Aalto University · Design Factory

Problem

Aeroponic farms yield nine times more with 90% less water, but the system is fragile. Roots sit in dark, moist space and correct reactions need expert knowledge.

What they built

AeroAlarm gathers real-time data from the root space through an imaging module and IoT platform. An app explains urgency and location, suggests cause and treatment, and connects to experts.

Impact

Faster diagnosis, higher yield and less plant loss make aeroponics viable in cities. Attract gains a use case for its liquid-crystal iAll technology.

Problem

Climate change hits honeybees twice: varroa mites weaken bees and deform larvae, and unstable weather confuses colonies into leaving the hive too early.

What they built

A gateway at the hive entrance combines a varroa treatment module, a tunnel system and a sensor module. Mites are drawn to a larvae-scented chemical while bees pass freely.

Impact

A cost-effective answer to beekeepers' most urgent need and a pathway for digital tools into beekeeping.

Problem

Harvia asked for a new sauna concept for future wellness. The team found sauna heat can heal muscles, while gyms focus on training devices rather than warm-up equipment.

What they built

Harvia Flow takes infrared heaters from the sauna into the gym: direct heat combined with light stretching accelerates warm-up and reduces injuries.

Impact

A way for Harvia into the global gym market, with similar implementation in Finland, Japan and beyond.

Problem

Migrant students in Finland score 25% lower than native peers, largely because of language. Remote learning during COVID-19 widened the digital divide.

What they built

Schools grant access to Nosta, where an algorithm forms dynamic peer groups supported by facilitators. Learning happens through game-based activities that build friendship alongside language.

Impact

Students expand vocabulary and gain confidence in Finnish, which improves school performance and later job prospects.

Problem

Portuguese citizens are not ready for mandatory biowaste sorting from 2023. They lack knowledge and motivation, and existing solutions are few and outdated.

What they built

UiN gives citizens tags for bins fitted with electronics. Sorting earns points to exchange for grocery discounts or cinema tickets, alongside a community tab and sorting tips.

Impact

Higher sorting rates in the first years of the new system. Lipor's partnerships with local businesses stimulate their growth.

Problem

Catheter users cannot tell how full their bag is during the day. The resulting anxiety and dependence on others lower quality of life.

What they built

Volyymi attaches to existing catheter bags, measures urine volume and hydration, and sends real-time data to an app with personalised fullness and hydration alerts.

Impact

Users regain independence and drink enough without fear of overflow, which supports the immune system and reduces urinary tract infections.

Problem

Japan's ageing society changes ANA's customer base. The airline wants to appeal to senior travellers, including the retired businessmen who flew with it for decades.

What they built

ANA tomo knows the passenger's flight and location and gives live navigation to the boarding gate, plus timely, personalised cues throughout the airport journey.

Impact

Elderly travellers find scattered information in one place and feel less time pressure. ANA can locate lost passengers and speed up boarding.

Problem

How might a support service help chronically ill patients throughout their journey and encourage them to take an active role in their everyday life?

What they built

Abbi is an easy-to-use chatbot focused on exercises for people with MS. It gives the corporate partner flexibility to develop the service further.

Impact

Patients track their condition regularly and provide information healthcare professionals lack. Merck gains direct patient relationships and real-time insight, within data protection rules.

Problem

Connect customers and service providers in facility management in a smart way, combining technology appliances and social networks.

What they built

Domus Sapiens aggregates data from home sensors to help people monitor, control and maintain their homes, detect failures and reach the right service provider immediately.

Impact

Residents control their homes, automate maintenance and get help from a maintenance professional when needed.

Problem

How to develop creativity through experience in children aged 0 to 12? Carvajal asked for new solutions for the Latin American market.

What they built

Music Blox stimulates hearing, touch and vision as well as a sense of time and kinesthesia, the awareness of body position and movement.

Impact

An easy, fun way to make music that also supports learning to write, read, calculate and tell stories.

Problem

Advertising is largely ignored and mistrusted. Rovio asked for a new, organic and engaging advertising format for digital entertainment.

What they built

Any group can start a Pulse event by taking a picture. Events collect photos in real time, appear on a heat map and carry a sponsor whose Smart Content improves the experience.

Impact

Brands become a chosen part of experiences rather than an interruption. For Rovio, a new media channel in line with its vision.

Problem

UPM's new Grada plywood allows stronger, more durable bonds. The brief: create a product that opens new opportunities for the technology.

What they built

Inspired by Finland's Kela maternity package, TUPA turns into an infant bed with rocking crib, a table, chairs, a stepping stool or a toy box.

Impact

Families save up to 710 EUR with one adaptable piece of furniture, easing the financial weight of a new child.