Sampsa Fabritius appointed new CEO of University of Helsinki’s commercialisation company

Sampsa Fabritius appointed new CEO of University of Helsinki's commercialisation company

As part of the University of Helsinki's innovation services portfolio, Helsinki Innovation Services is tasked with bringing innovations that emerge from world-class research to a global scale - as solutions, technologies and businesses that can change the world and improve people's lives. While doing so, the company serves the University and its research community by supporting research commercialisation and impact creation. The University of Helsinki has generated more than 30 research-based spinouts with a combined value in excess of €400 million.

Sampsa Fabritius, MSc (Tech), who began as CEO at the beginning of October, is a technology and business developer with more than 20 years of experience in research and product development. At Nokia Research Center, he led teams that advanced research findings and technology towards commercial products. As a startup entrepreneur, CEO, advisor and board member he has subsequently built business operations that bridge technology, market demand and societal needs.

"Sampsa Fabritius's strong experience in the commercialisation of innovations as well as his knowledge of the University of Helsinki and its innovation ecosystem provide an excellent starting point for managing Helsinki Innovation Services. Under Sampsa's direction, we will elevate our commercialisation services to another level together with researchers, the University and our partners. We are looking forward to collaboration that will help more research-based innovations progress into solutions that benefit society," says Sonja London, chair of the Board of Helsinki Innovation Services.

"Research conducted at the University of Helsinki often opens up avenues with future potential. When such research-based potential meets current and emerging needs of industry and society, researchers and the University benefit as well. At Helsinki Innovation Services, we help develop promising ideas so that their potential extends beyond the University. We work together with researchers, investors, entrepreneurs and businesses, reducing uncertainties related to commercialisation for all parties involved," says Fabritius.

The previous CEO of Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd, Marko Hakovirta, began as President and CEO of the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences at the beginning of September 2026.

Owned by the University of Helsinki, Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd is a commercialisation company responsible for commercially exploiting, patenting and licensing the University's research results and inventions, as well as for generating spinouts.