ÄIO Co-Founder Petri-Jaan Lahtvee Honored with White Star Class IV Medal
We are proud to announce that Petri-Jaan Lahtvee, co-founder of ÄIO and Professor at TalTech – Tallinn University of Technology, has been honored with the White Star Class IV Medal by the President of Estonia, Mr Alar Karis. This prestigious award recognizes his outstanding contributions to science, sustainability, and biotechnology—an award to his dedication to developing innovative solutions for a greener future.
Thank You message from Petri
“I was truly honored to receive a White Star Class IV State Medal from the Estonian President, Alar Karis, just a few days before we celebrate Estonian Independence Day today (24.02).
This recognition is not mine alone—I want to thank my academic mentors, Prof. Raivo Vilu and Prof. Jens Nielsen, my previous and present colleagues, especially from TFTAK, Chalmers University of Technology, University of Tartu, and TalTech – Tallinn University of Technology.
A special thanks to my current and former lab members from BioEng TalTech lab and team ÄIO, and my family for their unwavering support.”
Pioneering Sustainable Innovation
In addition to co-founding ÄIO, Petri is a Professor at TalTech – Tallinn University of Technology, where he leads research in bioengineering and industrial biotechnology. His work focuses on reshaping how we produce and use fats and oils, developing microbial oil production technologies that provide sustainable alternatives to palm oil, coconut oil, and animal fats. These advancements align with circular economy principles, helping industries reduce their environmental footprint.
As a scientist, entrepreneur, and educator, Petri is deeply committed to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world applications. Through both ÄIO and academia, he continues to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.
Celebrating a Visionary
This recognition highlights not only Petri-Jaan’s achievements but also the growing importance of sustainable solutions in shaping a better future. We at ÄIO are incredibly proud of his contributions and look forward to continuing our mission of making the world more sustainable, one innovation at a time.
Congratulations, Petri! Your dedication and passion continue to make a lasting impact.