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SmartBio – Smart Solutions in Biotechnology

Developing responsible raw material production and the circular economy with industry

We are developing solutions for a green industrial transition. Our aim is to advance innovative and sustainable production of bio-based materials and circular economy.

Our strong practical expertise in the bioeconomy, business objectives and solutions that enable digital transformation meet in the research environments of the SmartBio key ecosystem – for example in industry, forests, greenhouses and in the primary sources of food production in fields.

Our specific expertise includes production technologies for bio-based raw materials, the use of side and waste streams, and application development enabled by modern biotechnology. We work with the food, materials and energy industries. Long-term research and fast-track practical projects help companies to move forward with product development.

We believe that the transformation of the bioeconomy and circular economy will come from the use and development of digital technologies. We generate research-based knowledge on sustainable solutions and create new business opportunities from the early stages of production to finished products and consumers. At the core of our operations are the expertise of HAMK’s specialists in different fields and the needs of industry and society.

Come and do research with us. You’re here to make a change.

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HAMK’s research in a glance

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Focus areas

The SmartBio key ecosystem brings together our multidisciplinary research that develops responsible raw material production and the circular economy with industry. SmartBio is divided into research focus areas. Read more on the focus areas below!

Soil Processes for Sustainable Industry

Sustainable and Innovative Bioproduction

Our ongoing projects

Accelerating Climate-Friendly Waterway Investments

In the project “Vauhtia ilmastomyönteisiin vesistöinvestointeihin (VIIVI)”, we aim to improve water well-being in Kanta-Häme, prevent nutrient runoff, adapt to climate change, and safeguard biodiversity.

Accelerating Growth Through Plant-Based Food Innovations (Kasvis-TKI)

The project aims to expand the variety of plant-based products by providing comprehensive information and recipes throughout the entire supply chain, while forming new collaborative networks.

Biogas and Valuable Components from Industrial Waters (Vesitar)

We promote the circular economy by exploring opportunities to utilize valuable components and organic matter derived from industrial by-products and wastewater, for example, in the production of biogas and microalgae.

CAgriLab – Consolidated virtual living lab platform for knowledge sharing and adaption in regenerative agriculture

We are establishing a consolidated virtual living lab platform in an international project to enhance knowledge exchange in agriculture. This will support collaboration and data sharing, helping farmers adopt and adapt regenerative practices to improve soil health and promote sustainable agriculture.

Carbon-wise Biogas and Nutrients for Circulation in Kanta-Häme (BioKanta)

The goal of the BioKanta project is to promote the successful implementation of biogas investments in the Kanta-Häme region. The project involves examining biogas solutions based on various scales and feedstocks, providing guidance for those considering facility investments, and generating research data on farm-scale processing solutions to promote nutrient and carbon cycling.

Nainen tutkii jotakin/ A woman is researching something

Center of Circular Economy and Horticulture (Hortianna)

We are building a circular and horticultural economy competence center at HAMK’s Lepaa campus, aiming to develop new circular economy-based innovations in collaboration with companies and other stakeholders.

Coordination Project for the National ERDF Themes for Green Transition

The task of the coordination project is to strengthen the impact and effectiveness of the national themes of the green transition (energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reduction, climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, as well as a carbon-neutral circular economy society) by supporting projects implementing these themes and facilitating collaboration between the projects and…

Cutting Food Loss and Waste in Europe (CIBUS)

CIBUS aims to reduce food loss and waste by increasing regions’ capacity to develop innovative regional policies. Local and regional authorities have an important role in creating a policy environment that stimulates prevention and reduction of food loss and waste.

Digi4CSA – Digital Solutions to Foster Climate-smart Agricultural Transition

In the Digi4CSA project, funded by the Research Council of Finland, the goal is to build a digital solution for assessing and monitoring the environmental and economic impacts of climate-smart agriculture (CSA). The solution aids stakeholders in decision-making and tracking the results of CSA.

Digital CityCarbon 2.0 Kanta-Häme

In the Digital Urban Carbon 2.0 dual project, we explore what new and complementary data, as well as methodological recommendations, can be produced to support cities’ low-carbon efforts, specifically regarding the carbon sinks in built natural environments.

Domestic Bio-raw Materials in Health and Wellness Products (FarKos)

We develop and study methods for processing domestic side streams, as well as for the production and processing of bio-based raw materials such as cultivated plants, fungi, and algae. These raw materials are researched and utilized in the development of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

Durable biopigments and binders (Biopigments)

In Durable biopigments and binders (Biopigments) project, we promote the transition of the dyes and binders industry from fossil raw materials to renewable raw materials.

See all projects