Welcome to Espoo

Espoo, located in the Helsinki metropolitan area in southern Finland, is the country’s second-largest and fastest-growing city, with over 320,000 residents. It is one of Europe’s leading cities in innovation and sustainable smart city development. Home to the Nordic countries’ top innovation and technology hub, world-class research institutes, SMEs, and global company headquarters, Espoo is Finland’s hotspot for innovation. Its ecosystem is especially strong in deep tech, including microelectronics, semiconductors, 5G and 6G, sensors, quantum computing, and sustainable materials.

Located next to Finland’s main startup hubs, Espoo is home to many of the country’s most valuable companies, as well as Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Slush and many Finnish unicorns were also born here.

Espoo is a pioneer in sustainability and aims to become carbon neutral by 2030. The city follows the UN Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and actively participates in EU Missions on climate-neutral and smart cities. CO2 emissions per capita have already been reduced by 62% compared to 1990 levels. Much of this progress is achieved together with companies and the local community, such as Fortum, which ended the use of coal in Espoo’s district heating in 2025.

Espoo focuses on supporting children, young people, and sustainable urban growth. The city is known for its safe neighbourhoods, high quality of life, and strong connection to nature. With 165 islands, 58 kilometres of coastline, and 95 lakes, Espoo combines urban living with easy access to nature. The Nature-Wise Espoo roadmap also guides city planning towards improving biodiversity.

Espoo has the highest density of international talent and the highest education level among Finnish cities. Around 52% of residents over 24 hold a university degree, and English is an official public service language.

The city also offers a wide range of cultural and leisure activities through libraries, museums, cultural centres, and events. Espoo promotes inclusion, wellbeing, and community participation, with residents actively involved in shaping the city’s future through the Espoo Story strategy.

Locations for each day

These are the locations for the first meeting point of the day.

Monday

City Council House, Espoon Keskus

Espoonkatu 5, 02770 Espoo, Finland  

Tuesday

Depending on the site visit

  1. Nice Hearts

Terveyskuja 2 B, 02770 Espoo, Finland

  1. Kirstin Koulu & Hyvä arki

Kirstintie 11, 02760 Espoo, Finland

  1. Aalto Design Factory

Puumiehenkuja 5A, 02150 Espoo, Finland

  1. Hello Espoo language courses

Matinkylän kartano, Matinkartanontie 16B, 02230

 

Afternoon in Otaniemi (location to be confirmed)

 

Wednesday

EMMA museum

Ahertajantie 5, 02100 Espoo, Finland

 

 

City transportation

Espoo and Helsinki public transportation is operated by HSL (Helsinki Region Transport), which includes trains, metro, buses and trams. Participants can easily travel around the city and between venues using public transport.

For travelling from Helsinki Airport to Espoon Keskus (first meeting venue on Monday), participants can use the train connection via Helsinki Central Railway Station or Leppävaara. The journey takes approximately 45–60 minutes depending on the connection, or around 25 minutes by car/taxi.

Participants are encouraged to download the HSL app, which allows users to:

  • Buy transportation tickets
  • Plan routes and connections
  • Access real-time schedules

A step-by-step guide will be shared with participants to explain how to download the app and purchase tickets. An HSL transport map and basic guidance on how to use the system will also be provided.

Metro map

Hotel suggestions

Espoo

  • Radisson Blu Hotel, Espoo: Close to Otaniemi and Aalto University, with convenient public transport connections and seaside surroundings.
  • Original Sokos Hotel Tapiola Garden: Well connected by metro, located in Tapiola near services, restaurants and shopping facilities.
  • Noli Studios Otaniemi: Modern apartment-style accommodation close to Aalto University and public transport.
  • Heymo 1 by Sokos Hotels: Flexible and modern hotel in Keilaniemi, near Otaniemi and metro connections.
  • Hotel Hanasaari: Seaside hotel between Helsinki and Espoo with peaceful surroundings and easy access to Otaniemi.

Helsinki

  • Clarion Hotel Helsinki: Modern hotel in Jätkäsaari with good tram and metro connections.
  • Scandic Grand Central Helsinki: Central location next to the railway station with easy train access to Espoo.
  • Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4: New waterfront hotel close to the city centre and harbour area.
  • Marski by Scandic: Well-located city centre hotel with direct public transport connections.
  • Hotel Kämp: Historic luxury hotel in central Helsinki.
  • VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki: Modern hybrid hotel with convenient access to both Helsinki and Espoo.

Restaurant suggestions

Otaniemi

  • Fat Lizard Otaniemi – Casual Finnish gastro pub close to Aalto University
  • Factory Otaniemi – Finnish lunch buffet option
  • Who the xxxx is Alice – Modern brunch and dinner restaurant
  • Hanoi Viet Kitchen – Vietnamese cuisine near A Bloc

Virastopiha / Espoon Keskus

  • Bistro Elo – Nordic-style restaurant in Entresse area
  • Ravintola Base – Casual Finnish lunch restaurant
  • Momotoko Espoo – Japanese ramen and Asian dishes
  • Punjab Plaza – Indian cuisine near Espoon Keskus

Helsinki

  • Savotta – Traditional Finnish cuisine near Senate Square
  • Löyly – Finnish restaurant and sauna by the sea
  • Restaurant Nolla – Nordic sustainable fine dining
  • Story – Casual café and brunch at Old Market Hall
  • Yes Yes Yes – Popular vegetarian restaurant
  • The Cock – Modern Nordic bistro in central Helsinki