Founded in 2013, Aiforia is a pioneering healthtech company transforming medical imaging through artificial intelligence and deep learning. Headquartered in Helsinki, the company has rapidly become a reference in AI-powered image analysis, supporting laboratories and hospitals worldwide in accelerating diagnostics and improving patient care.

Aiforia’s decision to establish its first European hub outside the Nordics in Paris Region marks a strategic milestone in its international growth. By joining one of Europe’s most dynamic life sciences ecosystems — home to leading research institutions, global biopharma companies, and top AI talent — the company is strengthening its presence on the continent and reinforcing its R&D capabilities.

In this exclusive interview, Jukka Tapaninen, CEO of Aiforia Technologies, shares insights into the company’s expansion strategy in the Paris Region , the evolution of AI in modern pathology, and how its increasing involvement in France is helping shape the future of diagnostic excellence and cross-border healthcare innovation.

To begin, could you briefly introduce Aiforia and your role within the organization?

Aiforia is a leading provider of AI-powered image analysis solutions for digital pathology. We are especially focusing on the development of AI-driven solutions for cancer diagnostics, such as breast, prostate, and lung cancers. We have the broadest portfolio of regulatory-approved AI solutions in Europe for digital pathology applications.

Aiforia is a European company headquartered in Helsinki, with offices in Paris and Boston. Our customers include leading institutions such as AP-HP, Mayo Clinic, Institut Curie, and many others.

I was one of the early investors in Aiforia in 2015, and since 2020, I have had the privilege of serving as the company’s CEO.

What motivated your choice of Paris Region for your first European expansion, and what business or clinical activities will you develop from your new base here?

Choosing Paris was a natural decision. We already have several customers in the region, such as AP-HP and Institut Curie, and Paris is at the forefront of adopting new technologies in the healthcare sector. From our base here, we will continue to strengthen our collaborations with hospitals and research institutions nationwide, further expanding the use of our clinical AI model portfolio.

You plan to build a European Hub in the Paris Region. How will this strengthen your global strategy and contribute to the French healthcare and biotech ecosystem?

Pathology is undergoing a digital transformation, and AI is playing a crucial role in enhancing diagnostic productivity and accuracy, ultimately leading to improved patient care.

Our local hub in Paris will allow us to collaborate more closely with local clinical and academic partners, contribute to the region’s innovation ecosystem, and accelerate the development of new AI tools for pathology.

Paris Region has become a powerhouse for life sciences innovation. Which parts of this ecosystem are most relevant to Aiforia’s ambitions (hospitals, Medicen, incubators/accelerators, global pharma leaders, startups…)?

Yes, we already collaborate with several leading hospitals in the Paris Region. The strong presence of globally recognized healthcare institutions, biotech startups, and innovation clusters makes the ecosystem extremely relevant to Aiforia’s mission.

How did Choose Paris Region support you during your expansion project (For example: legal support,business and connexion support, techmeeting).

Choose Paris Region played an important role in facilitating our expansion. Having a dedicated team to provide guidance — from legal and administrative support to local business connections — made the process much smoother. Simply knowing that such support is available gives companies like ours the confidence to move forward.

Finding the right location is often a key step. Could you tell us more about establishing your subsidiary in France ?

Selecting our location was a straightforward decision. Establishing a subsidiary in France was essential for supporting our growing local business and facilitating closer, more effective collaboration with local healthcare providers. A physical presence is crucial for consistently delivering superior customer service.

Furthermore, this strategic step was streamlined by my own regional familiarity. Having lived in Paris from 2004 to 2020, I was already familiar with the city, which made the decision even easier. I now live near Nice but remain closely connected to the Paris ecosystem.

Paris Region attracts exceptional AI and life sciences talent. Could you share your recruiting plan in France?

We currently have three team members based in Paris, in addition to myself in the Riviera. As our customer base grows, we have the aspiration to expand our team to more than ten people in France over the next two to three years. Our focus will be on recruiting AI scientists, application specialists, and business development professionals.

What's your #1 piece of advice, based on your own experience, for those considering moving to the Paris Region?

Utilize local expertise when establishing your company. Administrative steps, such as opening a bank account, can take some time, but once established, you’ll find that doing business in France is easier than you might expect — and very rewarding.

Finally, do you have a favorite place or address in Paris Region? What makes it special for you?

I have a special fondness for the 16th arrondissement, where I lived for 16 years. Two of my youngest children were born there, and all three attended École Jeannine Manuel (EJM) in Paris, located in the 15th arrondissement, and the International School of Paris (ISP), located in the 16th arrondissement. It’s a beautiful, family-friendly area that holds many personal memories for me.