- Pioneering women-led Finnish company develops world’s first ultrasound-based industry water filtration technology
- Sofi’s ‘Alchemist’ technology recovers ultra-fine critical minerals from process water
EIT RawMaterials is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union
Berlin, 28.11.2025 – EIT RawMaterials announced an investment of €0.9 million in Sofi Filtration, a women-led Finnish cleantech company developing ultrasound-based water filtration technology. The investment includes €0.6 million under the EIT RawMaterials ‘ERMA Booster’ programme and €0.3 million under its ‘Fast Track’ programme. EIT RawMaterials provides additional startup support services, including entrepreneurship coaching, financial and management advisory services. The EIT RawMaterials investment will accelerate industrial pilots, international expansion, and continued development and validation of the technology into the raw material value chain.
Sofi Filtration’s patented Sofi Alchemist filter system is the first in the world to combine ultrasound-powered self-cleaning with the ability to capture ultra-fine particles down to 0.3 μm. The technology enables up to 20% higher recovery of critical minerals from existing mines, supporting more sustainable resource use. Sofi Filtration was awarded second place at the EIT Innovation Awards 2025 in the Venture category, recognising its contribution to sustainable resource recovery.
Bernd Schäfer, CEO, Managing Director, EIT RawMaterials , said: “Europe cannot afford to waste what it needs to win. As an innovation impact investor, EIT RawMaterials backs technology pioneers like Sofi Filtration. Sofi’s technology turns wastewater into critical mineral supply – accelerating circularity, reducing water use, and strengthening Europe’s security of supply for critical raw materials. This is how we accelerate European leadership – by investing in scalable solutions that move from pilot to impact. We are delighted to support the Sofi team’s growth and to continue delivering on our mandate to secure the critical raw materials Europe needs for competitiveness.”
“We are grateful for the commitment of EIT RawMaterials, whose backing allows us to take giant leaps in commercialisation,” said Riina Salmimies, CEO, Sofi Filtration. “With this support, we are strengthening our team, building partnerships, and preparing to expand into new markets – from Europe to Türkiye, and soon to North America.”
Proven in water treatment for over a decade in power plants, construction, and the pulp and paper industry, the technology is now being applied for the first time in mining, creating a new pathway to improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact in mining and processing industries.
A major milestone in Sofi Filtration’s scaling journey is the recent delivery of its system to Finnish battery chemicals producer Terrafame. The deployment enhances nickel sulphate production at the Sotkamo plant and demonstrates the technology’s value in strengthening Europe’s battery materials value chain. The EIT RawMaterials investment builds on Sofi Filtration’s €1 million financing round completed earlier this year.
Media Contact EIT RawMaterials
Elisabeth Ippel
Communications Manager
elisabeth.ippel@eitrawmaterials.eu
About EIT RawMaterials
EIT RawMaterials is the largest and most active raw materials knowledge and innovation network globally, comprising over 300 partner organisations across the entire raw materials value chain. EIT RawMaterials demonstrates its dedication to advancing and supporting a circular economy in Europe by fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices. Mandated by the European Commission, EIT RawMaterials leads the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA), which includes around 800 members representing an investment potential of more than €25 billion.
Since its founding, EIT RawMaterials has deployed over €700 million in direct strategic funding to support more than 800 projects and start-ups, unlocking approximately €8.3 billion in additional indirect investment into critical raw materials projects and technologies across Europe and beyond.
Supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, EIT RawMaterials was established in 2015 to advance Europe’s transition to a sustainable economy. Its mission is to secure a sustainable supply of raw materials for Europe, close material loops, and design innovative product solutions, with the goal to position raw materials as a strategic strength for Europe through innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. Learn more at eitrawmaterials.eu.
About Sofi Filtration
Sofi Filtration is a Finnish water technology company providing ultra-fine particle filtration for mineral recovery and cleaning industrial process waters. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Sofi Filtration helps industries maximise resource efficiency, minimize waste, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Building on the success of Sofi Prima, their trusted fine particle filtration solution, they continue to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability for industries worldwide. Sofi Prima is the cornerstone of their mission to deliver cutting-edge water filtration technology for a more efficient industrial processes. Their new business line is Sofi Alchemist. It leverages the proven technology platform of Sofi Prima to recover critical minerals from the side streams of mining concentration plants. As the demand for critical raw materials surges to drive the green transition, Sofi Alchemist is ready to play a pivotal role in securing sustainable mineral supplies for the future. Learn more at sofifiltration.com.
