Insights

The chameleon, the symbol of the Tekes Functional Materials Programme, reminds us that nature knows how to effectively make and use functional materials.

This Environmental briefing produced by Spinverse Oy and Empa outlines the social and economical relevance of nano-enabled photocatalysis, provides background information on the technology, and highlights further challenges to be addressed. The summary was produced for the ObservatoryNANO project, which is funded under FP7. The challenges in treating waste- and drinking water are dependent on the origin of the water. Problematic substances in wastewater can include organic matter and/or different trace contaminants. Industrial wastewater may additionally contain heavy loads of metals or organic compounds. In drinking water production microbe contamination needs to be addressed especially in developing countries, but also for remote locations without access to a centralized drinking water supply.

Spinverse Expert Dr. Markku Heino has co-authored two scientific papers regarding nanomaterials published just recently in the web. Both papers are based on his work at Nokia Research Center, NanoSciences lab. showing the results of the cooperation between NRC and Aalto University.

The five-year DEMAPP program, managed by Spinverse, received a positive funding decision from Tekes in June 2010. Tekes will  fund the participating organizations in the program with a maximum of 3.9 Million euros during the second year (1.6.2010-31.5.2011).

Solar energy is a common application area for nanotechnology

International Millennium Youth Camp (MY Camp) was organised first time in Finland in June, 2010. The MY Camp gathered talented 16-19 year-olds to do international science in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Around 1000 youngsters from 62 countries applied to the MY Camp. In the end, 30 youngsters from 14 countries were chosen in the two-phase selection process. The aim of the week was to increase young people's interest in natural sciences and technology. The participants got to know the research and studying opportunities in Helsinki metropolitan area universities, they visited Finnish companies and networked among each other.

The first EU-Russia Innovation Forum was held in Lappeenranta, Finland on May 25th -27th 2010. The event, whose attendees included the Prime Ministers of Russia and Finland, featured a keynote presentation on the role of commercialisation in innovation from Spinverse CEO Pekka Koponen.

Finnish Enterprise Mobility Cluster: Mobility, antennas and... speed?

This Christmas, instead of sending Christmas cards, Spinverse has made a donation to the World Vision association in order to help mitigate the effects of climate change and to improve children’s' living conditions. World Vision is the world’s largest foster child organization. It serves close to 100 million people in nearly 100 countries around the world.