Sitra opens a funding call to accelerate the use of AI in social and health care services
AI offers new opportunities that free up social and health care professionals’ time from administrative and repetitive tasks for more important duties, such as seeing people face-to-face. AI has been helping to automate patient data entry and interpret meetings. Moreover, AI can be used to assist in guiding clients to the right services.
In 2024, Sitra funded several AI pilots implemented in cooperation between wellbeing services counties and businesses. The pilots produced good results: for instance, AI-assisted logging of patient data helped to speed up professionals’ work and freed time for interaction with the patient.
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Originally published on 13 Jan
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The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending Swedish aerospace company ECAPS AB €20 million to accelerate the development of high-performance rocket engines and propulsion capabilities. The financing will also support advances in dual-use technologies, which can be deployed for both civilian and defence purposes.
The support by the EIB is through its TechEU initiative and takes the form of venture debt, a type of loan designed for high-growth startups and scaleups that provides additional capital without diluting ownership. The goal is to bolster production of cutting-edge space technologies within the European Union and to enhance EU security.
The financing will contribute to ECAPS’s €47 million plan to scale its proprietary propellant and rocket engines, which are more efficient and cost-effective than traditional technologies. They also offer higher performance and safer handling compared to traditional hazardous solutions.
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Originally published on 10 Dec
Today, on 10th of November the Port of Tallinn welcomes the cruise ship AIDAprima, operated by the German cruise line AIDA Cruises. The ship has brought around 3,600 passengers to explore autumnal Tallinn. The cruise began in Kiel, and after today’s stop in Tallinn, the vessel will depart at midnight for Helsinki.
AIDAprima is one of AIDA Cruises’ new-generation ships. The ship can accommodate up to 4,300 passengers and about 900 crew members. It is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), making it one of the most environmentally friendly cruise ships sailing the Baltic Sea. Onboard, guests can enjoy a wide range of restaurants, spa and entertainment facilities, and a spacious glass-roofed promenade area designed for year-round comfort.
Local tour operator Estonian Holidays is organising traditional bus and walking tours to introduce guests to Tallinn’s medieval Old Town. Special excursions also reach Pirita, Kadriorg, and even Anija Manor outside the city. For those seeking something different, a late-night ghost tour – “Secrets and Mystery of Tallinn Old Town by Night” – offers a thrilling way to experience the city after dark.
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Originally published on 10 Dec
Copenhagen has been voted winner of the award as World’s Best Cruise Terminal for Sustainability 2025 by World Cruise Awards.
At the fifth World Cruise Awards ceremony on December 6, 2025, Copenhagen was named World’s Best Cruise Terminal for Sustainability 2025. The award is a recognition of CMP’s sustainability agenda, which focuses on several aspects including environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
Over the last years, CMP has eliminated fossil fuels from terminal equipment and reduced emissions in its own operations by 76% during 2020–2024. Since this year, all berths at Langelinie and Oceankaj feature direct connections for wastewater, removing the need for barges and tanker trucks. One of Europe’s largest shore power facilities was inaugurated in June 2025 in Copenhagen, enabling ships to eliminate emissions when at berth. This would not have been possible without the cruise lines’ ambitious commitment to investing in shore power technology and willingness to connect. CMP’s terminals at Nordre Toldbod and Langelinie are located close to the city center, limiting transport needs for guests, and the terminals at Oceankaj will be even better integrated into Copenhagen’s public transport system with the planned extension of the Metro.
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Originally published on 9 Dec
Security topped the agenda of a discussion Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski had with the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) foreign ministers. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas also joined the videoconference.
Held on 8 December 2025, the meeting had been arranged on the initiative of Poland as part of its current Presidency of the Council. The discussion focused on key regional security issues, including ongoing talks on putting an end to the fighting in Ukraine, as well as the work now under way in the European Union in regard to a reparations loan and the US National Security Strategy.
Poland’s top diplomat stressed that the countries in Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe must be engaged in all international talks concerning the region. In that context, the CBSS is a useful cooperation format. The participants agreed on further exchange of information and continued cooperation to support Ukraine. A fair peace is the only solution that may stabilise the situation in Europe. There was general consent that a decision on using the frozen Russian assets will be a pivotal issue in the near future.
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Originally published on 8 Dec
Watts, a Danish greentech company specialising in smart home energy solutions, has established a new software competence center in Vilnius. Over the next three years, the company plans to hire up to 100 engineers and technology specialists to accelerate development of its smart home energy platform.
Founded in 2016 in Køge, Denmark, Watts develops integrated renewable-energy solutions that help households track their energy consumption and make informed, data-drive decisions to reduce their environmental impact as well as manage costs more efficiently.
Today, more than 700,000 Danish households use Watts’ energy app (WattsOn), smart devices, and its intelligent Homegrid™ system to monitor consumption, understand usage patterns, and optimize their daily energy choices.
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Originally published on 8 Dec
JENSEN North America, a subsidiary of the JENSEN-GROUP, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the business of G.A. Braun. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the growth strategy of the JENSEN-GROUP, expanding its manufacturing footprint, product portfolio, and service network across North America.
Founded in Syracuse, New York, G.A. Braun is a respected supplier with a well-established brand in the laundry equipment market in North America. The acquisition reflects JENSEN-GROUP’s strong commitment to the North American market and its long-term strategy to strengthen local operations and manufacturing capabilities.
With this acquisition, JENSEN gains access to Braun’s state-of-the-art production facility with a strong reputation and a loyal customer base. Both brands will continue to co-exist, building on their respective legacy and customer relationships. This approach allows both JENSEN and Braun to preserve what makes each brand unique, while joining forces to deliver even greater value, innovation, and support to customers across North America.
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A new batch has started their journey in the Tehnopol AI Accelerator – nine startups with a shared goal: to develop AI-based products and services that increase their competitiveness and provide real added value to society.
The accelerator program supports companies with a dedicated training series focused on the practical aspects of implementing artificial intelligence. In addition, teams work with mentors and experts who assist them in both technical development and business model refinement. The program concludes with a demo day, where teams can present their solutions to experts and potential follow-on investors.
The three teams with the greatest business potential will receive a development grant of €10,000.
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Originally published on 8 Dec
Port of Helsinki Ltd published its first sustainability report based on the VSME-standard on December 4, 2025. The comprahensive voluntary report covers Port of Helsinki Lts’s operations in 2024. Standardised reporting improves the comparability of the operations of participating companies.
“We have long had ambitious sustainability commitments and targets in place, for example regarding carbon emissions, and have reported on them annually in accordance with our own practices. However, we are now adopting a new way of presenting existing information in accordance with the VSME standard,” says Head of Sustainability & HSEQ Andreas Slotte from the Port of Helsinki.
The Port of Helsinki’s operations are under pressure due to the growing expectations of owners, customers and e.g. ship passengers regarding responsible and sustainable operation. At the same time, legal requirements are also becoming stricter.
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Originally published on 4 Dec
Port of Luleå now completes first phase of new land infrastructure – a major investment to handle increased traffic and cargo volumes. – We are meeting our customers’ needs for flexible and sustainable transport solutions, says Anders Dahl, CEO of Port of Luleå.
In May, work began to increase capacity and modernise Port of Luleå’s railway facility. It stretches from the Swedish Transport Administration’s tracks, located a few kilometers from the port, to the connection to Viktoriahamnen. At the terminal area, one track has now become three to handle larger cargo volumes and meet customer demands. This means the railway is ready to operate with axle loads of 32.5 tonnes – a unique capacity in Sweden.
– More and heavier trains can operate on our railway. The work we have done is a major and important part of the port’s infrastructure investments. We are now ready to receive larger cargo volumes, says Anders Dahl, CEO of Port of Luleå.
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Originally published on 4 Dec
The Fassmer Group is expanding its production capacities and establishing a new site in Stralsund. The company has leased facilities on the premises of the Volkswerft from the Hanseatic City of Stralsund. Operations are scheduled to begin in early 2026 with the construction of the new fisheries research vessel WALTHER HERWIG.
By setting up operations in Stralsund, Fassmer is strengthening its presence on the Baltic Sea while revitalizing the historic Volkswerft site. The region will regain an active maritime industry location – creating prospects for employment, value creation and regional cooperation.
Fassmer’s move into Stralsund marks the beginning of a strategic expansion. It reduces dependence on foreign supply chains, retains expertise within the country and contributes to the Federal Government’s security policy resilience.
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Originally published on 4 Dec