Canatu Plc has received a positive funding decision from Business Finland granting it a maximum of EUR 10 million to launch its Carbon Age programme as part of Business Finland’s challenge competition for leading companies.
The semiconductor industry is in urgent need of new alternatives as traditional materials approach their limits. To address this, Canatu has launched a Carbon Age programme, which aims to drive the development of semiconductor technologies enabled by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and build a dedicated industry ecosystem.
Funding future projects of the Carbon Age ecosystem partners
In addition to Canatu’s share of the funding amounting to a maximum of EUR 10 million in grants allocated over five years, Business Finland is committed to funding future projects of the Carbon Age ecosystem partners with up to EUR 20 million. The payment of the funding granted to Canatu is tied to the goals of the programme.
The five-year programme, with over 40 targeted partners, will create a dynamic ecosystem, offering unique opportunities for expertise sharing, value capture, and market-driven innovation. Beyond technological advancements, the programme aims to contribute to creating new jobs and boosting revenue for Finland’s technology ecosystem. With plans to build a pilot fab as well, the initiative aims to position Finland as a global leader in semiconductor technologies built on carbon nanotubes.
“We are excited to innovate with nano carbon to accelerate the arrival of the Carbon Age and establish a ‘Nano Valley’ in Finland. By building a world-class ecosystem, we drive innovation, collaboration, and new business opportunities, boosting long-term global competitiveness for us and our partners,” says Juha Kokkonen, CEO at Canatu.
Standardising carbon nanotube structures
The programme aims to standardise carbon nanotube structures, as well as the design and manufacturing guidelines, to establish consistent methods for integrating and converting them into components, devices, and advanced applications with enhanced functionalities. Nanocarbon materials present a strong alternative to traditional materials like silicon, thanks to their exceptional electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, unlocking new possibilities for cutting-edge technologies. From faster transistors to quantum computing and biosensors, carbon nanotubes offer a breakthrough – paving the way for more efficient and scalable semiconductor components.
“This programme will not only lay a solid foundation for Finland’s role in nanocarbon era but also create entirely new device categories and functionalities. With the initiative, Canatu is pioneering a new generation of semiconductors based on carbon that will drive performance, energy efficiency, and sustainability beyond what’s possible today,” says Ilkka Varjos, Chief Technology Officer at Canatu.
Canatu’s advanced carbon nanotubes (CNT) set a new bar among advanced materials, making them the key to future semiconductor innovation. Canatu CNT is used in highly engineered solutions, where precision, performance and reliability are vital. The company’s main focus today is on the semiconductor and automotive industries.