Runar Bäckström Foundation
In support of innovations
The Runar Bäckström Foundation supports inventions that enhance the competitiveness and internationalization of Finnish companies. The foundation grants annual scholarships to individuals, teams, companies, and associations.
Runar Bäckström Foundation
In support of innovations
The Runar Bäckström Foundation supports inventions that enhance the competitiveness and internationalization of Finnish companies. The foundation grants annual scholarships to individuals, teams, companies, and associations.
- The application period is annually from approximately October 1 to December 13.
- The application period is annually from approximately October 1 to December 13
Stories
Explore the inventions of the grant recipients and how their ideas became a reality.
Apply for a grant electronically
The application period is open from October 1, 2025, and ends on December 13, 2025.
Runar Bäckström
About us
The purpose of the Runar Bäckström Foundation is to encourage and promote inventive activities that benefit Finnish companies and thus strengthen their international competitiveness. The foundation distributes its grants once a year. Grants can be awarded to individuals, teams, companies, and communities. Grant recipients are not required to have formal qualifications, such as a specific academic degree.
Runar Bäckström – an influencer in invention and military economy
Runar Bäckström (September 4, 1902, Kotka – June 2, 1991, Munich) was a Finnish civil engineer, engineer colonel, and director of war economy, who left a significant mark on Finnish industry and invention activities. He graduated as a civil engineer in 1924 and furthered his education abroad in the United States (1927–1929) and in England and France (1930–1933). Early in his career, he worked as a technical director and representative for various companies, such as Keskuslaboratorio Oy, Central Paper Mill Co. in Michigan, and the Fredriksberg sulfite pulp mill in Sweden. Bäckström served as the Director of War Economy for Finland from 1940 to 1945, overseeing resource management during the war, and he was granted the rank of engineer colonel in 1941. After the war, he led companies like Kristiinan Puu Oy (1945–1952) and Oy Exim Ab (1945–1974), focusing on the export of the forestry industry. Additionally, he served as the chairman of the boards for Asfalttibetoni Oy and Kivi-Simo Oy. He was an honorary member of the War Economy Society and moved to Munich in 1974, where he lived until his death. His contributions to the war economy, industry, and the advancement of innovations are significant, and the foundation he established, the Runar Bäckström Foundation, continues to support the development and competitiveness of Finnish inventions.
In the picture, Runar Bäckström with his wife Anne-Lise (Mady). They married in 1967 and lived most of their life together in Munich. (photographer unknown)
Applying for a grant
Foundation grants can be applied for during the application period using an electronic application form. Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:
01
The invention supports Finnish industry.
The definition of industry applies if the inventor has their own company or is in the process of founding one. The funding aims to ensure that the inventor has the opportunity to focus on the commercialization of the idea and assist with the inventor’s salary expenses.
02
The idea works in practice.
The new invention is not too abstract, and its functionality can be verified. It is also considered a merit if the applicant can present the idea clearly. It is possible to attach material to the application that helps in understanding the invention. However, at the application stage, the invention should not yet have any existing revenue.
03
Commercial potential
The invention can be commercialized within a few years. The foundation can support an invention that meets the criteria for several years.
When evaluating grant applications, the foundation’s board may, at its discretion, consult external experts. Grant applications are handled confidentially. Before the grant award ceremony, arrangements regarding the announcement will be made with the grant recipients. Decisions on granting the grants are final. The grant recipient must, upon request, provide a report on the use of the awarded funds and the progress of the development program. If the development program changes significantly, the grant recipient must return the grant to the Runar Bäckström Foundation.
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
Composite paper and paper manufacturing 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
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the application period open?
Usually from October 1st to mid-December.
2. What can the grants be used for?
The grants can be used freely as long as the use is for advancing the invention.
3. Can an individual apply for a grant?
Yes.
4. Can a foreigner apply for a grant?
Yes, as long as there is, for example, a company in Finland.
5. Are the applications processed confidentially?
Yes, absolutely confidentially, and under no circumstances will anything be published, meaning the patentability will not be affected even if applying for a grant.