Born from JYU’s strong basic research, Weeefiner offers circular-economy solutions for the recovery of raw materials

The development path of the startup company Weeefiner is a unique example of an innovation yielded by the University’s strong basic research. Based on chemistry research, Weeefiner provides solutions for water purification and recovery of critical raw materials.  

 “We seek to offer corporations genuinely profitable circular economy as a response to the sustainability crisis,” says Mikko Hänninen, CEO of Weeefiner. 

 The idea for a 4D scavenger arose from miniature models 

 Chief Executive Officer Mikko Hänninen and Chief Technology Officer Elmeri Lahtinen are JYU graduates from the Department of Chemistry, where they also worked as researchers before moving to the start-up. The idea for the start-up originated from the Department of Chemistry and 3D-printed miniatures.  

“A researcher had made some miniatures with a 3D printer,” Hänninen remembers. “We got the idea to add 3D-printed objects with a fourth, chemically functional dimension, like functional groups that enable recovery of metals.”  

 Soon we started chemical testing of filters and applying for grants. The project was underway for less than a year when the first research articles on the filter properties were completed and a patent was applied for. Weeefiner was founded in 2017 to advance the technology further. The first years in the technology development proceeded alongside university research, but growth and development were rapid. In 2020, the company started customer and pilot testing, and activities were fully launched.   

“Another important milestone was the capital investment we received from the JYU-based investment company Unifund and another investment company Hanki Development at the end of 2020,” says Elmeri Lahtinen, Chief Technology Officer of Weeefiner. “In addition to financing, both companies offered their expertise and networks to support our start-up.”  

 Now this technology has been applied with several companies from different fields, including mining, metallurgy and the process industries. In just a few years, the company has grown into a team of 15 experts. Weeefiner  has already received some awards as well: the “Save the Baltic Sea” prize in 2022 and the “Young Researcher-Entrepreneur” award in 2023. 

JYU is the best university in Finland 

More than anything, JYU has provided Hänninen and Lahtinen with strong expertise and competence. It has also made it easier to look at things with fresh thinking and apply what they have learned more broadly.  

“The University of Jyväskylä offered us high-quality education and in-depth knowledge of basic chemistry,” Hänninen says. “In addition, our university career has taught us about solving problems, meeting challenges and being persistent. There have been many instances in my career where I have needed these skills, along with my knowledge of chemistry.”  

 Both men would like to see more undertakings where the basic research of JYU is refined into various start-up and spin-off enterprises.  

“We are one example of how basic research enables profitable business,” Lahtinen says. “It can take years to refine an innovation into a product or service, but it is rewarding and, at its best, can even change the world.”  

 Weeefiner  continues to cooperate closely with the University of Jyväskylä. For example, the company is part of the Center of Excellence for Circular Economy coordinated by the Department of Chemistry and also recruits employees and trainees from JYU.  

Go ahead and take action

Hänninen and Lahtinen encourage young people to set up their own firm. The paths of start-up enterprises from innovation to product are often similar, but you should first carefully consider your own business idea.  

“A patent or an innovation has fairly little value until it has been proven feasible for industrial use,” Lahtinen says. “It pays to get networked with industry and different companies so you can see in practice whether there is any wider potential for your own business idea.  At the same time, it is good to consider you own professional expertise and experience.” 

 The University of Jyväskylä makes it easy to establish a start-up. Entrepreneurship is possible alongside work and studies. 

“As a student or researcher it is advisable to take advantage of various contacts and networking opportunities pertaining to academic and student life,” Lahtinen says. “For young entrepreneurs, there are also many specialized networks and associations you can join.” 
 

Lahtinen and Hänninen are willing to help everyone forward in the industrial journey. 

“People should feel welcome to ask us for help,” Hänninen says. “We provide mentoring and support and are also happy to present development suggestions for all plans.”  

Further information:  

• Mikko Hänninen, Chief Executive Officer, +358 40 705 3973, mikko.hanninen@weeefiner.fi 
• Elmeri Lahtinen, Chief Technology Officer, +358 40 559 2666, elmeri.lahtinen@weeefiner.fi  
• Weeefiner Ltd: https://www.weeefiner.fi/fi/  
• Center of Excellence for Circular Economy: https://www.jyu.fi/fi/science/kiertotalouden-osaamiskeskittyma  
• Jyväskylä-based Weeefiner offers a significant solution for a global problem – Unifund and Hanki Development as investors https://www.jyu.fi/fi/uutinen/jyvaskylalaiselta-weeefinerilta-merkittava-ratkaisu-globaaliin-ongelmaan-sijoittajiksi-unifund-ja 
• Unifund Jyväskylä Ltd: https://www.jyu.fi/fi/yhteistyo/unifund-jyvaskyla-Ltd