Smartphone camera detecting the ripeness of avocados, a needle-free tool measuring your blood sugar level – 12 scientific innovations at Slush

One of the innovations on show is that allows normal smartphone cameras to capture the detailed spectrum of light and, thus, ascertain whether e.g. drugs are fake or avocados ripe for eating, or how big an apple crop is expected to be.

“Currently available hyperspectral cameras are very expensive. The AI-based application we have developed, makes the technology available to everyone at an affordable price,” says Assistant Professor Arto Klami.

has developed a monitor the size of a smartwatch, with which glucose levels can be measured from tissue fluid without a single prick of a needle. An industrial prototype has been completed, and the product is estimated to be on the market in two to three years. The technique would benefit 450 million diabetics and the 1.9 billion people at risk of diabetes in the world. Additionally, the technology can be used in a number of other healthcare measurements.

Many large organisations and companies collect a lot of information on their customers, the utilisation of which is fairly restricted due to, among other factors, the General Data Protection Regulation of the EU and other data protection regulations. An application developed by processes information without affecting the value of collected datasets, but ensuring that individuals can no longer be identified. This way, sensitive data can be utilized, for example, in solutions based on machine learning, various commercial applications as well as research and development projects.

Read more about all other .

Discussions on science and innovations at the Slush section

On the stage of the University of Helsinki section at Slush (6D.1), discussions on science and innovations will be held on both days from 11.00 to 15.30. The detailed programme for the section will be published on the on 20 November.

Unicorner side event assembles decision-makers and investors to discuss the significance of scientific innovations

For the first time, the University of Helsinki is organising an official Slush side event, Unicorner, on Thursday, 21 November at Think Corner. The keynote speaker is Rebeca Hwang, co-founder and managing director of Kalei Ventures. Among her activities, Hwang has invested in companies where decision-making and purchases by women are essential to growth.

The panel focuses on what decision-makers, investors and universities could do to smoothen the path leading to successful business operations for research-based innovations. Alongside Rebeca Hwang, the panel is composed of Katri Kulmuni, Finland’s minister of economic affairs; Edward Hæggström, professor and CEO of Nanoform Finland Oy; and Patrick Ennis, venture partner at Madrona Venture Group.

The event is targeted at investors, decision-makers and others interested in the commercialisation of research-based innovations. 

Y Science brings life sciences to Slush

Also this year, the University of Helsinki, its Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) and Slush are highlighting research-based innovations, their impact and the significance of commercialising research at the Y Science event. Y Science, organised for the third time, is an official Slush side event. Part of the programme is a pitch competition for life science startups.

The event, which is specifically targeted at researchers, growth entrepreneurs and investors, will be held at the Messukeskus Expo and Convention Centre on 22 November at 9.00–12.00. The event is free of charge, but attendance requires registration on .

Helsinki Innovation Services helps researchers in commercialisation

(HIS), a company owned by the University of Helsinki, serves as a commercialisation expert between researchers and businesses with the aim of promoting the introduction of innovations into wider use in society.

“HIS helps researchers commercialise their innovations. What this means in practice is protecting and licensing innovations, establishing spinouts and recruiting suitable key individuals for spinout teams. For investors, research-based innovations are unique ‘deep tech’ investment targets,” says Jari Strandman, CEO of HIS.

Further information:

Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd: Jari Strandman, +358 40 700 6968,



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