Circular Tiedepuisto area in Turku as a living lab for solutions promoting Circular Economy

We provide a unique environment for circular economy expertise to thrive

Project duration

1.1.2024. – 31.3.2026

Source of funding

Co-funded by the European union

Total funding

483 261 €

The Circular Tiedepuisto project supports the implementation of measures outlined in the Turku Tiedepuisto’s circular economy roadmap. The goal of the Tiedepuisto is to be a bold trailblazer and enabler in the field of circular economy.

Turku Tiedepuisto provides a unique environment for circular economy expertise to thrive. With 5 universities, 40,000 students, and over 400 companies located in the area, combined with ambitious development efforts, it creates the conditions for new circular economy innovations.

The project brings together various stakeholders behind a common goal and enables concrete and daring experiments. Circular Tiedepuisto promotes the transition to a circular economy and specifically supports private and public sector research, development, and innovation (RDI) collaboration to advance circular business practices and sustainable use of natural resources.

Ambitious circular economy goals are achieved through interdisciplinary collaboration. During the project, working groups will focus on the development themes identified in the circular economy roadmap:

1. Sustainable energy solutions
2. Sustainable mobility and logistics
3. Biodiversity solutions
4. Water circular economy
5. Circular construction

The project facilitates and enables collaborative solution development around these themes, fostering experiments carried out jointly by companies and universities. Additionally, the project aims to enhance free trials for businesses by developing the activities of the polytechnic’s Living Lab.

Shaping the future of the circular economy in the Science Park

A new experimental lab has opened on the Kupittaa campus, where students involve other students and citizens in the development of the area. Everyone can give their suggestions on what the Science Park could look like in the future.

The activities of the Experimental Lab are part of the joint Circular Science Park project of Turku University of Applied Sciences and the City of Turku, which aims to produce fresh innovations.

– We involve the industry in a joint debate. We encourage them to take concrete circular economy actions in the fields of construction, mobility, biodiversity and business. We also involve thesis writers and other students, Piia Nurmi explains.

Take a peek inside the Experiment Lab