Seizing opportunities — Vuong Vo’s path led through Aalto University and VTT to build the protein factory of the future
On the morning of our interview, an email arrives.
’Sorry, but could we move our meeting to the afternoon? I have an urgent matter related to work site to take care of,’ writes Vuong Vo.
In the afternoon, a cheerful face appears on the Teams screen.
‘All sorted now,’ says Vo, who works as a senior engineer at the growth company Volare.
Volare, which originated at VTT, produces protein from black soldier fly larvae for use in pet food and fish feed. The company’s pilot plant in Hyvinkää was completed in 2021.
‘We’re now building the first commercial factory in Pori, and things have been very busy — in a good way.’
And it was precisely this pace and level of challenge that brought Vo to Finland in 2014.
A childhood spark
The spark for engineering was lit early. Vo’s uncle, who ran an electronics repair shop, supplied him with small motors, batteries, and speakers, which he eagerly experimented with.
Vo studied chemistry for two years at -an university of science and technology in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Continuing his studies and career at home would have been the natural, safe choice.
‘My family and friends were close, and everything was familiar. But I wanted more challenges and possibilities, so I began considering studying abroad,’ he recalls.
A friend’s tip prompted him to look at Finland as well. He found an appealing English-language automation bachelor’s program at Häme University of Applied Sciences. From there, he continued to Aalto University to complete a master’s degree in automation and electrical engineering. He found a master’s thesis position next door at VTT, where he stayedon as a researcher after graduation.
Aalto and VTT have a long strategic partnership with three shared focus areas: security, entrepreneurship, and the green and digital transition.
In his thesis work, Vo developed a process for novel protein production.
‘When Volare was later founded, I joined the company to work in engineering and research and development,’ he says.
Black soldier fly larvae feed on side streams from the food industry, such as inedible grain components, brewery spent grains and vegetable peels. Volare mixes these into a porridge-like material where newly hatched larvae can grow. The dried larvae are processed into protein and oil, and their frass is sold to agriculture as fertilizer material.
‘So, we produce protein sustainably, following circular economy principles,’ Vo sums up.
‘My responsibilities include process engineering and procurement of industrial equipment for the new factory. At Volare we’re a growing, international group of ambitious and committed experts from different fields. What unites us is a shared set of values: learning, caring and purpose.’
Entering working life in Finland
According to Vo, daily life and practical matters in Finland work smoothly: information is easy to find online, paperwork is handled digitally, and people are friendly and speak good English.
Still, finding that first job can be challenging for international students and professionals. Vo knows from experience that persistence and openness pay off.
‘During my bachelor’s studies I wanted to find part-time work—not only to earn money but to see life and meet people outside school. I sent out a huge number of emails and called companies. I spent my first summer working on a strawberry farm in Hämeenlinna. The plan was to save money for living expenses, but instead my girlfriend — now my wife — and I ended up traveling around Europe,’ he laughs.
In his second year, Vo went to Germany for a six-month exchange program to gain experience in mechatronics and explore life in another country. Back in Finland to complete his studies, he delivered newspapers and worked in restaurants part-time while continuing to send out applications to companies. His first job in his field came from Parker Hannifin, a company in Tampere, where he also completed his bachelor’s thesis.
‘You should be brave, but also patient and open to different kinds of work — ready to seize opportunities when they arise,’ he advises.
His studies at Aalto gave him a strong foundation and opened his eyes to new possibilities.
‘At Aalto, I found that opportunities are everywhere. It’s a great environment for project work, networking, and connecting with companies and researchers. During my studies, I found a part-time, learning-based role in automation engineering at a startup, which gave me valuable hands-on experience. I also had the chance to work as a research assistant at ADDLAB. Both roles were connected to Aalto.’
Having the opportunity to work at VTT, in a science-driven research environment, was a major milestone.
‘I learned to break down complex systems, identify root causes, and solve problems step by step rather than relying on assumptions.’
About half of the students who come to Finland from abroad stay to work after graduating — one of the highest rates in Europe.
How does Vo feel now about his decision to come to Finland, more than ten years later?
‘I’m quite proud of myself. It’s been a journey here in Finland, and I’ve grown a lot both personally and professionally. I was eager to take opportunities and willing to push beyond the limits, even when it wasn’t easy and sometimes stressful. The decision was absolutely the right one. Today, I’m living with my loving wife and our two-year-old son. In the future, I dream of a good life with my family — and of continuing to work, doing something that benefits society,’ Vo says with a smile.
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