New solutions with DNA analytics – Health, biodiversity and food safety, sustainably -investment

Genetic research has long been mainstream in medical research and diagnostics. The University of Eastern Finland has top-notch expertise and a modern infrastructure for conducting genetic research, as well as a long tradition of cooperation with companies and stakeholders in the health sector. Now, genetic research is becoming an increasingly important part of the business of companies also in the environmental and food industries, for example through environmental DNA analysis and microbiological studies of food. Alongside the traditional technology used to detect and measure the amount of target molecules, new, more advanced technology has emerged, the use of which in academic research is already routine. There is a lot of scientific information about its many benefits and diverse application areas, but the use of this new technology for the needs of business is only just beginning.
The DNA-TUUMA investment and development project aims to meet the analytics needs of the business community and bring currently underutilized modern molecular biology analysis technology and related expertise to companies. The investment in the project will strengthen the RDI infrastructure of the North Savo region by purchasing a high-tech molecular biology analysis device for the University of Eastern Finland. The development project will identify, implement and develop new applications based on the needs of the business community in close cooperation with companies in the North Savo region. Through the increase in new technology and related knowledge, the project will strengthen the conditions for companies’ growth and competitiveness, innovation potential, RDI and business. The project aims to form new value chains, create networks that cross industry boundaries and intensify UEF-company cooperation.
The project implementation will utilize the detailed needs identified from healthcare companies, and the general applications selected through co-development will be tested with the acquired device, and the increased knowledge will be widely communicated to benefit the entire healthcare industry. The special needs of the environmental industry will be taken into account in studies that map the changes in the operating environment that affect the development of companies in the industry and address the challenges and good practices of environmental DNA sampling. In addition to the healthcare industry, environmental and food industry companies will also be involved in the co-development in order to work on a broader perspective on the new use possibilities of the new infrastructure, to initiate joint discussion and networking between industries, to intensify cooperation between the research institute and the company, and to identify new business opportunities together as a network and at the organizational level.
The DNA-TUUMA project will increase the accessibility of modern molecular biology analysis technology and related information and expertise. The project will result in new service paths that support the growth and innovation of companies. Therefore, the project will significantly promote the RDI and business of the target group and increase the conditions for the growth and competitiveness of actors in the North Savo region. The project will achieve a special novelty value not only by bringing new modern technology to beneficial use in business life, but also by creating networks that cross industry boundaries and multidisciplinary research, development, innovation and cooperation conditions and networks in the North Savo region. The project is unique in that it combines health, environmental and food sector activities into a comprehensive health-promoting entity.
The project will contribute to strengthening the strategic profiling of North Savo as an internationally attractive research and innovation center.