Fire Protection Fund - Fire Protection Fund for the Innovation Award

Benefit

The first prize is up to 20,000 EUR. This is a one-off payment, tax-free for private individuals, and you will also receive a plaque. Each year, the fund awards up to 50,000 EUR to the first, second and third-placed entrants, as well as to those receiving honourable mentions. In the 2026 round, the runner-up received 10,000 EUR, two joint third-place winners each received 7,000 EUR, and two honourable mentions each received 3,000 EUR. The winners are presented at a public ceremony in Finland, usually in August, and a short video is filmed for each award-winning innovation. You retain all rights to your innovation. The prize is awarded by the Finnish Fire Protection Fund (Palosuojelurahasto), a fund under the Finnish Ministry of the Interior that supports fire protection and rescue services.

Eligibility

• Who: Anyone can apply: individuals, businesses and organisations. You can also nominate another person or business.
• Your idea: You have developed something new that helps prevent fires or improves the work of fire brigades, rescue services or emergency response centres. It can be a device, tool or machine, a working method or a new way of operating.
• Nationality and studies: Any nationality, any university and any degree subject are acceptable. You do not need to be a student.
• Patents: If you wish to patent your idea, submit the patent application before you apply.
• Excluded topics: Your innovation must not be about emergency medical care or first response.

How to apply

Download the application form from the Fund’s website and submit it by email. Please attach any photos, videos or test results you may have. The deadline for applications for the 2027 Prize is 15 March 2027. A panel of experts will assess the entries, the Fund’s board will select the winners, and you will receive a response by 15 June.

If you are seeking further funding opportunities beyond the Finnish Fire Protection Fund prize, our guide Scholarships in Finland brings together more options available in Finland.