Biotech in
Finland
Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing industries in the world offering revolutionary solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
11
K+
Companies in the world
1.82
USD Trillion
Global Market in 2022
Biotech stories
09/05/24
Food from microbes - new boom in biotechnology
16/04/24
Support for Drug Innovation's 'Valley of Death'
11/04/24
The BioFinland Award 2024 granted to FinVector Oy
20/03/24
Biotechnology plays a crucial role in the bioeconomy
For updates and News
For more information
Alexandra Peth
Managing Director
Finnish Bioindustries FIB
Eteläranta 10, FI-00131 Helsinki
The diversity of the field is reflected in the educational offerings, as biotechnology education is included in various specialized programs.
For example, in industrial biotechnology, environmentally friendly solutions are developed, such as for pollution cleanup. Graduates find a wide range of job opportunities, including positions in the pharmaceutical and diagnostics industries, as well as in universities and research institutions.
Education in Finland
In Finland, biotechnology is a growing field that can be studied at both universities and polytechnic schools.
Universities:
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Polytechnic Education in the Field of Biotechnology:
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Metropolia: Biotechnology and Food Engineering
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Turku University of Applied Sciences: Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering
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Lahti University of Applied Sciences: Environmental Biotechnology
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Häme University of Applied Sciences: Biotechnology and Food Engineering
FAQ
Biotechnology General Questions
What is biotechnology?
Biotechnology involves using biological systems, organisms, or processes to develop products and technologies that improve the quality of human life.
How has biotechnology evolved?
It has evolved from traditional practices like fermentation of wine and cheese to modern genetic engineering and molecular biology techniques.
What are common applications of biotechnology?
In biotechnology, the focus is on living organisms composed of thousands of genes and molecules. Some of the earliest applications of biotechnology were the production of wine, cheese, and beer. Industrial biotechnology utilizes various microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeasts, and molds, or enzymes produced by them in its production processes. These processes are mainly used to manufacture various commercial products such as chemicals, food additives, proteins, plastics, and fuels.
Modern biotechnology, or genetic engineering, is used, for example, in medicine. Biotechnology is applied in the production of drugs or vaccines, gene therapy, or the development of stem cell therapies.
Biotechnology is also widely used in the breeding of plants and animals. For example, various cell culture and cryopreservation techniques are necessary for increasing, crossing, and preserving breeding lines. The development of biotechnology is largely related to the rapid advancements in genomics (the study of genomes).
Is Biotechnology safe?
Yes, when governed by stringent regulations and ethical standards, it's generally considered safe but carries potential risks.
CRISPR
What is CRISPR?
CRISPR is a gene-editing technology that works like molecular scissors. It uses guide RNA to identify a specific DNA sequence and the Cas9 enzyme to cut the DNA at that location. After the cut, the cell tries to repair the broken DNA, allowing researchers to modify genes, for example, by fixing genetic errors or inserting new genes.
How does CRISPR work?
It uses a protein called Cas9 to cut DNA at specific locations for genetic manipulation.
Potential applications of CRISPR?
Treating genetic disorders, improving crops, and researching diseases.
Ethical concerns about CRISPR?
Concerns include potential misuse, off-target effects, and genetic ethics.
Can CRISPR cure diseases?
It has potential in curing genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis and certain cancers.
Is CRISPR used in humans?
It's in experimental stages for human treatments, under strict ethical guidelines.
CRISPR's impact on agriculture?
It can develop crops with better yields and disease resistance.
What is synthetic biology?
It involves redesigning organisms for specific applications by engineering them to have new abilities.
Difference from traditional biotechnology?
Unlike traditional methods, it often involves creating entirely new biological systems.
Can synthetic biology create artificial life?
It's primarily focused on modifying existing life forms, not creating new life.
Ethical implications of synthetic biology?
Includes biosecurity risks and moral concerns about altering life forms.
Synthetic Biology
Industrial Biotechnology
Regulatory and Ethical Questions
What is industrial biotechnology?
It uses biological substances for industrial production, like biofuels and bioplastics.
Examples of industrial biotech products?
Include biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and eco-friendly chemicals.
Industrial biotech's sustainability impact?
It promotes renewable resources and reduces environmental impact.
Regulations governing biotechnology?
Vary by country, often covering safety, ethical, and environmental aspects.
Role of biotechnology lobbyists?
They advocate for supportive policies and responsible research practices.
Latest trends in biotechnology research?
Personalized medicine, advanced CRISPR applications, and synthetic organisms.
AI's impact on biotechnology?
Enhances drug discovery, genetic analysis, and predictive modeling.
Emerging Trends and Research
Public Perception and Education
Changing public perception of biotechnology?
Increasingly positive as awareness of its benefits grows.
Educational pathways in biotechnology?
Typically involve degrees in biology, biochemistry, or related fields.
Biotechnology's effect on developing countries?
Offers healthcare and agricultural solutions, with access and ethics as key challenges.
International biotechnology agreements?
Include protocols like the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
Global Impact and Policies
Intellectual Property and Business
Biotechnology in Medicine
Importance of intellectual property in biotech?
Crucial for protecting research and encouraging innovation.
Challenges for biotechnology startups?
Include funding, regulatory navigation, and ethical research management.
Biotechnology's revolution in medicine?
Leads to personalized treatments, advanced diagnostics, and new drugs.
Role in vaccine development?
Integral in developing new vaccines, including mRNA-based ones.
Biotech's role in environmental conservation?
Leads to personalized treatments, advanced diagnostics, and new drugs.
Addressing climate change?
Leads to personalized treatments, advanced diagnostics, and new drugs.
Biotech use in food production?
Enhances crop yields, nutritional value, and pest resistance.
Future of biotech in agriculture?
Includes precision farming, climate-resilient crops, and sustainability.
Environmental Biotechnology
Ethical and Social Considerations
Food and Agriculture
Funding and Investment
Biotech use in food production?
Enhances crop yields, nutritional value, and pest resistance.
Future of biotech in agriculture?
Includes precision farming, climate-resilient crops, and sustainability.
Funding sources for biotechnology?
Government grants, private investments, and industry partnerships.
Return on investment in biotech?
Can be significant, especially in pharmaceuticals, but often long-term.
Investor evaluation of biotech companies?
Based on innovation potential, regulatory landscape, and market demand.
Biotechnology's impact on the economy?
Contributes significantly through job creation, innovation, and healthcare advancements.
Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing industries in the world offering revolutionary solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
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56
%
Companies in the world
1.37
USD Trillion
Global Market in 2022
Biotech in
Finland
Merja Oja
Senior scientist in bioinformatics at Roal
Matti Sonck
Development Manager, Bio2X, at Fortum
Annakarin Kere
Head of R&D Projects at Onego Bio
Career Paths in Biotechnology
Biotechnology offers exciting careers in both academia and industry. Explore inspiring career stories from leading scientists and industry experts.