Michael Healy first heard about Nightingale Health when the biotech company introduced itself at the business idea marketplace MIT Solve at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The presentation made an impression and British-born Michael decided to look into the company more closely. Then he sent an open application.
"The interview was more like a very good conversation. We went through how my skills could be put to use at Nightingale," Michael reminisces.
Nightingale is a versatile biotechnology start-up that uses a blend of biology, chemistry, medicine and mathematics in its solutions. The company has devised a blood test that can draw more information from a blood sample than other available technologies. The analysis can, for instance, identify the risk of blood and pulmonary conditions and type-2 diabetes. It can be used to track other health metrics as well, such as chronic inflammation.
Nightingale's clients include both researchers and medical professionals. Research institutions and universities such as the University of Oxford use its services. An institution sends its sample to Nightingale and use the results to better understand, for example, how type-2 diabetes is born and what factors contribute to it.
"Helsinki is an interesting place to work"
Michael Healy studied bio sciences in London and went on to complete a Master's degree in Teaching. He then worked as the head of the team of biology teachers at a private school in London, he spearheaded a business programme for young entrepreneurs and produced the school's communication and marketing publications. He was hired by Nightingale as its business development manager.
"I work with a diverse group of experts. My task is to facilitate the development of business concepts, meaning new products and services for our partners and consumers. I also help the communication team so the information on our products would spread as widely as possible around the world," Michael says.
Finland has interesting companies and there is demand for international experts to make their great products better known. Helsinki is a very exciting place to work at the moment.
The headquarters laboratory attracts global attention
"We launched a reasonably priced service based on blood analysis at the 2018 Slush event together with Aava Medical's Virta. It is targeted at all consumers. People can use it to gain in-depth knowledge on their physical health and wellbeing," Michael Healy says.
Nightingale was founded in Kuopio in 2013, and the first hires were made a couple of years later. The headquarters along with the adjoining laboratory are in Helsinki next to the former military hospital Tilkka.
"The office designed by our in-house design team is vast. We have mobile desks and we can work in different spots however we want, sitting or standing. Our clients have found it interesting that we have a laboratory at the headquarters", Michael Healy says.
Nightingale also has one laboratory in Kuopio and two in the United Kingdom. Two more are due to open in the United States and in Singapore. The company has recently also founded a sales organisation in Sweden. It has around 70 employees, 10 of whom are international. The main working language at Nightingale is English.
Helsinki's start-up scene stirs interest
Michael Healy moved to Helsinki with his Finnish partner in September 2016. Before that the couple lived in London for over a decade. According to Michael, Helsinki has the perks of a big city without the crowds.
Helsinki's public transportation system is excellent. You can reach any side of town easily. The air is clean and the nature is near. Public services, such as the exemplary library system, are easy to navigate.
One of the reasons behind Michael's move was his interest in Helsinki's start-up scene. He encourages international professionals to visit the start-up hubs around the capital region in order to build contacts with the numerous interesting start-up companies.
"My first job was at a company located at the Maria 01 hub. Microsoft Flux is also a good central spot: you can find information about start-ups that are in need of the know-how of international professionals. A good event to attend is the Night of Circular Solutions organised by Helsinki Think Company and The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra."
After relocating to Finland, Michael signed up for Finnish classes at the University of Helsinki. The content was good, but Michael also has some criticism.
"It would have been good to have an option to attend classes outside working hours for people who already have a job in Helsinki."
Michael has found plenty of activities in Helsinki in his free time. He likes to go running in the nearby forests and to ski on the ice in winter.
"I go to concerts and art exhibitions, there are plenty of both. Seeing a film at the Imax theatre was quite an experience," Michael says.
"The Helsinki region has many flea markets which are nice to discover."
