EIT RawMaterials invests €0.5 million in Finnish circularity start-up Weeefiner
EIT RawMaterials invests €0.5 million in Finnish start-up Weeefiner, whose breakthrough technology turns industrial wastewater into a new source of critical raw materials, driving Europe’s circular economy forward.
- Weeefiner’s breakthrough technology recovers critical raw materials from industrial wastewater, transforming it into a sustainable raw materials source
- Investment adds to EIT RawMaterials’ growing start-up portfolio, reflecting the commitment to accelerating funding in the raw materials sector
- EIT RawMaterials is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union
EIT RawMaterials
Elisabeth Ippel
Communications Manager
elisabeth.ippel@eitrawmaterials.eu
Weeefiner
Mikko Hänninen
CEO
mikko.hanninen@weeefiner.fi
Berlin, 07.10.2025 – EIT RawMaterials announced a new investment in Weeefiner, a Finnish start-up pioneering the selective recovery of dissolved metals from industrial wastewater. Its innovative technology offers the mining industry a sustainable and easy-to-implement solution to recover critical raw materials, manage effluent, and reduce environmental impact, turning compliance costs into economic opportunities.
Bernd Schäfer, CEO, Managing Director, EIT RawMaterials, commented: “Weeefiner’s technology is an outstanding example of our focus on groundbreaking innovation that is helping Europe take the lead in creating a truly functioning circular economy. We are proud to support Weeefiner’s growth as part of our portfolio of innovative companies and technologies that are delivering impactful solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the raw materials sector.”
Mikko Hänninen, CEO, Weeefiner, stated: “The continuous support from EIT RawMaterials is invaluable as we enter our next phase of growth. Their extensive network and event platforms will help us increase our visibility and expand our business opportunities. We look forward to receiving strategic guidance and financial advisory services, which will be crucial as we scale our operations and expand our market reach.”
Weeefiner’s proprietary ‘4D Scavenger®’ technology uses 3D-printed porous filters to selectively capture metals from water streams, with recovery rates of up to 100%. The solution can transform industrial waste into a secondary raw materials source while cutting the wastewater treatment costs by up to 30%. According to UN-Water (2024) estimates, only 27% of industrial wastewater is safely treated globally, highlighting the urgent need and opportunity for scalable, cost-effective solutions like Weeefiner’s to recover valuable materials and mitigate environmental damage.
The investment underscores EIT RawMaterials’ commitment to supporting the EU’s 2030 goals for sustainability, resource efficiency, and raw materials independence. The new funding will enable Weeefiner to refine its technology, optimise production processes, and establish a small-series manufacturing line to meet growing demand. In addition to financial support, EIT RawMaterials will provide strategic advisory services to help Weeefiner enhance its global growth strategies, connect with customers and investors, and accelerate expansion.
EIT RawMaterials
Elisabeth Ippel
Communications Manager
elisabeth.ippel@eitrawmaterials.eu
Weeefiner
Mikko Hänninen
CEO
mikko.hanninen@weeefiner.fi
Media Contacts
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 more than 790 members and an advanced project pipeline of over 40 projects, representing an investment potential of more than €25 billion.
Since its founding, EIT RawMaterials has deployed over €600 million in direct strategic funding to support more than 800 projects and start-ups. These initiatives, including ERMA projects, have leveraged additional funding of €5 billion from external sources, creating a cumulative impact of more than €5.5 billion in critical and strategic raw materials projects, technologies, and programmes 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.
About Weeefiner
Weeefiner is a Finnish technology pioneer specialising in innovative water treatment and material recovery solutions. The company provides solutions for streamlining industrial processes and efficiently utilising production by-products. Its story began from cutting-edge university research that led to the invention of 4D Scavenger® technology. Weeefiner was founded to drive the technology forward and to this day, it has already been applied for dozens of elements and various fields including mining, metallurgy, and process industries. Groundbreaking work of Weeefiner has been recognised by Save the Baltic Sea Award in 2022, Young Researcher Entrepreneur Award in 2023 and won Eramet innovation challenge in 2024 to name a few milestones so far.
