Runar Bäckstrom

The 2025 Grant Winners

The board of the Runar Bäckström Foundation has decided in its meeting to award grants to a total of 10 applicants, each receiving 15,000 euros, for a total of 150,000 euros. Congratulations to all the winners!

Finlandia Automation
Cable A
Finncure Oy
Development of platform-type particle solutions against various diseases.
Kaivotohtori Oy
Biowater filter and water indicator concept.
Korpi Topias
A refrigerant-free heat pump.
Lignum Medical Oy
Development of a device for the treatment of female urinary incontinence.
Nutakor Charles
REAL Machine, a high performance traction electric motor WITHOUT magnets
NW Systems Ab Oy
Greenhouse dehumidification by combining condensation and adsorption technologies
Ruotsalainen Teemu
Dry electrode technology for measuring biopotential signals such as EKG, EOG, ECG, EMG, EEG.
Uniki Oy
Komposiittipaperi ja paperinvalmistusprosessi (Composite paper and paper making process)
Xfold Imaging Oy
Cost-effective and high-sensitivity Xfold biosensor for point of care molecular diagnostic devices for Infectious diseases

In addition, a grant was awarded separately for the following project:

Kemistklubben vid Åbo Akademi rf – Axelborg IV – 15,000 EUR

The 2024 Grant Winners

The board of the Runar Bäckström Foundation decided in its meeting on February 7, 2024, to award grants to a total of 10 applicants, each receiving 15,000 euros, for a total of 150,000 euros. Congratulations to all the winners!

Butterfly Brick Oy
Butterfly Backbone – Support device for a hockey goalkeeper's pad.
Coldins Oy
Coldins 2-way insulation board.
DeepScan Diagnostics
Predictive cancer screening test for dogs and cats.
Domus Biotechnologies Oy
Third-generation DNA sequencing library creation using the jumping gene molecular machinery.
Idea Club O
Oxygen Booster – The Oxygen Booster – Grilling accessory.
Korpi Topias
Refrigerant-free heat pump.
Lean Pulp Oy
New technology for handling liquid and solid mixtures, along with a device concept based on this technology.
Lifthanger Finland Oy
Lifthanger lifting system / lifting equipment for handling loads in vehicles.
Three Mushketeers Oy
ReMush
Xfold Imaging Oy
Nanoplasmonic microscopy slide for early and high-sensitivity diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB)

The 2023 Grant Winners

The board of the Runar Bäckström Foundation decided in its meeting on February 7, 2023, to award grants to a total of 10 applicants, each receiving 15,000 euros, for a total of 150,000 euros. Congratulations to all the winners!

AX Utveckling AB
New process for green and energy effective ammonia production
FinnCure Oy
Development of platform-type particle solutions against respiratory infections.
Greatest Heroes Oy
Polarization Adaptation
Myllylä Teemu
Glymphometer for measuring and monitoring the activation of the brain's cleansing system.
Paul Preethy
Natural Tick Repellent – Prevention of Tick Bites and Tick-Borne Diseases in Finland
Pure Luminescence Technologies Oy
PureGlow™
Ryhänen Heikki
Flat speaker.
Sonai Health Oy
Sonai Heart Monitor
Torrec Technology Oy (ex. B Carbon Group Oy)
Biochar reactor
Xylo Gas Oy
A megawatt-scale wood gasification and biochar plant.

The 2022 Grant Winners

The board of the Runar Bäckström Foundation decided in its meeting on February 8, 2022, to award grants to a total of 17 applicants, for a total of 255,000 euros. Congratulations to all the winners!

Abomics Oy
Digital platform for integrating pharmacogenetics services into healthcare information systems.
Alpha Logos Software Oy
Instrument Scan – Healthcare instrument observation and identification system.
Biometa Finland Oy
Bioproduct plant.
Bionido Oy
Fiber-based seedling cultivation pot enabling low-plastic farming.
Brück Oscar
Automatic analysis of bone marrow sample cell morphology.
Genna Health Oy
Genna Health, digital risk analyses.
Jurvan Multiosaajat Oy
Grippie – A grip agent for hands made with natural ingredients and without mess. It prevents sweating in natural ways.ihoa vahingoittamatta
KULMIO OY
Kulmio – A packaging material that replaces plastic and its production method.
Lipasu Oy
Friidu, plant-based ice cream.
Makeellinen Oy
Food product for reducing sweet cravings.
Marginum Oy
Guidance tool for cancer surgery.
Mosilily Irikefe
PESUKARHU Brand – Curing weak fiber strands to become a strength of material for many uses, replacing hydro foam products in everyday fast-moving consumer goods.
Neovolt Oy
System and method for preventing electrode degradation in an electrochemical reactor.
Oy Kombuliner Ab
KOMBULINER TM – A seaweed-infused viscose fiber cloth used for flavoring and storing fish, meat, game, and vegetables.
Pyrovisio Oy
Inspection device for power plant environments.
Smart PD Solutions Oy
Intelligent, continuous monitoring system for determining the efficiency of home dialysis treatment.
Zevenhoven Ron
Passive cooling skylight prototype

The 2021 Grant Winners

The board of the Runar Bäckström Foundation decided in its meeting on February 10, 2021, to award grants to a total of 15 applicants, for a total of 225,000 euros. Congratulations to all the winners!

KoivuBioTech Oy
Rasweet® – The New Generation Natural, Functional SuperSweetener
Gentleash Oy
Gentleash pet leash with a patented non-locking brake mechanism.
Erik Niemelä
Functional nanoparticles against COVID-19 transmission risk.
Salom Oy
Structural module.
Taika Berries Oy
Battery-powered forest berry picking machine.
Duoli Design Oy
Duoli – Shape-shifting seat.
Sileeniemi Oy
Backup heat source and electricity generator.
RT-Innovations
Covid Eliminator
Samuli Penttinen
Thermal power engine based on the thermal expansion of liquids.
Työryhmä Soivan Sampo
Soivan Sampo – A large-scale, multi-use collaborative kantele.
Luonkos Finland Oy Ltd
Commercialization process for waterless natural cosmetics and plastic-free packaging solutions.
LASO-LIBS
Laser spectroscopy-based core scanner for mining and mineral exploration.
Single Wing Energy Oy
Next-generation vertical axis single-blade small wind turbine.
M&K Marketing Ltd Oy
Formaldehyde-free keratin treatment product line designed for home use.
Wattium Oy
Wattium Hybrid Power Hub.

The 2020 Grant Winners

The board of the Runar Bäckström Foundation decided in its meeting on February 3, 2020, to award grants to a total of 14 applicants, for a total of 210,000 euros. Congratulations to all the winners!

University of Helsinki
Platform for optimized production of therapeutic proteins
Metsä ja metalli Jani Karvanen
Risupeto – Energy wood harvester.
Finncat Oy
All-season suitable terrain vehicle's curving track mat and its control.
Enifer Bio
Pekilo 2.0 process for the sustainable production of protein.
Sartar Therapeutics Oy
Controlled-release anagrelide drug formulation for the treatment of soft tissue cancers.
Design Management Konsulting Oy
Dispersion Intensifier
Mediatalo Volframi Oy
Coating device.
Keko geopolymeerit Oy
Method for utilizing mineral wool waste as a raw material for geopolymers.
Ilkka Tittonen
Thermoelectric thin film for temperature and touch detection.
Merja Voutilainen
New treatment for ALS disease.
Nose Academy Oy
Dog scent training robot.
SELECT
Selective recovery of precious metals.
Anne Maria Kukkohovi
Virtual model office.
Rikurantti Oy
Support Frame (The invention's name mentioned in the patent. The granted Finnish patent is attached to the application.)

The 2019 Grant Winners

The board of the Runar Bäckström Foundation decided in its meeting on January 31, 2019, to award grants to a total of 15 applicants. The total grant amount to be distributed is 195,000 euros. Congratulations to all the winners! The new application period will begin again in the fall of 2019.

The foundation has awarded 15,000€ grants to the following inventions:

Eurodivision Oy
Rolling Surface.
Eco WWS Oy
Eco Pro Sludge Treatment.
Ari Veli Olavi Löytty
A new method for utilizing exhaust gases from internal combustion engines and marine diesel engines in hybrid engines.
WMZ-NanoSurfaces Oy
Method and mold arrangement for 3-dimensional concrete surface – Team Mold Concrete Nanoredox.
SFTec Oy
RecHeat Technology – Waste heat recovery from molten metallurgical slag.
Tutkimuspalvelut Kuopanportti Ky
Equipment and method for material fine grinding.
Biodecon Oy
Biodecon
Evidyne Oy
Printable Etching Resist for PCB Manufacturing.
Sonotecc Oy
Sonotecc2
EPS International Oy
Thermoplastic recycling equipment.
Päivi Saavalainen
New and precise cell and tissue section labeling method for single-cell analytics.

The foundation has awarded 5,000€ grants to the following inventions:

Atol Avion Oy
Light Sport Aircraft class amphibious aircraft Atol 650 LSA made of wood/wood composite.
Fifth Innovation Oy
Insulation and acoustic materials from bio-based by-products.
Kasviportaat Oy
Plant ladder and its implementation in a vertical and modular green wall and hydroponic system, Supragarden.

The 2018 Grant Winners

The board of the Runar Bäckström Foundation decided in its meeting on January 29, 2018, to award grants to a total of 15 applicants. The total grant amount to be distributed is 225,000 euros. Congratulations to all the winners! The new application period will begin again in the fall of 2018.

The foundation has awarded 15,000€ grants to the following inventions:

CH-Bioforce Oy
Biorefinery.
Matti Järveläinen
Liquid Online Analyzer.
Fornavi Oy
Improving maritime safety and the visibility of navigation markers with new reflection technology during twilight and nighttime.
FlexTeam
Widespread transfer method for graphene.
CarbonReUse Finland Oy
Carbon dioxide capture from flue gases and its beneficial use.
Tutkimuspalvelut Kuopanportti Ky
Genna Health, digital risk analyses.
Oy Filtoptim Ltd
Energy-efficient vacuum filtration concept.
GutGuide Oy
New microbiome marker, GutIndex, and analysis method for determining obesity risk and monitoring diet/medication treatments.
Egear Oy
Design of an axial flux electric motor for heavy hybrid machinery.
TraceRay Oy
Bioactive biodegradable bone implant.
Lightreactor
Optogenetic regulation method for protein production.
Photono Oy
Non-contact ultrasound-based intraocular pressure meter.
Hyperion Semiconductors
New low static power consumption circuit technology.
Tikomat Oy
Precise and cost-effective micropump for biomedical and environmental analytics applications.
WMZ-NanoSurfaces Oy
Nanoredox – Photocatalyst (Version Update).

The 2017 Grant Winners

The board of the Runar Bäckström Foundation decided in its meeting on February 13, 2017, to award grants to a total of 15 applicants. The total grant amount to be distributed is 225,000 euros. Congratulations to all the winners! The new application period will begin again in the fall of 2017.

The foundation has awarded 15,000€ grants to the following inventions:

Visionisti Oy
Ophthalmic treatment tool.
Egear Oy
ChatGPT sanoi: Permanent magnet synchronous motor with integrated axial flux for heavy hybrid machinery.
Living Spaces Oy
Roombit Room Module Series.
Vortex Tiimi
Alcohol-free disinfectant for precision alcohol meters and similar diagnostic devices or surface cleaning.
Brighterwave Oy
Light source for virtual and augmented reality applications.
Muon Solutions Oy
Myoni Detector.
Medicortex Finland Oy
Biochemical rapid test for concussion and traumatic brain injury.
Koepala Packaging Oy
Sample Flowpack packaging machine.
Avanto Technologies Oy
Wireless infrared heating technology for clothing.
Snow Secure Oy
Cost-effective method for snow storage over the summer.
Kyösti Ruotanen
Modification of bio- or co-combustion ash generated in a fluidized bed boiler for use as field and forest fertilizer in the boiler process.
Fornavi Oy
Navigation marker.
TraceRay Oy
FinVim – Finnish Smart Veterinary Orthopedic Implants.
TMI IKJAK Esa Takkinen
Lever cap / Durable cap.
Luavia Oy
Method for environmental monitoring in forestry management.