HAMK’s innovation unit boosts startup activity – Lignosphere already secured funding
Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) has established a new innovation unit that supports the acceleration of innovations developed within HAMK into startup companies. One example is Lignosphere Oy, a startup that has emerged from a HAMK-based innovation. Lignosphere produces coatings and adhesives from lignin, a wood-based material, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil-based raw materials in the adhesives and coatings industry.
Lignin, often referred to as the wood’s natural adhesive, has attracted interest from the adhesive, coatings, and wood industries for years as an alternative to fossil-based raw materials. It is estimated that up to 25 million tons of lignin could be extracted annually worldwide from side streams of the pulp industry. The challenge, however, has been how to produce lignin cost-effectively and how to find suitable markets for products made from it.
Kalle Lintinen, who previously worked as a researcher at Aalto University and later at HAMK, discovered a more efficient method to form lignin particles (lignin spheres) using ethanol and an organic solvent, for which he also obtained a patent.
In 2022, Lintinen joined HAMK to work on the Unelmat project, which focuses on researching ecological material solutions. During his time at HAMK, he received another lignin-related patent from the university and established new industry connections that helped enable the creation of a business venture.
Kiilto Ventures and Stephen Industries invested in Lignosphere.
This spring, Lintinen began working as a full-time entrepreneur. Lignosphere, which recently received funding from Kiilto Ventures and Stephen Industries, aims to build a pilot plant capable of processing up to 1,500 kilotons of lignin into nanoparticles per year.
Lignosphere is a member of the Launchpad HAMK Community, which in practice means, for example, renting suitable facilities from HAMK. This has helped the company move forward in both product and business development.
“It has been great to see how flexible HAMK has been as a partner in negotiating facility solutions with Lignosphere. Our individual needs were well met,” says researcher Kalle Lintinen.
HAMK’s innovation unit, established last autumn, aims to strengthen regional vitality and accelerate the adoption of research results developed at HAMK. Its activities include advisory and mentoring services for early-stage startups, access to networks, assistance in applying for funding, patenting services, and innovation vouchers for students. As a new initiative, startups are now also offered access to the Launchpad HAMK Community.
“Our goal is to grow the Launchpad HAMK Community into a startup ecosystem that startups outside HAMK can also join. Members benefit from the opportunity to work in HAMK’s facilities alongside other innovative and like-minded entrepreneurs. They also have access to HAMK’s laboratories and equipment, and are offered entrepreneurship training as well as support for product development,” says Annukka Pakarinen, HAMK’s Director of Research and Innovation.
Startups can apply for membership in the Launchpad HAMK Community. The application form will be updated on our website soon, and before that you can contact Annukka Pakarinen, Director of Research and Innovation.
More information:
Kalle Lintinen
Startup-entrepreneur
kalle.lintinen@hamk.fi
+35850573498
