Accelerating a resource-efficient and sustainable future
Sustainability innovation needs an ecosystem to scale
The green transition requires new solutions for clean water, circularity, material recovery, fossil-free raw materials and resource-efficient industry.
At the same time, many deep tech innovations need industrial validation, customers, partners, investors and support with scaling.
EriCa connects startups, industry, researchers, investors and ecosystem partners to accelerate sustainable innovation from lab to market.
Themes we work with
💧 Ensuring clean water: Solutions that improve water quality, treatment, reuse and industrial water efficiency.
♻️ Circularity and material recovery: Technologies and business models that recover valuable materials, use side streams and reduce waste.
🌱 Fossil-free raw materials: New feedstocks, bio-based alternatives, renewable materials and chemistry-based solutions that reduce dependency on fossil resources.
🤖Industry digitalization: AI, data, automation and digital solutions that make processes smarter, safer and more resource-efficient.
From lab to market - what the ecosystem offers?
- Find industrial partners, customers and pilot opportunities
- Meet startups, researchers, investors and experts
- Join events, matchmaking and innovation programs
- Build deal flow and visibility in the green chemistry ecosystem
- Develop R&D projects, partnerships and commercial opportunities
Benefits for joining - innovation needs capital to happen
Entrepreneurship and innovation require more than just a place to work. Our ecosystem and its activities provide four key types of capital to help you bring innovations from the lab to markets. It all starts with people collaborating.
🚀 Traditional capital: Shared infrastructure at EriCa, access to investors and markets
👩🔬 Human capital: Industry knowledge, research expertise, mentoring and commercialization support, talent pipeline.
👥 Social capital: Connections and high-trust networks for faster collaboration – customers, partners, investors, universities, and ecosystem players
🌱 Psychological capital: Shared mission, motivation and resilience. Trust, peer learning, events, introductions and a culture of collaboration.
Who is EriCa Ecosystem for?
Startups and growth companies
For startups, spinoffs, scaleups and growth companies developing solutions for green chemistry, circular economy, clean water, materials, industrial processes or sustainability.
Typical needs include pilots, customers, industrial validation, funding, infrastructure and commercialization support.
Industry
For established companies and industrial players looking for new technologies, startup partners, research-based solutions and faster routes to innovation.
Typical needs include access to emerging technologies, co-development opportunities, innovation challenges and ecosystem visibility.
Research and universities
For universities, research institutes and research-based teams looking to commercialize knowledge and build industry collaboration.
Typical needs include commercialization support, industry connections, research impact and startup pathways.
Investors
For venture capital investors, angel investors, corporate investors and funders interested in deep tech and sustainability-driven growth.
Typical needs include curated deal flow, validated opportunities and visibility into companies with industrial relevance.
Ecosystem partners
For cities, regions, development organizations, clusters and accelerators building innovation ecosystems and sustainable industry.
Typical needs include new businesses, jobs, investments, international visibility and stronger innovation ecosystems, or collaboration in projects.
How to engage with EriCa Ecosystem?
There are several ways to become part of the EriCa ecosystem.
You can:
- become a member and work from EriCa
- participate in EriCa Reactor or other programs
- organize an innovation challenge, hackathon or matchmaking process
- co-host an event or other activity
- partner with EriCa on a tailored program, R&D project or international collaboration
The right model depends on what you are looking for: space, lab access, startup deal flow, industrial partners, research commercialization, ecosystem visibility or new business opportunities.
Upcoming events
Ecosystem initiators of EriCa
EriCa Ecosystem was started by key partners at EriCa Green Chemistry Park, but it operates beyond the building and is open for those who share the mission for building a better world.
Kemira is a global leader in sustainable chemical solutions for water-intensive industries, with its global innovation center on-site at EriCa Green Chemistry Park.
EriCa’s shared spaces, community services and ecosystem activities are operated by Crazy Town.
Crazy Town has operated innovation hubs and programs since 2004. Through Crazy Town, EriCa is connected to a national network of hubs, companies and experts across Finland.
This gives EriCa members and partners access to a wider network for collaboration, business development and growth.
Building on a legacy of 175 years, Ahlström is a long-term industrial owner. Ahlström Real Estate Ltd. manages and maintains the real estate holdings of the family company.
Join the ecosystem
Are you building, adopting, funding or supporting green chemistry and sustainability innovations?
Tell us who you are and what you are looking for. We will help you find the right way to engage with EriCa.
Oona Sulkunen
Ecosystem Lead
oona.sulkunen@crazytown.fi
+358 400 634 406
Would you like to know more about EriCa?
Shared workspaces / labs, growth and innovation services
Crazy Town Oy
Ecosystem Lead
Oona Sulkunen
oona.sulkunen (a) crazytown.fi
Puh. +358 400 634 406
Senior Specialist
Toni Pienonen
toni.pienonen (a) crazytown.fi
Puh. +358 400 737 238
Leasing & collaboration
A. Ahlström Real Estate Ltd
Pia Lindborg
pia.lindborg (a) aahlstrom.com
Tel. +358 50 328 8579