A prosthesis that feels like extension of the body
Researchers develop a prosthesis that better interprets muscle and nerve signals, making movement more natural and daily life more independent.
Experience tomorrow at our autumn exhibition!
Designs for a Cooler Planet is Aalto University’s biggest exhibition of the year, where students and researchers present fresh perspectives, bold experiments and practical solutions designed to change the world. Exhibition is open 1 Sept – 30 Oct 2026.
Get a taste of what is featured in 2026 exhibition
Solving earth’s challenges from space
Small satellites help solve Earth’s challenges in navigation, communication and environmental monitoring. Finnish expertise is already in dozens of satellites.
From waste comes something better
The circular economy gives waste a new life. Aalto projects show how side streams can become sustainable materials and new products.
Architect’s dream sauna challenges the norms of wood construction
An architect-designed sauna explores the use of naturally shaped timber in construction, challenging established norms in wood building.
Tomorrow’s home is a non-toxic carbon store
Researchers develop non-toxic building materials that store carbon, use side streams and support a more circular built environment.
Europe hosts the servers, others reap the rewards?
Data centres’ electricity use is rapidly rising in the EU, while value flows abroad. Digital dependence raises concerns about Europe’s position in the market.
A home warmed by nature slows climate change
Bio-based insulation materials can store carbon and reduce emissions. Researchers develop alternatives for renovation using biomass-based solutions.
Geometry makes materials lighter and stronger
Geometry can make materials lighter and stronger. Researchers develop metamaterials where structure, not material, defines strength and adaptability.
A human-centred employment service grew into a success story
The KOSKE service supports employment of highly educated immigrants. Human-centred design connects skills with labour market opportunities.
Data sheds light on the telehealth boom and its future
Data reveals the rapid growth of telehealth chat services. Research supports better digital services and more informed decision-making in healthcare.
The journey of materials lasts for centuries
Materials can last for centuries. Bio-based innovation and circular economy raise questions about the long-term legacy of new materials for future generations.
AI accelerates the search for a room-temperature superconductor
The SuperC consortium led by Aalto University uses AI to search for a room-temperature superconductor and a more energy-efficient future.
Giving a vacant health center a new life as a temporary school
Aalto University students redesigned the Kivikko health centre as a temporary school, showing how adaptive reuse can save resources and extend a building’s life.
The people behind the exhibition
Designs for a Cooler Planet wouldn’t be what it is without the people who have worked behind the scenes to bring it to life. From shaping the vision to selecting exhibition projects, communications and visual identity, the exhibition has been built through multidisciplinary collaboration.
Get to know the contributors below.
Enni Äijälä
Artistic lead and project management
Senior communications specialist, outreach and design
+358 50 359 4810
enni.aijala@aalto.fi
Katja Rönkkö
Communications lead
katja.ronkko@aalto.fi
Minna Hölttä
Lead text editor
minna.holtta@aalto.fi
Marianne Lenoir
Lead graphic designer
The main responsibility for the exhibition lies with the Aalto University's communications services. Designs for a Cooler Planet is one of the annual flagship events organised by the Partnership and Corporate Relations team (ADCO) and the Aalto Networking Platform. Additionally, the event involves the Leadership Support Services, Innovation Ecosystem Services and Aalto Takeout.
Paula Haikarainen, managing editor, Aalto University Magazine
Minna Hölttä, managing editor
Jussi Impiö, senior expert / green transition
Maija Ojanen-Saloranta, manager, corporate relations
Katja Rönkkö, senior communication specialist
Salu Ylirisku, senior university lecturer ELEC
Kate Jurva, senior manager / content and media
Enni Äijälä, senior communication specialist / outreach and design
Partners
Designs for a Cooler Planet is also part of Helsinki Design Week and the European Commission’s New European Bauhaus initiative.
is the largest design festival in the Nordic countries. Held annually in September, the festival presents new designers and multidisciplinary phenomena, promotes design internationally in collaboration with various organisations, and provides a platform for citizens to participate in the development and discussion of the city through design. Collaboration with Aalto University brings the academic voice and multidisciplinary way of doing to that discussion.
is an initiative launched by the European Commission to develop new policies that reduce the carbon and material footprint of housing and construction and promote human and natural well-being. The aim is to create a new European way of life and attractive societies that work in harmony with nature, and to bring the European Green Deal into our living environments. Aalto University is a partner in the New European Bauhaus initiative.
More about New European Bauhaus in aalto.fi:
New European Bauhaus at Aalto University
Vibrant living environments are created through more inclusive, sustainable and aesthetic design
Could a donation be your act of change?
External funding plays an increasingly vital role in supporting the work of the Aalto community. The projects featured in the Designs for a Cooler Planet exhibition are one example of what both small and large donations can achieve. See how you can support the change.
A! Sign of Change
University's government funding has decreased. We need your support. Make a donation for a more hopeful future!
Interested in shaping the future as an Aalto student?
Designs for a Cooler Planet offers a window into how interdisciplinary education and research at Aalto University generate solutions to society’s biggest challenges. See how you can apply to study at Aalto.
Study at Aalto
Study in Finland at Aalto University, where science and art meet technology and business. Join a top-ranked, multidisciplinary community!