Exploring Biodiversity, Circularity and Digital Agriculture at the University of Helsinki

Research Director Masatoshi Funabashi and Project Engineer Shuntaro Aotake visited the University of Helsinki and its Viikki Campus to exchange ideas and explore future opportunities in sustainable food systems, biodiversity, circularity, and digital agriculture.

During the visit, the team toured the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry and the Viikki Food Design Factory, an innovation ecosystem that brings together research, education, startups, industry, and public stakeholders to accelerate the transformation of food systems.

The delegation discussed collaboration in relation to the CIRCULANDIA Horizon Europe project where Viikki Food Design Factory is leading a work package on local food systems, discussed urban food system innovation with Jussi Loponen, the City of Helsinki’s leading specialist for the food sector, and attended a presentation by Professor Laura Alakukku on the University of Helsinki’s upcoming Smart Agriculture Infrastructure (DiAGRI) initiative.

A meeting with Mari Sandell, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, provided an opportunity to discuss interdisciplinary approaches to biodiversity, sustainable food production, digital technologies, and future research collaboration.

The visit concluded with an open session entitled “Emerging Opportunities in Urban Food Systems – Synecoculture, Biodiversity and Circularity,” attended by researchers, professors, students, and university leaders.

The session featured presentations and dialogue among Masatoshi Funabashi, Laura Forsman, Lead of the Viikki Food Design Factory, and Johan Jorgensen, founder of Sweden Foodtech, exploring how biodiversity-rich agricultural systems and augmented ecosystems can contribute to resilient and regenerative urban food systems.

The Viikki Campus is one of Northern Europe’s leading centers for agricultural, environmental, and life sciences research, with strong expertise in sustainable food systems, climate solutions, and nature-based innovation.

The visit provided a valuable opportunity to deepen exchanges with researchers and individuals in Finland, while highlighting shared interests in advancing sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, digital innovation, and circular food systems through research, education, and real-world implementation.

Text by: Masatoshi Funabashi
Photos by: Shuntaro Aotake