Helsinki negotiates Lapinlahti lease with NestAI

Helsinki is negotiating with artificial intelligence company NestAI and related businesses about making them the main tenants of the Lapinlahti hospital complex, Yle reports, citing Helsingin Sanomat. The newspaper says three independent sources confirmed the talks. The city has not previously said publicly who it is negotiating with about the complex’s future.

NestAI was founded by entrepreneur and investor Peter Sarlin. It trains AI models for defence use and is known for developing unmanned systems and command systems. Finland’s Defence Forces said last year that it had begun working with the company. Sarlin previously founded Silo AI, which he sold to a US buyer.

Helsinki Mayor Daniel Sazonov told Helsingin Sanomat that the city wants to establish a hub for technology and startup companies in the Lapinlahti area. He said the park there should be preserved and that mental health organisations should be able to continue their work at Lapinlahti.

The renovation of the hospital complex is estimated to cost nearly 50 million euros. The city has planned to fund most of the work by renting out space to businesses.