Future makers research batteries, cryptography and plastic recycling

The Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation’s Future Makers programme finances research projects that strive to innovate and create sustainable future solutions. This year they awarded grants to a total of eight projects, five of which are based in Aalto University. 

Senior Scientist Jani Oksanen's DDTEL project develops new compound-semiconductor combinations aiming to produce, among other things, more efficient LEDs and solar cells. Applications of these semiconductor combinations convert chemical processes, cooling and light into electricity. The technology aims to create new applications and commercial deep-tech opportunities.  

Assistant Professor Daniel Martin Yega & Tampere University Assistant Professor Satu Häkkinen launch a project that aims to create a new emission-free method of recycling PET plastic waste into high-value products such as biodegradable polymers and green hydrogen. The project addresses the global plastic-waste problem and supports national circular-economy and hydrogen-economy goals of Finland. 

Assistant Professor Russell W.F. Lai's project develops new, efficient cryptographic systems capable of proving and verifying the integrity of computation on encrypted data. Applications of these systems improve data encryption and broader digital security, for example in the banking and healthcare sectors.  

Professor Riku Jäntti's project aims to create a cost-effective, easily scalable and secure wireless hybrid system offering a realistic and affordable alternative to industrial 5G networks. The solution allows especially small and medium-sized enterprises to transition more easily into wireless smart production systems.  

Assistant Professor Yaolin Xu’s Fast-Charging Future Batteries (FAST) project develops advanced pulse-charging methods to achieve fast charging in batteries and extend battery life while preserving capacity and improving safety. The technology also creates more possibilities for storing electricity. It supports Finland’s battery use strategies, circular-economy goals and energy self-sufficiency. FAST also makes use of the nanomicroscopy facilities of OtaNano, Finland’s national research infrastructure for nano, micro and quantum technologies. 

'Many of the research ideas stood out for their ambition to strengthen industries’ capacity for renewal, contribute to solving the major crises of our time, and enhance Finland’s overall resilience,' says Antti Aarnio, Executive Director of the Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation. 

Over the past nine years the Future Makers programme has awarded €30.6 million to a total of 60 research projects.