Aarne Karjalainen, CEO and industrial counselor, was one of Finland’s key economic influencers in the post-World War II era. In June 1958, he founded a special fund with his wife Laura Karjalainen, through which the KAUTE Foundation distributes grants in alignment with its strategy. Now, the fund is being renewed.
Supporting Renewal in the Textile Industry
Aarne Karjalainen’s grandchild, Jenni Karjalainen, has been involved in the renewal process. “It’s wonderful to be part of carrying forward my grandfather’s life’s work,” says Karjalainen. “In the spirit of Karjalainen, we asked ourselves: what are today’s Hyvons?” Hyvon was the product brand of Hyvon Kudeneule Oy, derived from the phrase “hyvä on” (“it is good”).
The fund will continue to support technical and commercial education as well as teaching and research activities in Finland. Moving forward, however, priority will be given to initiatives that support the renewal of the textile industry, improving its viability and promoting positive environmental impacts. According to Jenni Karjalainen, the fund aims to remain deeply connected to contemporary needs.
“Even though Finland no longer has large-scale textile manufacturing, significant research in the textile sector is being conducted here,” Karjalainen explains. “The Karjalainen Fund is happy to support innovations that promote the circular economy or provide solutions to combat the climate crisis.”
New Expertise in the Advisory Committee
The changes in the fund are also reflected in the composition of its advisory committee. “The Karjalainen Fund has always had an abundance of expertise. We want to ensure this continues,” Jenni Karjalainen states.
As the fund steps into a new era, the advisory committee also evolves. Jouni Lounasmaa and Juha Salomäki will continue as members, while new additions include textile designer and Aalto University Professor of Design Pirjo Kääriäinen, Luhta division director Keni Luhtanen, and Onni Ikonen, the entrepreneur behind Tampere-based Pispala Clothing. Jenni Karjalainen will serve as the new chairperson of the advisory committee.
“The new advisory committee reflects the fund’s new direction. With this group, we’re well-positioned to advance important initiatives,” Karjalainen reflects.
Today’s Hyvons
KAUTE Foundation’s Executive Director Tuomas Olkku welcomes the renewal: “It’s fantastic that funds are willing to evaluate their activities and update their rules to better meet today’s needs. The Karjalainen Fund’s new, refined purpose aligns seamlessly with the foundation’s strategic goals, such as supporting research that drives resource efficiency, the circular economy, and industrial renewal.”
Grants from the Laura and Aarne Karjalainen Special Fund are awarded through KAUTE Foundation’s general grant application process. Olkku emphasizes that applicants do not need to target their applications; the foundation handles that on their behalf: “Applicants can focus on what matters most—submitting a strong application. We ensure the application reaches the most suitable fund.”
The majority of the KAUTE Foundation’s grants are distributed through special funds established by donors. These communities, companies, and individuals have chosen to support commercial and technical education and scientific research through their contributions.
Image: Tero Leponiemi