Industrial wastewater treatment technology wins Nordic Innovation Award

Weeefiner from Finland specializes in cleaning and retrieving valuable raw materials and dissolved metals directly from industrial process water and wastewater streams. The company’s technology is applied in industries such as mining, metal processing, chemicals and other water-intensive sectors.

“This innovative solution combines resource efficiency with environmental protection. It has proven its ability to generate measurable cost savings, unlock new revenue streams and significantly improve environmental performance across multiple industries,” says Antti Riivari, head of the Nordic jury and Director General of the Finnish Patent and Registration Office. 
The company has also demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting its intellectual property. 
 
The award ceremony took place in downtown Oslo with all the Nordic finalists present.  
 
“It is always nice to get recognition for our hard work regarding this innovation. This prize and recognition will support our growth, giving making us more visible to customers and collaborators, says Elmeri Lahtinen, Weeefiners Chief Technology Officer. 
 
Kathrine Myhre, the Director General of the Norwegian Industrial Property Office and this year’s host of the Nordic Innovation Award, champions bold ideas and welcomes the international recognition of Nordic innovation.

“We are one of the most innovative and sustainable regions in the world, and have the knowledge, technology and the competitive edge to create solutions that can really make a global impact”, she says.

The other Nordic finalists were winners of their national competitions, selected by local juries. Bringing strong innovation to the competition, the runners-up were: 

• Grale, a Swedish company replacing fossile based plastics by creating similar products in biodegradable, plant-based materials.  www.grale.com
• Sonus Fishery form Denmark has reimagined the fish trawler with an acoustic solution that reduces bycatch and guides fish movement.  www.sonusfishery.com
• Icelandic tech company Hefring Marine uses artificial intelligence and real time data in its marine assistance system to improve safety, increase fuel efficiency and secure vessel operations. www.hefringmarine.com
• Norwegian biotech company Lybe Scientific have developed a faster and more sensitive method for analysing biological material.  www.lybescientific.com

Nordic Innovation Award is an annual prize awarded to companies that show commitment to sustainable innovation and a solid strategy for their intellectual property. The award was established by the five Nordic industrial rights authorities to promote sustainable innovation in the region.