University of Oulu involved in developing next-generation imaging technology with Business Finland’s Rise to Challenge funding

In the work package led by the University of Oulu, researchers collaborate with colleagues from the University of Helsinki and the University of Eastern Finland to develop ways to improve tomography – slice-based imaging technology used in hospitals for medical imaging. The aim is to produce highly precise images by utilizing inverse mathematics, artificial intelligence, and novel imaging methods. This would enable the use of more versatile, higher-quality, more cost-effective, or less tissue-damaging imaging techniques compared to current X-ray imaging, such as magnetic resonance or phase-contrast imaging, for example in hospital environments.

The new technologies could enable imaging resolutions up to 10,000 times higher than those currently available. In addition to medical applications, the methods could also be used in materials research and in monitoring greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions, which is being studied in other sub-projects of TomoHQ.

TomoHQ is the first project at the University of Oulu to receive Business Finland’s Rise to Challenge funding. The project’s total funding from Business Finland is approximately €5 million, of which the University of Oulu’s share is nearly €850,000. This funding has been granted for the project’s first phase, which will last up to three years. After this, further funding may be applied for an additional two-year period, provided that the objectives set for the first phase are achieved.

Matti Hanni, Adjunct Professor and the principal investigator responsible for the sub-project led by the University of Oulu, is very pleased with the funding decision:

“Rise to Challenge funding is important, as at this moment we need to commercialize innovative methods emerging from universities and hospitals in order to strengthen Finland’s export potential in medical technology. While receiving the funding felt rewarding for both me and the entire team, it also has broader significance in the research, implementation, and commercialization of tomographic methods. The funding is a recognition not only of the very long-term research carried out at the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital in the field of tomographic imaging, but also of the entire Finnish tomography community. It is encouraging to continue advancing this work with the support of this funding.”

Hanni primarily works as an Associate Chief Physicist in medical imaging at Oulu University Hospital. In addition to him, Adjunct Professors Andreas Hauptmann and Timo Liimatainen, as well as Professor Miika Nieminen, are involved in the project from the University of Oulu.

Read more about the funding decision in the Business Finland press release.