Innovation portfolio

Agate

Hyperspectral imaging revealing the invisible
Agate sensor device

Status:

Startup company

SDGs:

Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Life on land

Industry:

Electrical engineering

Impact:

Sustainable systems

Origin:

Research to Business

School:

School of Electrical Engineering

Established:

2023

What if farmers could apply fertilizers and pesticides only on areas where they are needed? Or if we could tell if food is rotten on the inside by just looking at it?  

Hyperspectral imaging makes this possible. The AGATE sensor provides a hundred times more information than a regular camera or human eyes can ever collect, allowing us to see the invisible. Its tiny size makes hyperspectral imaging more accessible than ever. When applied to the whole food production chain from producing to logistics and consumption, the waste reduction potential becomes immense.

The hyperspectral imaging technology analyzes a wide spectrum of light with an interpretation algorithm. Traditional imaging assigns a main colour (red, green or blue) to each pixel, but hyperspectral imaging uses thousands of colours to capture the full range of information within a single pixel. 

This level of detail has the potential to impact several fields. For example, in food production, more precise information about nutrient distribution on the field or ripeness of fruit could decrease excessive fertilisation and food waste. In just a few years, Agate may become standard equipment for smartphones, drones, or self-driving cars.

A satellite picture of the forest, with pink, violet and green colours

How to see trees and plants in a whole new light

A hyperspectral snapshot captures all the light in a scene, not just colours or infrared light. The extra information is useful in many applications, from agriculture and conservation to forensics and food safety.

News
A blac, blue and violet coloured sensor

It started with a breakthrough in research – ultrasharp imaging technology now fits on your fingertip

Agate Sensors, a startup originating from Aalto University, has raised €5.6 million in funding for its spectral sensor technology

News

Aalto University Innovation Services

Aalto Innovation Services manages the commercialization of inventions at Aalto University.

Researchers

Startup ecosystem

Interested in enterpreneurship, startups and innovations? Welcome to join our community.

A picture taken at the Arctic15 business summit, where the Aalto startup community is showcasing their innovations to stakeholders

Founder School

Aalto Founder School brings entrepreneurship closer to all students at Aalto through monthly Founder Talks, a new minor studies programme, and a tailor-made Founder Sprint for the most driven founders.  

Silhouetted people stand before a large screen displaying a vibrant gradient from blue to pink and orange.

Designs for a Cooler Planet 2025 exhibition

Aalto University’s biggest annual exhibition presents visionary cross-disciplinary work. Come explore prototypes, experiments and solutions.

Visitors at an exhibition exploring sustainable materials. Displays include furniture, small plants, and design elements.

News from innovation ecosystem

Two people presenting data on Nordic markets. One holds a microphone, the other gestures towards a screen.
Cooperation, Press releases, University Published:

Aalto University to host the INNOVA Europe Summit 2026 in Espoo

Aalto University to host the INNOVA Europe Summit 2026 in Espoo, bringing together Europe’s next generation of student entrepreneurs.
Silhouette of a person thinking, overlaid with colourful digital data and graphics on the right side.
Cooperation, Press releases Published:

Finnish AI Region Secures Second Term with Top Marks from EU

Finnish AI Region (FAIR) EDIH has been selected to continue operations for a second term with excellent ratings. European Union continuation funding enables service expansion from the beginning of 2026. Aalto University is one of 10 partners in FAIR.
Aalto Creatives pre-incubator visual
Campus, Cooperation, Press releases Published:

Call for Applications: Aalto Creatives Pre-incubator Programme Spring 2026

Next pre-incubator programme starts in March. Call for applications closes on 9.2.2026.
A large audience watches the final presentation of Junction hackathon on stage, with '1st ApprenticeCircle+' on screen for Aalto University challenge.
Awards and Recognition, Cooperation Published:

Aalto students and researchers shape together how we age with AI at Junction hackathon 2025

The 'Aging with AI' hackathon challenge sparked a winning solution connecting generations over shared learning experiences, preserving cultural skills.
  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!