Two foundations grant EUR 1.8 million funding for Aalto projects

Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation and Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation are funding five research projects that aim to renew the society with top science. The projects received EUR 2.6 million of funding in total. Three of the projects come from Aalto University.

5G meets Industrial Internet

Aalto University Professor Martti Mäntylä's research group's project “5G meets Industrial Internet” combines two breakthrough technologies: 5G technology and industrial internet. The combination enables better capabilities in real time data management, predictability and mobility of actions and increased automation. Applications will build a basis for business opportunities worth more than hundreds of millions, benefiting both companies and consumers as well as the public sector.

”In Aalto University, we can combine industrial internet with the university campus’ 5G test network. The project builds on the know-how of 12 professors and a close cooperation with companies”, says Martti Mäntylä.

Improved design of web services

Professor Antti Oulasvirta is developing an automated cloud service that is able to suggest improved design of web services based on user data.

Can wood stop rust?

Professor Mari Lundström and Dr Benjamin Wilson from Aalto University are studying whether Finnish forests could provide novel ways to protect metallic surfaces.

”I am happy that our researchers were successful in the call. The projects are built on elements that are essential to Aalto University – bold vision and multidisciplinary excellence for the benefit of society”, says Tuula Teeri, President of Aalto University.

Researchers encouraged to experiment

The research openings combine digital economy, industrial internet and circular economy in a novel way, including design and human sciences. The researchers are free to experiment and search for new solutions.

”We wanted to challenge the researches to come up with novel ideas that would create internationally unique knowledge for the benefit of the Finnish industry and renewal of the society at large”, says Dr JT Bergqvist, Board Member of Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation.

The funding call received 140 idea phase applications. The most promising ones were selected for further coaching.

”The best proposals are topical and fully fulfill the criteria Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation’s Board has set for high-level, internationally competitive break-through research”, says Marja Leskinen, Secretary General of Jane and Aatos Erkko foundation.

”Dialogue between researchers and industry is of great worth when new research ideas are developed”, says Laura Juvonen, the Managing Director of Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation.

Two other projects funded come from Tampere University of Technology and from the University of Jyväskylä.