The awards recognized outstanding achievement in four categories: Life Science Founder/CEO, Life Science Researcher, Industrial Biotechnology or Food Founder/CEO, and Industrial Biotechnology or Food Researcher.

The winners were selected by a distinguished jury on the basis of nominations collected through an open online process.

Life Science Founder / CEO Award – Heidi Haikala

The jury awards the Life Science Founder/CEO Award to Heidi Haikala in recognition of her exceptional commitment to building impactful life science company Solid IO out of her own research and novel ideas in a very competed research area. She is a true rising star and has demonstrated a rare combination of strong scientific understanding, entrepreneurial vision, and the ability to translate research excellence into business.

Life Science Researcher Award – Seppo Ylä-Herttuala

The Life Science Researcher Award is granted to Seppo Ylä-Herttuala for his outstanding and internationally recognized contributions to biomedical research. His pioneering work, particularly in gene therapy and cardiovascular research, has fundamentally advanced the field and positioned Finland among the leading countries in life science research.

Beyond scientific excellence, Professor Ylä-Herttuala has played a crucial role in translating research into clinical applications, thereby creating direct societal impact. Ylä-Herttuala established one of the world’s first gene therapy companies, which has since expanded into a facility employing hundreds of individuals in the Kuopio region. The company’s application for gene therapy drug received FDA approval and is now providing treatment for cancer patients.