Innovation at Otaniemi: Aalto's Factories

Aalto University's Design, Media and Services Factories are clear examples of innovation at Otaniemi to create new global products and services.

The Design Factory at Aalto University hosted this past April the third Product Design Project (PDP) Gala for the third year in a row. The PDP Gala showcased the projects between Aalto and companies (both Finnish and internationals). Projects included sectors such as automotive, marine technology, healhcare and heavy equipment.

Companies that have benefited from Aalto's Design Factory in the past have included KONE (one of the world's largest elevator and escalator companies), ABB, Nokia, Ericsson and Panasonic as well as Finnish companies of all sizes.

Aalto's Design Factory also is a partner in Stanford University's ME310 Program. This year four projects run at Aalto University under the ME310 Program.

The Media Factory at Aalto University has as its main focus to identify new areas of media research including sectors such as media behavior for the future and the role of media in society. Activities include the entire material and communication ecosystem.

Currently, the Media Factory has projects in social media and gaming (focusing on the electonic media and gaming culture), and cross media involving the technology production and consumption of media.

Aalto's Service Factory research themes in the area of services include innovation and management, design and experiences, systems and infrastructure, and design and metrics.

More information on Aalto University's PDP Program and Aalto's Factories and the ME310 Program.