Every year, 2–5 new start-up companies are founded based on research conducted at the University of Turku. One of them is Pure Luminescence Technologies, which develops colour-changing and glow-in-the-dark hackmanite material that can be used in various applications and consumer products.
The research group at the Department of Chemistry of the University of Turku in Finland is the only group in the world that currently studies the applications of hackmanite. Professor of Intelligent Materials Chemistry Mika Lastusaari launched the research at the Department in 2014. It has been clear since the beginning that this fascinating material can be used in numerous applications.
Hackmanite is a natural material, but researchers are able to produce it synthetically, which gives them greater control over its properties. Studies have shown that hackmanite can be used, for example, in measuring UV radiation, X-ray imaging, and exit signs.
Isabella Pönkkä, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Pure Luminescence Technologies, has been involved in the hackmanite research conducted at the University of Turku right from the beginning. Starting a business was not her plan, but when the opportunity presented itself with the Business Finland's Research to Business (R2B) project, she decided to seize it.
“Our company is the only one in the world to produce hackmanite as a raw material for use in consumer products. All our product development is based on hackmanite and the research I was involved in conducting at the University,” says Pönkkä.
Hackmanite's ability to change colour under UV radiation is key feature for both researchers and entrepreneurs
At the moment, Pure Luminescence Technologies is focused on harnessing hackmanite’s ability to change colour when exposed to UV radiation for use in consumer products. The research group at the Department of Chemistry is studying this same property.
“Last December, our hackmanite was flown to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a study to determine whether hackmanite is suitable for measuring radiation exposure of different materials in space,” says Lastusaari.
Hackmanite is so versatile that the entrepreneurs at Pure Luminescence Technologies do not want to limit their business to a specific product group. In fact, they have been contacted by other companies that have come up with completely new uses for hackmanite.
“We are open to various ideas. For example, we are currently working on a product development project for a major international cosmetics brand. If everything goes according to plan, the manufacturing of a consumer product based entirely on the reactive property of hackmanite will begin next year,” says Nellie Inkinen, Founder and CEO of Pure Luminescence Technologies.
The Intelligent Materials Chemistry Group received support from the Innovation Services of the University of Turku (UTU TTO) for patenting and commercialising the inventions developed in the research. The University of Turku has patented a wide range of technologies related to the synthesis, manufacture, and various properties, applications, and uses of hackmanite.
At the University of Turku, Innovation Managers are involved in further development of inventions and technologies, carry out assessments regarding their protection and markets, support researchers and inventors in funding calls aimed at commercialising research (e.g. Business Finland's R2B funding and Research Council of Finland’s PoC funding), and implement the commercialisation and technology transfer of the University of Turku.
"We received invaluable support from the Innovation Services. They helped take matters forward and were interested in research and patenting inventions,” thanks Pönkkä.
Text and photos: Jenni Valta
Translation: Saara Yli-Kauhaluoma
