Dr. Henrik Keinonen is a leading Nordic networker with hands-on experience in growing startup companies, presently managing two EU Horizon projects in Deep Tech at the Department of Management at Aalto University, Finland.

Aalto University School of Business researches innovation ecosystems and ICT-enabled service platforms, providing scaling services and identifying market needs and opportunities for selected scaleups.
Being one of the leading business schools in Europe, Aalto works for better business and a better society by educating experts and leaders for the future and contributing to society through high-quality

Aalto University is one of the 12 consortium partners behind the D2XCEL scaling programme and is responsible for the fifth market opportunity - Sustainable and Circular Construction, as part of Open Call 1.

What change are you aiming to achieve for the European innovation ecosystem as part of D2XCEL?

As part of D2XCEL, we aim to catalyze a transformative shift in the European innovation ecosystem. We strive to bolster the effectiveness and efficiency of the startup landscape, particularly in the realm of deep tech and digital ventures. By enabling sustainable growth, facilitating market-ready applications, and expanding the footprint of European startups, we seek to contribute significantly to the sustainability and sovereignty of key sectors like transport, logistics, trade, and smart cities.

Through state-of-the-art methodologies, best practices, and pan-European networks, we aim to empower startups, scale-ups, and ecosystem actors alike, ultimately driving positive change and fostering innovation across Europe.

Why is this market opportunity (MO) important to you?

Embracing sustainable construction and circular models underscores our commitment to shaping the future of urban development. Aligned with the expertise of Aalto University's Civil Engineering and Architecture departments, we leverage a robust network of experts. Our Urban Tech Helsinki incubator collaborates with startups, reinforcing our dedication to fostering sustainable solutions.

What potential do you see for deep tech and digital innovation in this MO?

The construction sector offers vast opportunities for digital innovation. With extensive subcontractor networks and complex projects, there's immense scope for digital technologies to streamline processes. The sheer scale of the industry presents an attractive market for pioneering ventures seeking to reinvent traditional practices.

From your perspective, why should ventures that fit in this MO apply for the ongoing open call?

A: This specific open call provides a gateway to an extensive international customer network, offering unparalleled access beyond domestic markets. Additionally, our stakeholder network comprises specialized investors and corporates actively seeking investment opportunities in these sectors. Joining our initiative offers ventures invaluable connections and funding prospects tailored to their industries.

D2XCEL invites deep tech and digital ventures across Europe, operating in the field of sustainable and circular construction to check the eligibility requirements and join our scaling programme!

Apply here and join one of our live webinars for interested companies, where you can get all the information you need!

Learn more about Market Opportunity 5 of the First Open Call here.

This project has received funding from the European Union under grant agreement Nº101121100. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.