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Aino Piirtola
Program Manager for EIT FAN Helsinki | Food Science & Tech
Aino Piirtola is a Program Manager for the EIT Food Accelerator Network (EIT FAN) at VTT (Technical Research Centre of Finland). She began this role in March 2024, focusing on supporting AgriFoodTech startups across Europe.12
Background and Education
Aino has a diverse educational background. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Food Science and Technology from the University of Helsinki, and she previously earned a Master's degree in Business Technology from Aalto University. Additionally, she has studied International Business and Economics at Universidad de Chile.1
Professional Experience
Before her current position, Aino has held various roles that demonstrate her commitment to sustainability and technology. She has been involved in voluntary projects that support female entrepreneurs in the MENA region and early-stage startup founders in Namibia. Her past experiences also include positions in marketing, communications, and event planning.1
Skills and Interests
Aino is passionate about sustainability and the future of food, which aligns with her current studies and professional endeavors. She is proficient in multiple languages, including English, French, Finnish, Swedish, Spanish, and German, which enhances her ability to work in diverse environments.1
In summary, Aino Piirtola is a dedicated professional in the field of food science and technology, actively contributing to the growth of startups in the AgriFoodTech sector while pursuing her mission of making sustainability a reality.
Highlights
I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Specialist, Program Manager for EIT FAN Helsinki Hub at VTT!
This post is a short ode to beautiful endings after closing the below door for the last time (this time) after 3.5 years at CMI — Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation.
Four years ago after wrapping up my master's thesis on peacetech, I told myself that I would see how far I could go working on the topic. A topic that is nicher than niche. Not a long after, I got employed by one of the leading organisations in peace mediation: CMI had just established a new digital peacemaking project and I was given the opportunity to join it.
I could have continued the work, but I decided otherwise. A rolling stone gathers no moss someone could say. Hence, I am moving on to new adventures. Yet, I am moving on wiser, more experienced professionally, and definitely many wonderful experiences richer. I am sure there could still be a lot to which I could contribute within the peace space and therefore this is not a goodbye but rather a farewell for now.
There's thus nothing more to say than thanks to all my wonderful colleagues and other wise people with whom I have had the priviledge to work over the past years!
