Laboratory for Radical Innovations

Laboratory for Radical Innovations (LRI) is the innovation platform of LAB University of Applied Sciences, which combines design, science and technology. At its core is the development of radical innovations – that is, the search for bold, novel solutions to future challenges.


The laboratory offers companies a path to new technologies, creative experiments and international networks. The goal is to develop solutions that can have far-reaching impacts – not only on their own business, but on entire industries.

Practical activities include, for example:

  • Experiments and prototypes: Students and experts develop new technologies and concepts – for example, future solutions and prototypes created in collaboration with CERN and ESA BIC (such as wearable biotechnologies or new concepts that shape the relationship between humans and the environment)
  • Interdisciplinary projects: Experts from different fields work together, which enables completely new perspectives and solutions.
  • Learning and experimentation environment: LRI offers students the opportunity to develop their skills and participate in international projects where design meets cutting-edge research and technology.

For companies and organizations, LRI offers:

🔬 Access to new technologies and creative experiments – companies can utilize LRI’s expertise in developing new solutions and prototypes.

💡 Piloting and testing of innovations – companies have the opportunity to test radical ideas in a safe development environment and find completely new business models or products.

🤝 Cooperation with local and national actors – including the City of Lahti, foundations and the ELY Centre, which offers versatile financial and development support.

🌍 International networks – cooperation with global actors opens doors to networks and projects that would otherwise not be easily accessible.

🚀 Competitive advantage in future markets – LRI helps companies move from gradual changes towards real breakthroughs that can revolutionize industries.

Radical innovation refers to a disruptive breakthrough – a new technology, business model, process or product – that reshapes industries or creates entirely new markets.

Radical innovation goes beyond incremental change and reinvents what is possible. Developing radical innovations requires bold risk-taking and an open development environment that creates new opportunities rather than just improving existing ones.

The LRI team consists of a group of innovators, lecturers, developers and researchers who work on various LAB RDI projects. You can find us at Mukkula Campus in room A258.

  • Lauri Repokari // International product development professional with over 25 years of experience in usability, cognitive ergonomics, and international research and development collaboration.
  • Katariina Mäenpää // Doctor of Business Administration with a strong background in marketing, consumer behavior, psychology, and sociology. » Linkedin
  • Jani Kalasniemi // M.Sc. (Eng.), research and development specialist and project manager with experience in collaboration at CERN and Stanford's ME310 research facility. » Linkedin
  • Jorma Lehtonen // Experienced design professional who has worked in education, product development and corporate collaboration for over 30 years. Project Manager of the VALTO project.
  • Hanna Heinonen // Doctor of Arts and research, development and innovation expert with 20 years of experience in pedagogy and art education. » Linkedin
  • Antti Heinonen // Lecturer in Digital Experience Design with 18 years of teaching experience and an extensive background in visual communication and interactive design. » Linkedin
  • Marjo Luhtanen // RDI expert with over 20 years of experience in diverse business collaboration projects.
  • Niki Jonaeson // Industrial designer focusing on user-centered product development with special expertise in usability, manufacturability, and business-centric design solutions. » Linkedin
  • Katariina Pakarinen // RDI expert with over 15 years of experience in user-centered design and visual communication. » Linkedin
  • Beatriz de Moura Figueiredo // Bachelor of Arts in Branding and Packaging Design. » Linkedin

Current affairs

On Thursday 25 September, the opening of the Laboratory for Radical Innovations was celebrated. During the day, LRI presented its activities to the staff, students and companies of the LAB's Design Institute. Visitors also had the opportunity to see the Radical Dimension exhibition, which featured collaborative projects with CERN and the European Space Agency's think tank ESA BIC.

You can read the article in Etelä-Suomen Sanomat about LRI's activities and future plans HERE.

Projects

Aperture - collAboration for imPlemEnting gReen Technologies in the bUildings and pRoperty sEctor

sUser - Introducing user-driven design and agile development skills in the case of sustainable service housing for elderly

Proto+ – Uuden ajan prototypoinnin ja oppimisen kehityshanke

Contact info

Katariina Mäenpää
RDI specialist
katariina [dot] maenpaaatlab [dot] fi
Jani Kalasniemi
Specialist
jani [dot] kalasniemiatlab [dot] fi
Lauri Repokari
Development manager
lauri [dot] repokariatlab [dot] fi