Immigrant founded his second company in Pirkanmaa – works 14-15 hour days

Alaa Salonen's first company Monihoiva has three subcontractors. Now Salonen is developing a medication dispensing robot in his new company with other shareholders.

Aamulehti reported over a year ago about asylum seeker Alaa Salonen who came from Iraq. Salonen, who arrived in Finland in 2015, had a family in Lempäälä and a care sector company, Monihoiva, in March 2024.

From Iraq to Finland – becoming an entrepreneur

When arriving in Finland, Salonen immediately invested in learning the language. He started his care sector career as an unpaid trainee at Kuuselakeskus in Tampere. Since then, he has grown into the owner of two companies in Pirkanmaa.

From Monihoiva to MoniDose

Monihoiva was Salonen's first company, which has three subcontractors. MoniDose is his second company, where he is developing an innovative medication dispensing robot together with other shareholders.

14-15 hour work days

Salonen's work ethic is exceptional – he regularly works 14-15 hour days while building his companies. This dedication has enabled both Monihoiva's growth and the progress of MoniDose's development work.

Article originally published in Aamulehti on 18 May 2025. Photo: Jukka Ritola / Aamulehti archive.