Viikki Wood & Forest InnoHub from University of Helsinki and the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) invite future shapers of the forest and nature sector to join a two-stage pitching competition. We are looking for the most promising early-stage startup and teams developing future commercial solutions to promote sustainable forest bioeconomy, halt nature loss and strengthen biodiversity – turning ideas into impactful innovations. The solutions should be at minimum at a level where they have been validated.
The first stage will take place at Forest Industry Days (
The competition offers valuable visibility, targeted pitch training, and direct access to two distinct audiences: forest-sector professionals and the international startup and investor community. The winning team will receive a €5,000 prize and, more importantly, the chance to take their idea to the next level.
Our goal is to bring forward fresh, research-based solutions to the pressing sustainability challenges of forests and nature as well as related industries – combining science, technology, and practical implementation – and to strengthen Finland’s position as a forerunner in sustainable innovation.
Join us in creating innovations that not only utilize nature but restore and strengthen its vitality for generations to come as well as maximize the sustainable use of natural resources.
From strong and diverse set of applications, our honorable jury
All following teams will pitch their solutions on Forest Industry Days on 23rd October!
KOKO Forest provides near real-time data and insights into local forest health and biodiversity trends empowering faster action to minimise forest damages. Our remote sensing solution uses high-resolution satellite images, machine vision algorithms and forest science research innovations.
KOKO Forest provides advanced forest analytics for monitoring forest health and biodiversity based on high-resolution satellite images and artificial intelligence.
VacuumWood.Tech offers onsite vacuum dryable prefabricated wood construction modules monitored by IoT wood moisture content sensors. This first of kind technology in the whole World enables functionality across all climates and indoor environments, step-by-step extendable lifecycle, deeply carbon negative status and a constant awareness of building health.
Nature2Bond delivers an innovative, sustainable, and non-toxic bio-based adhesive solution for revolutionizing the wood-based panels industry.
FireSafe – a safe, bio-based fire retardant technology that turns coatings into effective fire-retardant solutions. FireSafe is a non-toxic alternative to conventional chemicals. It’s destined to transform wood construction and beyond.
LignoSphere brings a bio-based, cost-effective, and high-performance alternative to the global adhesives and industrial coatings market currently dominated by fossil-based products. Using our patented technology, we are able to put lignin, a side stream of pulp production, into high-value use as the main ingredient of our solutions that are already being tested by international leaders of the industry.
Production technology for elite conifers
HYGRON unlocks the future of energy efficiency in cooling through bio-based enthalpy exchange membranes.
Carbon Twins is a CO₂-to-Cash platform that combines laser scanning, digital twins, and blockchain to deliver the world’s most accurate (<1% error) and transparent forest carbon farming solution, enabling verified credits and new revenue for forest owners.