Aalto University and VTT launch a major innovation ecosystem aimed at doubling the value of forest industry

On 23 August 2018, Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland signed a collaboration agreement on the CERES flagship programme and took a concrete step towards a joint innovation ecosystem in the field of bioeconomy. The aim is to develop materials from renewable resources in order to safeguard a sustainable future. The Academy of Finland has granted a EUR 9.5 million flagship funding for the first four years of the project. An extension funding for the next four-year period will be based on an interim evaluation. The total funding of the project is EUR 24 million.

The CERES innovation ecosystem will create a unique foundation for new bioeconomy innovations in Finland. Plant-based biomaterial is the future plastics and, according to researchers, much beyond. The purpose of this ecosystem is to develop new materials, in particular based on lignocellulose and forest biomass, for industrial-scale production of packaging, textiles and separation systems, as well as semiconductors, composites and solutions for energy storage.

According to VTT’s scenario calculations, if used to manufacture high added-value products, Finnish forest and field biomass could double in value by 2050. It is possible to do all this and, at the same time, reach the climate targets set for the country. This scenario work is the first analysis of Finland’s potential in the bioeconomy and its transition to a low-carbon economy, which takes account of all industrial and emission sectors.

The objective of Finland’s national bioeconomy strategy is to create 100,000 new jobs in the country and increase the bioeconomy output by EUR 40 billion by 2025. The research and development work to be performed under CERES will support the delivery of this objective and help companies to make new openings in the international market.

On 23 August 2018, VTT President and CEO Antti Vasara and Aalto University President Ilkka Niemelä signed a collaboration agreement to establish the CERES ecosystem. In this agreement, both parties emphasise their willingness to create a joint ecosystem in the field of biomaterial research, as well as create ground rules for successful cooperation. The agreement also aims to support the commercial exploitation of project results.

CERES will function as a virtual knowledge centre. It will develop new methods for biomass processing as well as material solutions based on these, and provide the industry long-term, globally cutting-edge R&D work.