Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (TEKES)

Tekes, the National Technology Agency has been entrusted by the government of Finland with a mission to operate as managing and financing body under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Finland. Tekes acts as a main contact point in Finland for the RTD Framework Programmes of the EC, RTD activities of the European Space Agency and COST and Eureka activities. It initiates and finances national technology programmes, which are the main tool for implementing Finnish technology policy. Tekes also finances research and development projects of universities, research centres and industrial enterprises. The annual budget of Tekes is about €400 million.

Tekes will launch a new national nanotechnology program at the beginning of 2005. The programme owner is Tekes. Tekes will provide funding of €20 – 25 million annually. Targeted technologies and applications will include new innovative products and production business in:  micromodules for wireless telecom, sensing, UBI, hybrid integrated photonic applications, printable electronics for products and product packages, biophotonic modules and disposable sensors for point-of-care diagnostics, environmental analysis and food safety.

www.tekes.fi