Finnish industry is undergoing a transformation in which the green transition, the circular economy, and new material solutions require deeper expertise in analytics, processes, and research environments than ever before. The Laboratory Services programme at LAB University of Applied Sciences, launching in the fall of 2026, addresses this need in a way that is directly linked to the growing R&D infrastructure in the South Karelia and Päijät-Häme regions, such as the LAB Biofine Pilot Plant (LAB University of Applied Sciences 2026a).
Biofine is a joint development environment of LAB and LUT University where companies can pilot bio-based processes, test material flows, and develop new solutions towards industrial scale (LAB University of Applied Sciences 2026a). When combined with the expertise provided by the Laboratory Services programme, this creates a comprehensive offering that serves companies in both research and practical development work.
What does the Laboratory Services programme offer to companies?
There is now a greater need than ever for professionals who can manage the entire industrial analytics chain. The core of the Laboratory Services programme is built on chemistry, analytical methods, and an understanding of industrial processing. During their studies, students learn to both operate and maintain analytical equipment, develop new methods, and interpret data measurement reliably. (LAB University of Applied Sciences 2026c.) The programme addresses the future need highlighted by the forest, food, and chemical industries for strong equipment expertise and quality assurance in production processes. There is also demand for qualified analytical instrument specialists and method development experts in companies engaged in research and product development, as well as in other research institutions.
The programme has been designed to be as practical as possible. The intensive weeks of the blended learning programme are primarily reserved for practical laboratory work. In Lahti, laboratory instruction takes place in LAB’s new chemistry laboratory at the Lahti Science Park, while in Lappeenranta, the existing laboratories at LUT University are utilized.
In addition to basic chemistry lab work and familiarization with analytical equipment, students will also be able to develop their skills in LAB’s pilot facilities. The LAB Biofine Pilot Plant (LAB University of Applied Sciences 2026a) and Food Pilot Plant (LAB University of Applied Sciences 2026b) provide excellent facilities for various pilot projects, whether they are training assignments or industry-driven projects. The Biofine pilot plant is expected to be completed by mid-2027, and the first pilot-type practical assignments for the Laboratory Services programme will begin in 2028.
If necessary, students can also complete internships in LAB’s pilot environments, either directly on a business-driven project topic or within one of LAB’s ongoing R&D projects. In the future, companies will benefit from analytics experts who understand not only analytical instruments but also the practical and piloting requirements of industrial processes. The training assignments and projects in the Biofine pilot are largely related to the further processing and fractionation of various biomass fractions, as well as the analysis of samples collected from these processes.
In designing the curriculum, we have sought to consider the needs of the business community, and we will continue to develop the curriculum based on the needs of companies. Based on discussions with the business community, there is a clear shortage of analytics equipment specialists, method developers, and process quality assurance professionals, and companies can influence the direction of the education by participating in projects, offering internships and thesis topics, and utilizing students’ expertise in their own development projects. (LAB University of Applied Sciences 2025.) At the same time, Biofine offers companies a platform where they can test new materials, develop processes, and conduct research together with experts from LAB and LUT (LAB University of Applied Sciences 2026a). Students and instructors in the Laboratory Services programme can participate in these projects, which provides companies a direct channel to leverage expertise and pilot new solutions. Conversely, students also gain valuable practical experience.
LAB Biofine will be an integral part of LAB’s Laboratory Services degree programme, which launches in the fall of 2026. By combining Biofine’s piloting opportunities with the new study programme, we create a comprehensive solution that supports companies’ sustainable growth and helps build a new generation of material solutions. The Biofine ecosystem combines education, research, and practical piloting in a way that aims to serve the needs of industry now and in the future.
Author
Mikko Nikunen works as a project manager in the Faculty of Technology at LAB University of Applied Sciences.
References
LAB University of Applied Sciences. 2025. Laboratorioanalyytikko on käytännön laboratoriotyön huippuosaaja, jota tarvitaan edistämään vihreää siirtymää teollisuuden tutkimuksessa ja tuotekehityksessä. [A laboratory analyst is a top expert in practical laboratory work who is needed to advance the green transition in industrial research and product development.] Cited 27 Feb 2026. Available at https://lab.fi/fi/tarina/laboratorioanalyytikko-kaytannon-laboratoriotyon-huippuosaaja-jota-tarvitaan-edistamaan
LAB University of Applied Sciences. 2026a. LAB Biofine. Cited 27 Feb 2026. Available at https://lab.fi/fi/tutkimus-kehitys/vahvuusalueet/monikayttoiset-materiaalit/lab-biofine
LAB University of Applied Sciences. 2026b. LAB Food. Cited 27 Feb 2026. Available at https://lab.fi/fi/lab-food
LAB University of Applied Sciences. 2026c. Laboratorioanalyytikko. [Laboratory analyst.] Cited 27 Feb 2026. Available at https://lab.fi/fi/koulutus/laboratorioanalyytikko
Leinonen, T. 2024. LAB-Analyysilaboratorio-06395. Cited 2 Jun 2026. Available at https://lut.pictures.fi/kuvat/LAB+Press+Images/LABORATORIES/Analyysilaboratorio/LAB-Analyysilaboratorio-06395.jpg
