Chief Technology Officer – Dr Heikki Suhonen presenting the Noeton Oy In ILCA – Networking & Matchmaking Evening at Savonia University of Applied Sciences 30.11.2023
In a world where environmental challenges loom large, startups are emerging as powerful catalysts for positive change. One such company is Noeton Oy, a Finnish deep-tech startup from Kuopio that has harnessed innovation to address pressing sustainability issues. In this case study, we delve into how Noeton transformed from research to a novel technology in emission reduction.
Noeton Oy specializes in developing affordable and efficient emission catchers for stoves and fireplaces. These seemingly humble household appliances have a massive impact on climate change due to black carbon (BC) particle emissions. Black carbon, with a warming impact 1,500 times stronger than CO₂ per unit of mass, poses a significant threat. Surprisingly, small-scale wood burning in stoves and fireplaces generates three times more particle matter than road transport.
Company has a strong background in scientific research and development, mentioning that the solution is based on the doctoral thesis of one of the founding members Heikki Suhonen. Noeton team has been researching, developing, and validating its emission catcher in collaboration with clients and manufacturers and has has achieved significant results to create the emission catchers, based on High Temperature Electric Soot Collector (HiTESC) technology, effectively captured flame-generated soot particles.
Noeton focuses on multiple areas. First, they have unique technological Innovation capabilities to develop emission catchers that effectively reduce soot particles without compromising stove or fireplace performance. The company’s solution, the Noeton Emission Catcher, utilizes ionization in flames to capture and destroy up to 90% of particles in a stove. The technology has been validated in real-life tests with key international stove manufacturers and a beta version is available. Core thing has been the technical expertise so that industry manufactures has advised on the integration of emission catchers into existing stove and fireplace designs. It has clear benefits as the solution requires no regular maintenance, it destroys particles already in a stove and it is affordable solution.
The company has moved towards market adoption and with the Noeton Emission Catcher, and the technology advances stove manufacturers so that they can meet various standards such as the EU Eco-design Directive, the German Blue Angel, and the Italian five-star rating. The company has secured Freedom to Operate (FTO) and a utility model. They have also patented the core technology.
During the ILCA program Noeton has received business sparring related to identifying responsibility factors relevant to their business. Company has also received MIMS® Assessment – questionnaire related to the maturity of the innovation management system is based on ISO 56002: 2019. This has helped to assess innovation performance based on the standard and detailed analysis of the maturity of company practices leading to operational recommendations to improve specific company practices together with professionals from the Savonia University of applied Sciences and other parties. The open events have also helped to craft compelling narrative to encourage adoption of the solution.
The emission catchers developed by Noeton align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Firstly, it contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing black carbon emissions, which have a significant warming impact on the climate. Secondly, it supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by developing an innovative technology that addresses a major environmental issue. Lastly, it aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting the use of cleaner and more efficient stoves and fireplaces.
In addition to these, Noeton’s work also aligns with other areas too.
– SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): By significantly reducing PM2.5 particulate emissions from wood combustion, Noeton’s emission catcher directly contributes to improving air quality. Better air quality reduces respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, thus enhancing public health and well-being.
– SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): The emission catcher promotes cleaner and more efficient use of biomass energy. It supports the transition to renewable energy sources by making wood burning a cleaner alternative, aligning with the EU’s goals for sustainable energy.
– SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): By decreasing emissions from residential wood burning, Noeton helps cities reduce their pollution levels, making urban environments safer and more sustainable. This contributes to the goal of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
– SDG 15 (Life on Land): By reducing air pollution, Noeton’s emission catcher helps protect terrestrial ecosystems from the harmful effects of pollutants. This contributes to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, which is critical for maintaining biodiversity.
– SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Noeton’s approach involves collaboration with universities, research institutions, and industry partners to develop and deploy their technology. This aligns with the EU’s emphasis on multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals.
For more information about Noeton Oy, visit their website.
Other sources:
Solution is based on the doctoral thesis of one of the founding members, Heikki Suhonen, from 2021.
Novel fine particle reduction method for wood stoves based on high-temperature electric collection of naturally charged soot particles. Suhonen et al. (2021)
Ramboll has conducted a literature review (2023) based on the latest research findings, which have concluded that the best available technologies (BAT) are not yet mature enough to solve the problem of fine particles.
Writer:
Matti Laitinen
Member of Innovation Laboratories for climate actions team, Finland
Innovation expert, M.Sc. (Econ.)
Savonia University of Applied Sciences
Phone +358 44 7856333
Email matti.laitinen@savonia.fi
