Experimenting with biodegradable materials, primarily algae-based, and various raw materials for technology and product development.
Ongoing projects:
Nanomaterials and (production) technologies based on renewable bioresources
Research topic lead: Kärt Ojavee
Supporter: HARNO IT Academy 2021-2030
Completed projects:
Algae for Design-Led Transition towards Blue Bioeconomy
The diversity of the blue bioeconomy in the Nordic-Baltic region requires increased cross-sectoral collaboration if we truly aim to plan activities that can lead to a more sustainable bio-based future. Tools and methods of bio-integrated design can contribute to the development of visions or emerging opportunities, especially in the context of addressing such global issues as climate change, pollution, decreasing biodiversity, and depletion of natural resources. For example, the diverse group of photosynthetic organisms living in water, algae, consisting of more than 72,500 species, is increasingly considered one of the planet’s largest underutilized resources. Through research, we exchange knowledge, technology information, and monitor bio-resources between the neighboring coastal areas of the Nordic-Baltic region, integrating expertise from marine ecology and the emerging bio-industry with forward-looking design capabilities to plan paths for sustainable development. By utilizing algae as a source of biomass in water, we focus on their applications in areas such as biomaterials, bioenergy (fuels), and bioremediation services to contribute to a more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive blue bioeconomy in the Nordic-Baltic region.
Research topic lead: Kärt Ojavee
Collaborators: Aalto University, Design School Kolding, Origin by Ocean, Danish Knowledge Centre for Seaweed, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Iceland University of the Arts, Tallinn University, Stockholm Environment Institute, Vetik OÜ, Vilnius Academy of Arts, Hyndla
Project duration: 2021-2023
Funder: Nordplus Horizontal
ETIS: link