The health and pharmaceutical industry in Finland focuses on the use of state-of-the-art technologies in diagnosis, treatment and patient care. The export potential lies in particular in innovative software solutions in the field of online medicine, the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and 3D printing. In view of the fastest ageing population in Europe, the efficient use of the latest technologies and procedures is crucial for the overall sustainability of the currently reformed healthcare system, and there are a number of opportunities for foreign players as well.

Czech companies have long been among the world leaders in the application of nanotechnologies and can offer cutting-edge products for the medical, pharmacological and cosmetic industries. There is considerable potential for the applications of these products in Finland, where, despite well-developed research and development, the widespread application of nanotechnologies is still not common in many sectors. Innovations in filtration technology, surface treatment with photocatalytic coatings and nanofibres have attracted particular interest. During the intensive B2B meetings, of which nearly 70 took place, new partnerships were established and Finnish companies expressed interest in specific products and the development of mutual cooperation. In addition to representatives of Czech companies and the Nanotechnology Industry Association, the Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) of Palacký University in Olomouc, which focuses on the development of new technologies for clean energy and sustainable environment, also presented its achievements during the event.

The Nanotechnology Industry Association was represented by the following companies:

• Contipro, the world's leading producer of biotechnologically produced hyaluronic acid
• FN NANO, a leading innovator of highly efficient and functional second generation photocatalytic coatings
• Lifetech, an advanced technology company focused on purification and filtration processes
• NAFIGATE Park, a specialist in nanofiber materials for air and liquid filtration
• Nano2Health, manufacturer of nanocoatings, respirators and filtration nanoproducts
• Nanopharma, a company focused on research, development and production of innovative material solutions using nanofibre structures
• nanoSPACE, a leading manufacturer of anti-mite coatings, blankets and cushions with nanofibre membranes
• nanoSPACE Technology, developer of new nanotechnology products with an emphasis on biodegradable materials for the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, textile and energy industries

The vast majority of the Czech participating companies have no previous experience with the Finnish market and therefore very much welcomed this project, which opened the door to a specific market with a high demand for innovative solutions. More than 30 representatives of leading Finnish companies in the fields of construction, ventilation, filtration, surface treatment, energy and biomedicine, as well as representatives of several Finnish academic research institutes, have expressed their interest in Czech nanosolutions and attended the event. If other Finnish companies that did not participate in the event are interested in establishing contacts with Czech partners, they can contact the Commercial and Economic Section of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Helsinki.