Paavo Rasilo is Tampere University’s Inventor of the Year

For his new SMARTMAG project, which will begin later this year, Professor of Electromechanics Paavo Rasilo is developing controllable iron cores for transformers and electric motors.

During the planning phase of the research project, Rasilo came up with four invention ideas.

Rasilo’s new inventions, which earned him the title of Inventor of the Year 2024 at Tampere University, relate to voltage regulation in transformers and modifying the properties of ferromagnetic cores in electrical machines during operation. 

“During the upcoming research project, we will determine whether these ideas can be utilised and further developed, for example, through follow-up projects such as commercialisation initiatives," Rasilo says.

Rasilo has previously been involved in the commercialisation of inventions through the Research to Business project.

In addition to his four invention ideas, Rasilo also participated in an energy harvesting invention in 2024.

Involving team members at an early stage

Paavo Rasilo leads the Electromechanics research group at the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences at Tampere University. Rasilo has raised awareness of inventions within his team by involving researchers in the invention process at an early stage.

“When the group’s researchers are involved in both the inventions and their evaluation, awareness of the utilization possibilities spreads,” he says.

The inventions related to the new ERC project were developed through brainstorming with group members. Some of the inventions may lead to patent applications. 

“If a good idea arises and we see that the invention has commercial potential, protecting the idea is essential,” Rasilo comments.
 

The Inventor of the Year 2024 prize was awarded to Professor Paavo Rasilo on 9 May 2025. Tampere University's Research and Innovation Services have been presenting the award since 2020.