Before becoming CEO he led a strategic initiative with the name Neo-Carbon Energy. It was the single-largest renewable energy research in Finland so far. Spin-off projects from thatinitiative include Soletair pilot plant producing fuel from air, Neo-Carbon-Food concept for producing healthy protein from air - now commercialised by Solar Foods - as well as thewold’s first simulation for global 100% renewable electricity system named the “Internet of Energy”.Dr Vainikka is the Mission innovation Champion for Finland. Mission Innovation (MI) is a global initiative of 24 countries and the European Commission working to accelerate globalclean energy innovation. The Champions are individuals with a track record of progressing creative new ideas that can drive the pace and scale of the clean energy revolution.Dr Vainikka has held positions as a principal scientist in the strategic research management at VTT Technical research centre of Finland as well as in the management of VTT’s contractresearch in energy. Previously he held a position as the deputy technology manager of VTT’s bioenergy knowledge centre, research team leader and a researcher. Dr Vainikkaholds MSc in energy systems form Cranfield University UK, MSc in energy economics from LUT Finland, and DSc in process chemistry from Åbo Akademi, Finland. Dr Vainikka isadjunct professor at Lappeenranta university of technology (LUT).