Research with reach – how VTT is powering breakthrough ventures at home and abroad

Home to around 320 000 people, Espoo is Finland’s second-largest city – and a quiet achiever spurring groundbreaking global innovation. At the centre of this is VTT, a state-run research centre turning innovation into impact.

VTT is where science meets business, and ideas leave the lab to make a difference.

Nearly five years ago, we profiled a group of VTT spin-offs that were making an impact with practical responses to some of the world’s biggest challenges. These five spin-offs spanned key sectors of innovation: sustainable packaging, augmented reality, textile technology, health diagnostics and smart agriculture.

Much has happened in the years since – with VTT’s reach extending beyond spin-offs. In short, the world is taking notice – and taking notes.

Here’s some of what’s happened since we last checked in.

1. Onego Bio – ethical eggs without the chickens

Since spinning off from VTT in 2022, Onego Bio has moved quickly to make an impact on sustainable food production. Having developed an animal-free method of producing egg white proteins using precision fermentation, the result is a bio-identical product that serves as a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional egg production.

Armed with 65 million euros in funding, Onego Bio is poised to make a significant impact on the food industry – particularly in baking and manufacturing, where egg whites are hard to replace. With US regulatory approval secured and a new base on the West Coast, the company is well-positioned to scale.

“By leveraging precision fermentation technology, we are addressing the global demand for egg protein at scale, helping to create resilient supply chains and power a more sustainable food system,” said Maija Itkonen, CEO and co-founder of Onego Bio. “The opening of our San Diego office is a critical step forward in our journey to scale sustainable protein production.”

2. Infinited Fiber – sustainable fibres from waste

The proprietary process behind Infinited Fiber – which turns cellulose-rich waste like old textiles, cardboard, or crop residues into a new, cotton-like fibre called Infinna – was originally developed at VTT.

It’s a formula that fits.

Since its foundation, Infinited Fiber Company has partnered with major fashion brands including Inditex – the parent company of Zara – which committed to purchasing 30 per cent of its future Infinna production. H&M Group was also an early collaborator and strategic investor. These partnerships reflect a transformation of the industry in a circular fashion – the company’s core mission.

“Circularity is at the heart of our business,” highlighted Petri Alava, CEO and co-founder of Infinited Fiber Company. “Finland has solid bioeconomy know-how and is very supportive of circular economy innovations. We see these as major strengths that enable Finland to become a leader in the creation of the new, circular economy-based textile industry value chain.”

3. Steady Energy – advancing small modular reactors

Established in 2023, Steady Energy is commercialising VTT's LDR-50 small modular reactor (SMR) technology, designed to provide clean and stable district heating. With numerous construction projects slated around Finland, things are heating up fast.

Indeed, in March 2025, Steady Energy announced a 22-million-euro funding round led by Copenhagen-based 92 Ventures, a firm specialising in nuclear-focused investments. The funds are earmarked for the construction of a full-scale pilot plant, with building scheduled to begin in the latter half of the year. The company’s small modular reactor concept is attracting growing attention – including from early backers.

“Steady Energy’s reactor technology is based on world-class research and development at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland,” said Timo Ahopelto, founding partner at Lifeline Ventures, an investor in Steady Energy since its inception. “It is an attractive alternative for energy utilities and, crucially, is available within the tight timeframes that decarbonisation needs.”

4. IQM Quantum Computers – leading in quantum technology

Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from VTT and Aalto University, IQM has become a European leader in superconducting quantum computers. How much so? In March 2025, in collaboration with VTT, IQM launched Europe’s first 50-qubit quantum computer.

“The delivery of this quantum computer is a significant milestone in our technology roadmap towards large-scale quantum computing with applications in quantum machine learning, optimisation, or simulations,” said Jan Goetz, Co-CEO and co-founder of IQM Quantum Computers.

The 50-qubit system, developed in partnership with VTT, in turn laid the foundation for IQM’s Radiance 54-qubit quantum computer, which is being shipped to its customers worldwide.

“We are now at full speed to deliver on the growing demand for our quantum computers to drive scientific breakthroughs and ultimately reach quantum advantage,” Goetz added.

5. Refinity – recycling plastics with Finnish science

In January 2025, US-based Refinity acquired exclusive rights to commercialise VTT’s fluidised bed technology for chemically recycling mixed plastic waste. Developed by VTT, the process transforms low-value plastics into valuable chemical feedstocks – advancing the shift towards a circular plastics economy.

While Refinity operates out of the US, its core innovation is distinctly Finnish – underscoring how VTT’s research continues to find global relevance through international technology transfer.

“We are excited to collaborate with Refinity to commercialise our thermochemical conversion technology, delivering an economically viable waste-to-value solution for a sustainable future,” said Tua Huomo, executive vice president of VTT. “This technology builds on decades of dedicated research and development at VTT. It is truly rewarding to see our innovations being implemented globally through this technology transfer.”