The UURA project focuses on solving the challenges identified in business life in the Kainuu region by means of co-development. Kainuu has a strong forest bioeconomy ecosystem with operators established in locations such as the Renforsin Ranta business park in Kajaani and in Kuhmo. The aim of the project is to improve the operating conditions of the sector in Kainuu and to enable new investments.
Development targets include the development of a low-carbon circular economy and improvement of the energy and environmental friendliness of industry by means of measurement technology. The project is implemented by the Measurement Technology Unit (MITY) of the University of Oulu, KAMK and VTT MIKES.
The project uses reliable chemical analyses to develop a high-quality supercritical extraction service and further develops an industrially utilisable and scalable extraction process. The project is strongly linked to the international BERRY+ network coordinated by the Regional Council of Kainuu, which is an international partner network for smart specialisation and industrial modernisation.
Another priority area in the project is to develop technological solutions for business life to mitigate climate change and build processes towards a low-carbon circular economy society. The aim is to find formulations and manufacturing methods for advanced extractants and test their application in the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Another aim is to renew local circular economy activities and increase the utilisation of secondary raw materials.
The project produces information for the needs of the export industry on the development of laboratory measurements towards more direct and faster online measurements. The project will investigate process-technical bottlenecks related to the transfer of measurement results and evaluate alternative measurement methods.
Based on IoT environmental measurement devices and open data, digital forecasting models based on artificial intelligence will be examined, which can be utilised to predict the adverse effects of the extreme weather phenomena caused by climate change.
The aim of electrochemical measurements is to develop chemistry, theory and data processing for faster and more efficient control of industrial processes.
The project develops a method based on the use of ultrasound for measuring water flow in both full industrial-scale pipes and underfilled pipes. Underfilled pipes can be found in industrial discharge water pipelines, for example, and in the waste and runoff pipelines of residential areas at water utilities. Reliable flow measurement of an underfilled pipe provides not only real-time information on water flow, but also assistance in finding potential leaks and, in general, improved water management.
For the new technologies, solutions and methods identified as the most promising during the project, suitable ecosystems will be assembled to continue their further development and commercialisation following the end of the project.
Promoting the internationalisation of Kainuu’s business life and research institute sector is also a strong part of the project.
