Innovation ecosystem news
Doctoral thesis: Finland’s civil defence shelters protect nearly everyone – but hotter summers may test their limits
Built over decades, Finland’s civil defence shelter system covers almost the entire population and has cost the equivalent of three years of defence spending.
Rising sea could erase a significant portion of coastal habitats in Finland
More than a fifth of coastal meadows and sandy beaches may disappear by the turn of the century.
Groundbreaking grant model supporting student sustainability projects wins award in New York
Sustainability Action Booster grant model, developed by Aalto University, has received a prestigious international recognition from an UN-affiliated educational initiative. The model funds students' own experiments, ideas, and prototypes, and is now being praised for its bold, student-centered approach.
Five things everyone should know about the materials powering the green transition
The green transition depends on more than just clean energy — it requires a massive, complex supply of critical raw materials, especially metals and minerals. From mining and refining to recycling and innovation, here are five key things everyone should know about the materials powering a sustainable future.
New wooden buildings can slash upfront emissions by nearly a third, study shows
New research calls for clearer definitions for hybrid buildings
Aalto University participates in Finland's first Glass Biennale
The School of Arts, Design, and Architecture at Aalto University will be prominently featured in the first international Finnish Glass Biennale, taking place from June 5th to 8th, 2025, in Riihimäki, Nuutajärvi, and Iittala.
Apply to Unipreneurship Program SPIN: EXPLORE
EIT Digital’s Unipreneurship Initiative SPIN: EXPLORE welcomes researchers and scientists at any career stage to join a 3-week online programme, starting on 9 June 2025. The programme is designed to inspire and empower researchers and scientists, by equipping them with foundational business skills and stimulating their interest in the journey from lab to market.Â
Aalto Founder School launches in September
Startups are a major opportunity for Finland – the new Aalto Founder School aims to supercharge the ecosystem, says entrepreneur Mårten Mickos.
New Fundamentals: ELLIS Institute Finland launches with bold scientific ambitions
AI and ML for transforming R&D, enhancing human-AI teamwork, and creating exciting new science
Aalto University launches Inventors program to turn science into impact
The new training program in the field of chemical engineering empowers researchers to explore entrepreneurial pathways and the commercial potential of their work.
New academic collaboration between cities and universities brings research knowledge to decision-making
In the projects of the Kaupunkivaikutus collaboration, researchers are investigating urban nature as a means of climate adaptation, weighted-curriculum education and needs-based funding in comprehensive school, the impact of rail transport on people and businesses, and traffic disruptions.
Nessling Foundation’s General grant call opens on 11 August
A total of €2.85 million is available for projects intended to speed up the sustainability transformation.
CODEUNITED, led by Aalto University, successfully secures 1.34M€ funding from the EIT-HEI Initiative to enhance and scale entrepreneurship education in Europe
CODEUNITED stands for The COnnecting and DEvelopment of UNiversity-oriented InnovaTion Ecosystems through entrepreneurship eDucation project
Everyday choices: Viktar Asadchy, how do you control light?
This Associate Professor of Electromagnetics manipulates and directs light with materials.
Carbon footprint calculated: Aalto University's emissions almost halved since 2023
Special attention has been paid to energy use and sources in emission reduction measures.
ESA funding for the space business
The European Space Agency’s new innovation programme in Otaniemi helps Finnish companies commercialise inventions, leverage satellite data and strengthen their position in the industry.
EU Nature Restoration Law alone won’t halt urban biodiversity loss, says study
In response to accelerating environmental crises, the European Union has introduced the Nature Restoration Law (NRL). A key component of the law also mandates the restoration of urban ecosystems.
From doctoral education to professorship of practice – The collaboration between Aalto and Valmet deepens
Aalto University and Valmet collaborate to educate doctoral-level experts in multiple fields. Valmet is interested in both doctoral research and the expertise of new doctoral graduates.
New thermal sensor presents novel way to carry out cryogenic measurements
The on-chip bolometer cuts down on costs and complexity while boasting ten times broader operational range.
What windows does the Nokia Design Archive open?
Early this year, news spread worldwide about the opening of Nokia’s design history at Aalto University – an extraordinary collection in both its richness and authenticity. The materials offer unique opportunities for research across various academic disciplines.
