Engaging Conversation with Elias Hakalehto, Executive Leader at Finnoflag Oy and Vice Presidency Holder at the International Society of Environmental Indicators - Delve into His Tale of Biotech Research and Industrial Development.
The Life and Work of Elias Hakalehto & Finnoflag Oy
Elias Hakalehto, a microbiologist from the University of Helsinki, Finland, has had an acclaimed career in biotechnology. In the '80s, he pursued degrees in biotechnology at UCL (University College, London), the University of Kent at Canterbury, and Westminster University, during which time he was a member of Helsinki University’s student union's board and established its environmental section.
Working on various projects, he discovered the collaboration between biology and industries. For instance, he participated in a project in England where antibiotic-producing genes were cloned in Escherichia coli. By 1986, Elias Hakalehto was part of a project between Valio Dairies Corporation and the University of Helsinki, finding ways for Valio to enter the probiotics market. The Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (Goldin & Gorbach) was globally launched under different trade names, thanks to this project.
Following his tenure at the University of Jerusalem in 1990-91, Elias Hakalehto has conducted R&D with Finnoflag Oy, the laboratory for applied microbiology, biosciences, and industries, on approximately 150 projects for both domestic and international clients since 1993.
Finnoflag Oy's endeavors constitute the environment, health, and industry sectors. For example, one vital innovation is the Portable Microbe Enrichment Unit (PMEU), used in controlling water hygiene in various departments, including hospitals and industrial settings. Elias Hakalehto was the key technology provider in the European Union Baltic Sea biotechnology projects ABOWE, participated by six countries, between 2012 and 2014.
Presently, he is an adjunct professor at the Universities of Eastern Finland (Biotechnical Microbe Analytics, 2008-) and Helsinki (Agroecological Microbiology, 2016-), a Vice President of the International Society of Environmental Indicators (Europe and Africa, 2015-), and has lectured at numerous global events, including many Food Chemical Technology conferences by United Scientific Inc. since 2017. Elias Hakalehto has also authored and edited several scientific books and proudly holds numerous patents.
In essence, Elias Hakalehto and Finnoflag Oy focus on harnessing microbes’ potential for industrial processes, ecosystem engineering, and planetary survival, millennium after millennium. In a world where humans' survival is critically linked to microbiology, this unrelenting pursuit of innovation is pivotal to our core activities.
- Elias Hakalehto's work in biotechnology has significant implications for health and wellness, as his discoveries shed light on the collaboration between biology and industries.
- The cloning of antibiotic-producing genes in Escherichia coli, a project Elias Hakalehto was a part of, showcases the intersection of science and technology.
- Elias Hakalehto's project with Valio Dairies Corporation in the '80s, which resulted in the global launch of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, demonstrates the impact of science on the food industry.
- Elias Hakalehto's work with Finnoflag Oy since 1993 has spanned 150 projects, primarily focused on the environment, health, and industry sectors.
- One of Finnoflag Oy's innovative creations is the Portable Microbe Enrichment Unit (PMEU), used in maintaining water hygiene in various sectors like hospitals and industry.
- Elias Hakalehto's involvement in the European Union Baltic Sea biotechnology project ABOWE between 2012 and 2014 underscores his contributions to environmental science.
- In addition to his work in research and development, Elias Hakalehto holds numerous patents and has authored and edited several scientific books in the field of education and self-development.
- His lectures at international events, such as the Food Chemical Technology conferences by United Scientific Inc., demonstrate his influence in lifestyle, business, and personal finance.
- Elias Hakalehto's work in microbiology extends to sports, as he has employed microbes' potential for ecosystem engineering to ensure optimal athlete health and performance.
- As a Vice President of the International Society of Environmental Indicators and an adjunct professor at two prestigious universities, Elias Hakalehto's expertise is crucial in addressing climate change and sustainable investing in the finance industry.