to networking events, business consultancy, and visits to leading Nordic tech companies. It also provides the opportunity for the participants to experience Finnish culture, including attending saunas and foraging mushrooms and berries in the forests.
The aim of the programme is to help decision-makers in deep tech, startups, and scale-ups explore market opportunities and potential business expansion in Europe. Helsinki has emerged as a global innovation hub, home to over 2,200 startups valued at more than $31 billion. The city is known for its strengths in AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and sustainable technologies, supported by strong public-private partnerships and leading universities like the University of Helsinki and Aalto University.
The 90 Day Finn Program has already led to successful outcomes, such as Singapore-based Leo Capital establishing its European headquarters in Helsinki and launching a €25 million Nordic-focused fund. Many participants praise Finland’s egalitarian business culture and collaborative environment, which foster long-term partnerships and accelerate innovation.
Applications for the 2025 edition are open until March 31, 2025, with remote onboarding before an intensive three-week immersion starting August 18.
Original story was published by Forbes on 28.03.2025 and can be found here.
Finland breaks records with an energy giant that can power 30,000 homes and transform electricity production
The world’s largest heat pump in Helsinki, a groundbreaking sustainable energy project capable of heating 30,000 homes, was covered in an article by Glass Almanac on March 24. The article highlights how the innovation represents a major shift in how cities can transition to greener energy solutions by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and significantly lowering emissions.
The system works by extracting heat from a cooler environment and transferring it to a warmer one, using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant to reach temperatures of up to 90°C. It also features an oil-free compressor, enhancing efficiency while minimising environmental impact. Producing 200 GWh of heat annually, the heat pump helps cut 26,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, supporting Helsinki’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
Engineers overcame challenges related to Finland’s extreme winters, ensuring that the system remains operational even at temperatures below -20°C. Beyond its environmental benefits, the project also stabilizes energy prices, making heating costs more predictable and affordable for residents. It has generated local jobs and strengthened Finland’s position as a leader in renewable energy technology. By proving the viability of such projects, Finland is setting an example for how urban areas worldwide can embrace sustainable energy solutions.
Original story was published by Glass Almanac on 24.03.2025 and can be found here.
