The Developing Markets Platform (DevPlat) pilot project in Indonesia and the Philippines has accelerated the growth of several Finnish development innovations in emerging markets. The three-year project is nearing its close.

The pilot project aimed to ensure that innovation initiatives funded by the DevPlat Program are aligned with Finland’s development policy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while also generating tangible development impacts in the target countries.

Another goal was to increase awareness of market opportunities related to development innovations, promote the use of funding instruments, and support partnership building and business growth.

According to Minh Lam, a DevPlat expert based in Jakarta, the project has successfully met its targets. For example, DevPlat funding has inspired Finnish companies to initiate ambitious development projects that might not otherwise have been realized.

“Thanks to the funding, companies have been able to deepen their collaboration with local partners, adapt their products and business models to local needs, and reduce business risks when entering new markets,” Lam explains.

He also notes that the project has sparked interest among Indonesian and Philippine growth companies in Finland’s dynamic startup ecosystem.

Feedback collected from companies shows that DevPlat funding was considered more accessible and relevant than other similar funding instruments. Tailored guidance and advisory support were seen as especially valuable.

“All respondents said they would recommend DevPlat funding to other companies, which is a strong sign of trust in the project,” Lam emphasizes.

The success of the Team Finland network in Indonesia—of which DevPlat is a part—was highlighted in August when the Entrepreneurs of the Confederation of Finnish Industries honored Pekka Kaihilahti and his team with the Ambassador Award.

Technology and knowledge exchange driving sustainable development

One of the project’s most significant achievements, according to Lam, has been fostering the adoption of new technologies and knowledge exchange between Finnish companies and local partners.

Among the funded companies is the biotechnology company Resistomap, whose DevPlat project focuses on advancing environmental monitoring of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Indonesia. Although wastewater and environmental AMR monitoring is costly due to technological requirements, the company, together with local partners, has shown that implementation is feasible in Indonesia too.

Another case is Teknosavo, a company specializing in wood debarking optimization. Its DevPlat project aims to enhance pulp mill operations in Indonesia through automation and digitalization, minimizing wood waste and reducing energy consumption. Adoption of Teknosavo’s technology is expected to deliver multimillion-euro savings and significant environmental benefits.

Tekres Group has developed and patented a self-locking and tightening auto-lock pile joint that speeds up piling work by eliminating time-consuming welding. The technology also improves fire and work safety at construction sites and reduces the physical strain of piling work, potentially opening more opportunities for women in the sector. Tekres’ DevPlat project aims to pilot the solution for spun piles widely used in Indonesia, together with a local partner.

Finnish innovation unlocks income opportunities for women

Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, with more than 85 percent of its 280 million people practicing Islam. Traditional gender roles often confine women to family responsibilities, limiting their working hours and career path. Women participate in the labor market, but typically within the constraints set by family duties.

One of DevPlat’s key objectives has been to ensure that companies create equal employment opportunities, particularly for women.

A striking example is StyleDoubler, whose platform connects brands and e-commerce businesses with social media influencers. For women, the platform provides an opportunity to generate income from home by creating digital content, thereby strengthening their financial independence. Of more than 40,000 registered influencers in Indonesia, 80 percent are women.

Another Finnish innovation gaining traction in Indonesia is the early education concept HEI Schools. As more both parents enter the workforce, demand for childcare is rising. In May, Jakarta saw the opening of a second HEI Schools campus and the first Lillipods daycare, developed as a new early childhood education concept. Created jointly by Finnish and Indonesian teams, Lillipods combines Finnish pedagogical expertise with local needs, with DevPlat funding playing a significant role in its development.

DevPlat funding continues as innovation funding via Finnpartnership

At the beginning of this year, the additional funding model linked to DevPlat was renewed. New innovation funding is now available through Finnpartnership, while the purpose of the funding remains unchanged: to create positive development impacts in partner countries.

The support is intended for the joint development of products, services, processes, and business models with local partners. It complements Business Finland’s R&D projects and can be granted to ongoing projects or to those that ended within the past five years.

Funding is provided as de minimis grant, up to EUR 300,000, and a maximum of 75% of the project’s eligible costs. Since the emphasis is on co-creation, services purchased from local partners must account for at least half of the project’s costs.

Company Profiles

STYLEDOUBLER

Founded in 2017, StyleDoubler Oy is a digital company whose performance-based marketing platform connects brands and influencers. In addition to Indonesia, the company operates in the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

RESISTOMAP

Founded in 2018, Resistomap Oy is a growth company that provides technology for monitoring antimicrobial resistance in the environment. Its founder and CEO, Windi Muziasari, originally from Indonesia, moved to Finland in 2010.

TEKNOSAVO

Founded in 1988, Teknosavo Oy is a family-owned company based in Savonlinna, Finland. It provides complete automation solutions, including instruments, software, and maintenance services. Teknosavo exports to 24 countries in addition to Indonesia.

TEKRES GROUP

Founded in 2011, Tekres Group Oy is a family-owned company from Rauma, Finland. It manufactures steel components for reinforced concrete piles. Its main products include extendable energy piles, self-locking pile joints, and ecological rock shoes.

HEI SCHOOLS

Established in 2015 in collaboration with the University of Helsinki, HEI Schools® is an internationally recognized educational concept bringing Finland’s high-quality early childhood education to the world. It operates 25 licensed kindergartens in 18 countries. In addition, 160 kindergartens globally use its curriculum, and nearly 2,000 teachers have been trained through the HEI Schools Teacher Diploma program.