Practical applications from fuel cell technologies for the companies in Salo Region (FC-Salo Cluster)
Description of the project
Salo region is statistically the leading region in the production of electronics in Finland. This region has world-class know-how especially in the productisation of embedded electronic systems. This is mainly due to Nokia’s product development unit in Salo, but also because the region has drawn suppliers of Nokia and other companies interested in the unique competence pool in the region’s workforce.
The energy consumption of mobile devices, such as mobile phones and laptops, is one of the major challenges this industry is facing in the future. Existing battery technology isn’t sufficient for the future needs and companies around the world have begun to search for alternative energy technologies. Fuel cells are generally thought to be the best technology to tackle these challenges. The development of fuel cells for mobile devices still needs significant investments and long term perspective from the companies. However, the business potential and prospects of this market segment are significant and Finnish companies should take part in this development.
The aim of this project is to create in Salo region a cluster that focuses on the small portable fuel cell applications and will be integral part of the larger, national fuel cell cluster. The creation of such cluster requires coordination between different actors interested in small portable fuel cells and a platform upon which networks and innovations can be build on.
To become competitive this cluster needs three kinds of development efforts:
- Research efforts, in which new technologies and solutions are developed for the regional companies to use in their own development efforts,
Efforts build around focal companies, where bigger companies form consortiums and through experimentation and pilot applications aim quickly for the mass markets and company specific business plans, and
Network efforts, where SMEs take calculated risks and search new development and business potential in niche markets
Duration
1st February2007 – 31st December2008
Project Manager
Pekka Malinen
People
Teemu Surakka
Companies
Salon Seudun Kehittämiskeskus, Nokia, Salcomp, Powerfinn, Pasatel, PEM-energy
Funding
TEKS (50%) + companies (50%)
Budget
200.000 €
