Helsinki Region Centre of Expertise
Helsinki Region plays a major role in Finnish nanotechnology including over 60% of national research resources and about half the companies.
The major research players are Helsinki University of Technology (TKK) with nanotechnology related activities in 20 laboratories, University of Helsinki (UH) with activities in Kumpula, Meilahti and Viikki campus areas, and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. In addition to these three, nano-related research is carried out in MIKES, FIOH, CSC, KCL, FMI and Metropolia. Most of these activities were identified and listed in the HelsinkiNano research report in 2004 (http://www.helsinkinano.fi/). Links to these organisations can also be found on this website's page "research institutes".
In addition to research, there are 60-80 companies with nanotechnology related R&D and/or production (the actual number depending on the definition), for example Nokia Research Centre, OrionDiagnostica Oy, Vaisala Oy, Beneq Oy, Picosun Oy, nGlass Oy and Genano Oy. Also Kalevala Koru Oy, using Atomic Layer Deposition coatings to protect their silver jewellery from tarnishing, could be counted in. Examples and links can be found on this website's page "companies".
As the technological expertise of Helsinki Region is widespread, Helsinki Region Centre of Expertise focuses on selected thematic areas, not spesific technological sectors. These themes are:
1) Innovations and commercialization (for instance NanoPumppu project, gathering and developing tools enhancing the flow of new technologies from academic sector to business sector)
2) Fine particles and nanosafety (for instance Fine particles forum (http://www.hiukkasfoorumi.fi/), gathering 52 Finnish companies and organisations interested in fine particles, their effects on atmosphere and health, but also their commercial potential and industrial applications.)
3) Building and living (for instance New materials in building and living -forum, gathering four Competence Clusters interested in potential applications of nanotechnology in their sectors).
4) Surfaces and coatings (e.g. for instance Nanosurfaces-minicluster will aim to continue the excellent work carried out in FinALD -minicluster. This work will be organised in close cooperation with Mikkeli Centre of Expertise)
Links:
http://www.culminatum.fi
http://www.hiukkasfoorumi.fi/
http://www.rfidlab.fi/