We are pleased to welcome the University of Turku (UTU) to the CO₂ Value Europe community.

The University of Turku conducts research on cyanobacteria and microalgae, exploring how photosynthesis can be harnessed for practical biotechnological applications. Its work spans from advancing algal biomass production for the circular bioeconomy to developing living cell factories and engineered biological systems for solar fuel and chemical production.

Our new member is actively contributing to the advancement of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) through two Horizon Europe projects:
🔹 S2B – Solar to Butanol (2024–2028), coordinated by the UTU, is developing an integrated process to convert CO₂ and sunlight into butanol using engineered cyanobacteria, combining direct air capture and wastewater treatment.
🔹 REALM (2022–2026) focuses on cultivating microalgae using greenhouse drainage water while capturing CO₂ from the air, bringing together nutrient recovery, low-energy biomass production, and carbon capture.

Beyond these projects, UTU is advancing research on photosynthetic microbial electricity generation and biological systems for solar chemical production, while working closely with industry partners and participating in collaborative European research initiatives.

By joining CO₂ Value Europe, UTU aims to strengthen collaboration with the wider CCU community, exchange knowledge with organisations working on complementary technologies, and connect its Horizon Europe projects with a broader network of stakeholders.

UTU will contribute valuable expertise in photosynthesis-based CCU, microalgae cultivation, and biotechnology scale-up through the FIN-BioFoundry infrastructure. The University is also well placed to contribute to workshops, joint dissemination activities, knowledge exchange within the Association, and the training of the next generation of researchers.

Find out more about the University of Turku.