Science Meets Policy: ÄIO co-founder Petri-Jaan Lahtvee Appointed to Estonia’s Research and Development Council

We are proud to share that Petri-Jaan Lahtvee, co-founder of ÄIO and Associate Professor of Food Technology and Bioengineering at TalTech, has been appointed to Estonia’s  Research and Development Council (Teadus- ja Arendusnõukogu, TAN).

Convened by Prime Minister Kristen Michal, the Council plays a strategic role in shaping the country’s research, development, and innovation landscape. Its key task is to advise the government on how Estonia can strengthen productivity, improve export capacity, and enhance its international competitiveness through science and innovation.

In his new role, Petri brings a rare combination of academic depth and entrepreneurial experience. His pioneering work in fermentation science and sustainable fats through ÄIO is a leading example of how research can drive meaningful economic and environmental impact. At ÄIO, he has helped build a model for converting industrial by-products into high-value, resource-efficient fats and oils – technologies now attracting global partners and recognition.

During TAN’s opening session, discussions centered around:

• Creating a stronger bridge between science and industry

• Supporting innovation procurement and early-stage R&D funding

• Addressing scale-up challenges for science-based companies

• Encouraging applied research and boosting investments in technical education

These topics directly align with the work we do at ÄIO. As Estonia looks to scale its knowledge economy and compete through quality and innovation – rather than quantity – Petri’s perspective will help ensure that deep tech and circular economy solutions are part of that national strategy.

We congratulate him on this meaningful appointment and look forward to sharing ideas that support Estonia’s transition toward a high-value, science-powered economy.

Members of the Estonian Research and Development Council (TAN):

Government representatives:

• Kristina Kallas, Minister of Education and Research

• Erkki Keldo, Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology

Academic and industry experts:

• Toomas Asser, Rector of the University of Tartu

• Dan Bogdanov, Chief Scientist, Cybernetica AS

• Andi Hektor, Co-founder and Strategy Lead, GScan OÜ

• Petri-Jaan Lahtvee, Co-founder of ÄIO; Associate Professor at TalTech

• Tiit Land, Rector, TalTech

• Jane Luht, Development Manager, STACC OÜ

• Maive Rute, Deputy Director-General, European Commission (DG GROW); Member of TalTech’s Council

• Mart Saarma, President, Estonian Academy of Sciences; Research Director, University of Helsinki

• Rainer Sternfeld, Entrepreneur and Investor, NordicNinja VC

• Mart Ustav, CEO, Icosagen AS