Experimentation with biodegradable – primarily algae-based – materials and various underlying raw materials in the field of technology and product development.
Ongoing Projects:
Nanomaterials and (Production) Technologies based on Renewable Bioresource Valorization
Head of research: Kärt Ojavee
Funding: HARNO IT Academy 2021-2030
Completed Projects:
Algae: Transitioning Design towards Blue Bioeconomy
The diversity of the Blue Bioeconomy in the Northern and Baltic region requires greater intersectoral cooperation if we truly aim to plan activities that can lead to a more sustainable bio-based future. Bio-integrated design toolkits and methods can contribute to the development of visions or emerging opportunities, particularly in the context of addressing global issues such as climate change, pollution, decreasing biodiversity, and resource depletion. For example, the diverse group of more than 72,500 species of photosynthetic organisms living in water – algae – is increasingly considered one of the planet’s largest underutilized resources. Through research, we exchange knowledge, technological information, and monitor bioresources between the neighboring coastal areas of the Northern and Baltic countries, integrating skills from marine ecology and emerging biotechnology into future-oriented design capabilities to plan pathways for sustainable development. By using algae as a source of biomass in water, we focus on their applications in areas such as biomaterials, bioenergy (fuels), and biopurification services to contribute to a more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive blue bioeconomy in the Northern and Baltic region.
Head of research: Kärt Ojavee
Collaboration Partners: 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 period: 2021-2023
Funding: Nordplus Horizontal
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