A space for biodesigning at Aalto University
The BioMakerStudio is a DIY fabrication space, which acts as an incubator for exploring and engaging creatively with the process of biological growing, making, and designing.
We welcome creatives (researchers, students, makers, community) from any discipline who are working with (or would like to try) bio-themed projects.
Our intention is also to be as low-threshold, accessible, flexible and open as possible. We we encourage users to be explorative, scavenge things, make their own tools, and try more exploratory encounters that might be otherwise hard to do in a closed lab environment.
Our space develops according to demand, and grows together with the projects and our community.
OUR APPROACH
At the BioMakerStudio, we run on a makerspace philosophy, which includes:
Learning-by-making
You learn through hands-on experiments, and by actively making and growing something. DIY (Do-it-yourself) and DIWO (Do-it-with-others) with communities.
Finding creative workarounds
This is not a classic scientific lab – meaning that for certain processes, you will have to find creative workarounds. Can you find replacements for tools in everyday objects, for example?
Combine fabrication techniques and fields
How can you combine different fabrication and making techniques? Biofabrication, digital fabrication, crafts, textiles… How can you combine knowledge from different disciplines?
Sharing and lowering barriers to knowledge
With the open-access mindset, you’ll share your processes and results with others, and also learn from others. How can you share your knowledge in ways that can be accessed by more people?
SPACES & EQUIPMENT
BioMakerStudio
Our current inventory includes:
• Workbenches
• Digital incubators
• 3D clay printer (for biomaterials)
• Mini laminar flow hood
• Autoclave
• Transparent growtent
• Darkroom growtent
• Digital microscope (AF)
• Stereo microscope
• Fridge + freezer
• Dehydrator
• Heat press
• Kettle
• UV light
• Heating pads
• Heating plates
• Humidity gauge
• Vacuum former
• Drying fan
• Scales
• Kitchen utensils (stick blender, containers, pots, steamers etc.)
• Lab consumables (petri dishes, test tubes, cotton cloths, pH paper, etc.)
• Kitchen consumables (baking sheets, aluminium foils, paper plates, etc.)
• Ingredients for growth mediums
• Large TV screen with HDMI
• Storage space
• First aid kit
Garden
8m2 community garden plot, currently growing:
• Woad (Isatis tinctoria)
• Japanese Indigo (Persicaria tinctoria)
• Dyer’s chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria)
• Dyer’s greenweed (Genista tinctoria)
• Weld (Ruseda luteola)
• Dyer’s coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)
We also have access to these facilities in the same building:
Dyeing Studio
A splash-proof kitchen-like space for wetwork with:
> Sinks
> Hobs
> Drying cabinet
> Kitchen utensils
For more, visit: https://studios.aalto.fi/product/dyeing-and-surface-manipulation/
FabLab
Digital fabrication laboratory for digital fabrication, with:
> Laser cutter
> CNC machine
> 3D printers
> Electronic workstations
> Programming software
For more info, visit: https://studios.aalto.fi/fablab/
WHAT CAN I WORK WITH?
We allow work with entry-level and food-safe organisms and materials in the bioMakerStudio. Currently, we are working with bacterial cellulose (SCOBY), cyanobacteria (spirulina), slime mould (physarum), mycelium (oyster and reishi), and plants (wild and grown).
Working with organisms that are highly perceptible to contamination would be very challenging in our space, as we cannot create completely aseptic conditions.
The BioMakerStudio is constantly changing. For most recent photos check out our Instagram account: @biomakerstudio
🧬 What can AI tell us about the proteins inside a forest, and what can`t it? 🧬
As part of the MA Biodesign course in Contemporary Design and @aaltochemarts minor, we`re excited to have a guest talk by Raphael Kim from @biodesign_academy, as he follows a living matter down to a single protein and introduces AI-native biodesign: judgement, fluency and care for designers working with AI and biology.
No science background needed.
🗓️ Tue 10 November 2026, 3-4pm
📍Väre, room G203
*No sign-up needed. First-come, first-serve basis until the room occupancy is reached.
** This is an in-person event. There will be no remote option.
………………………………………………..
TALK INFO
From the Forest to the Fold: How AI Is Changing Biodesign
Description:
A walk in the forest is full of proteins. Fungi use them to break down wood. Small proteins keep a mushroom`s surface dry. This talk follows the course from the forest down to a single protein, and asks what changes when designers meet living matter at this scale with AI.
AI models can now predict the shape of a protein in minutes, and even suggest new ones. That is exciting. But a prediction is not living matter. Raphael Kim introduces AI-native biodesign: a way of working where AI is part of a project from the start, while the organism stays at the centre. It rests on three parts. Judgement: reading what a model shows, and what it cannot show. Fluency: running the tools yourself, in a browser, with no coding or lab. Care: asking who and what a change would touch, from microbes and forests to the people who handle it.
You will see what these tools can do, where they are still guessing, and leave with three questions to bring to your own projects.
Speaker Bio:
Raphael Kim is a designer and researcher, and founder of Biodesign Academy. Trained in biotechnology (UCL) and design (Royal College of Art), with a PhD in human-computer interaction, he developed the AI-native biodesign framework. He works between Stockholm and London.
#biodesign #biomakerstudio #biolab #biodesignacademy #biodesigntalk @aaltoarts
🧬 What can AI tell us about the proteins inside a forest, and what can`t it? 🧬
As part of the MA Biodesign course in Contemporary Design and @aaltochemarts minor, we`re excited to have a guest talk by Raphael Kim from @biodesign_academy, as he follows a living matter down to a single protein and introduces AI-native biodesign: judgement, fluency and care for designers working with AI and biology.
No science background needed.
🗓️ Tue 10 November 2026, 3-4pm
📍Väre, room G203
*No sign-up needed. First-come, first-serve basis until the room occupancy is reached.
** This is an in-person event. There will be no remote option.
………………………………………………..
TALK INFO
From the Forest to the Fold: How AI Is Changing Biodesign
Description:
A walk in the forest is full of proteins. Fungi use them to break down wood. Small proteins keep a mushroom`s surface dry. This talk follows the course from the forest down to a single protein, and asks what changes when designers meet living matter at this scale with AI.
AI models can now predict the shape of a protein in minutes, and even suggest new ones. That is exciting. But a prediction is not living matter. Raphael Kim introduces AI-native biodesign: a way of working where AI is part of a project from the start, while the organism stays at the centre. It rests on three parts. Judgement: reading what a model shows, and what it cannot show. Fluency: running the tools yourself, in a browser, with no coding or lab. Care: asking who and what a change would touch, from microbes and forests to the people who handle it.
You will see what these tools can do, where they are still guessing, and leave with three questions to bring to your own projects.
Speaker Bio:
Raphael Kim is a designer and researcher, and founder of Biodesign Academy. Trained in biotechnology (UCL) and design (Royal College of Art), with a PhD in human-computer interaction, he developed the AI-native biodesign framework. He works between Stockholm and London.
#biodesign #biomakerstudio #biolab #biodesignacademy #biodesigntalk @aaltoarts
A biodesign lab in the forest? 🌲
Brining experts in fungi, lichen, and slime moulds together with our students, we went foraging outdoors in the Finnish forest. We took time learning about different species, noticing new ones, and carefully picking up some samples to experiment in the biodesign lab.
We also set up a temporary laboratory right within the forest, where students learned to culture local mushroom species on-site.
Biodesign labs don`t have to be in a room, surrounded by high-tech equipment. Sometimes, it just means moving ourselves into the wild with a few little tools.
Thank you @areyouharveyshawaboutthat
@ameli_m_a and Lilith Weber for sharing your expertise!
#biodesign #biolab #biomakerstudio #nuuksio
A biodesign lab in the forest? 🌲
Brining experts in fungi, lichen, and slime moulds together with our students, we went foraging outdoors in the Finnish forest. We took time learning about different species, noticing new ones, and carefully picking up some samples to experiment in the biodesign lab.
We also set up a temporary laboratory right within the forest, where students learned to culture local mushroom species on-site.
Biodesign labs don`t have to be in a room, surrounded by high-tech equipment. Sometimes, it just means moving ourselves into the wild with a few little tools.
Thank you @areyouharveyshawaboutthat
@ameli_m_a and Lilith Weber for sharing your expertise!
#biodesign #biolab #biomakerstudio #nuuksio
UPDATE: BioMakerStudio has a new location 🎉
We`ve been a little silent while all of these talks and moves were happening… but happy to announce that we`ve successfully moved!
From a single DIY incubator in 2023, to now an official Aalto University infrastructure in 2027. What a journey!!
We are very excited to offer more biodesign opportunities in this new lab – starting with our first Biodesign course at Aalto next week.
This new space is designed to keep the studio-makerspace features of the previous BioMakerStudio, and at the same time, to introduce a proper lab facility for biological experimentation.
We are also very excited to be right next to @biofilia_aalto 💫
Thank you for all the support you`ve given us over the past years, especially @aaltostudios @aaltostudios_costume_workshop @sustainability_action_booster @aaltoarts @aaltochemarts
More exciting projects coming soon ~ ✨
#biodesign #biolab #biomakerstudio #aaltouniversity
UPDATE: BioMakerStudio has a new location 🎉
We`ve been a little silent while all of these talks and moves were happening… but happy to announce that we`ve successfully moved!
From a single DIY incubator in 2023, to now an official Aalto University infrastructure in 2027. What a journey!!
We are very excited to offer more biodesign opportunities in this new lab – starting with our first Biodesign course at Aalto next week.
This new space is designed to keep the studio-makerspace features of the previous BioMakerStudio, and at the same time, to introduce a proper lab facility for biological experimentation.
We are also very excited to be right next to @biofilia_aalto 💫
Thank you for all the support you`ve given us over the past years, especially @aaltostudios @aaltostudios_costume_workshop @sustainability_action_booster @aaltoarts @aaltochemarts
More exciting projects coming soon ~ ✨
#biodesign #biolab #biomakerstudio #aaltouniversity
Co-designing tiles for mycelium soundproofing panels using Korean typographic patterns 🍄
Last month, participants came together at the BioMakerStudio for a series of collaborative, hands-on workshops to grow mycelium in modular moulds. The @noraebang_fi team put an incredible amount of work into planning and facilitating these sessions; and what a great success!
The resulting panels will become part of Aalto`s on-campus Korean karaoke booth, so keep your eyes peeled 👀🎤
A big thank you to @sustainability_action_booster for supporting this project!
#biomakerstudio #biolab #mycelium #communityworkshop #sustainability #myceliumpanels
Co-designing tiles for mycelium soundproofing panels using Korean typographic patterns 🍄
Last month, participants came together at the BioMakerStudio for a series of collaborative, hands-on workshops to grow mycelium in modular moulds. The @noraebang_fi team put an incredible amount of work into planning and facilitating these sessions; and what a great success!
The resulting panels will become part of Aalto`s on-campus Korean karaoke booth, so keep your eyes peeled 👀🎤
A big thank you to @sustainability_action_booster for supporting this project!
#biomakerstudio #biolab #mycelium #communityworkshop #sustainability #myceliumpanels
What happens when you combine skillful glass blowing with mycelium?
We explored the combination of craft x biodesign at our previous Experimental Design course at @aaltoarts
The students were encouraged to develop their craft skills in glass, ceramics, and/or woodworking, and explore their potentials for designing with living organisms at the @biomakerstudio 🍃
An amazing glass blowing demonstration by @aaltouniversityglass 🌬️ Thank you to the workshop masters for supporting this course!
#glassblowing #biodesign #biomakerstudio #biolab #mycelium
What happens when you combine skillful glass blowing with mycelium?
We explored the combination of craft x biodesign at our previous Experimental Design course at @aaltoarts
The students were encouraged to develop their craft skills in glass, ceramics, and/or woodworking, and explore their potentials for designing with living organisms at the @biomakerstudio 🍃
An amazing glass blowing demonstration by @aaltouniversityglass 🌬️ Thank you to the workshop masters for supporting this course!
#glassblowing #biodesign #biomakerstudio #biolab #mycelium
Curious about mycelium? Interested in participatory and sustainable design? Want to contribute to an on-campus korean karaoke booth?
We are looking for participants to co-design and mold tiles with us for mycelium soundproofing panels using Korean (한글) typographic patterns. The panels will become part of Aalto`s on-campus Korean karaoke booth (coming early June in Abloc).
All materials and snacks provided. The project is funded by @sustainability_action_booster
📍 BioMakerStudio, Otakaari 7, 02150 Espoo, Finland
✍🏻 SIGN UP
Sign up for next week`s (4 May) 2-hour workshop: https://luma.com/7dv3dfq3
Sign up for other workshops (11, 18 May): https://linktr.ee/noraebang_fi
#mycelium #helsinkiactivity #fungi
Curious about mycelium? Interested in participatory and sustainable design? Want to contribute to an on-campus korean karaoke booth?
We are looking for participants to co-design and mold tiles with us for mycelium soundproofing panels using Korean (한글) typographic patterns. The panels will become part of Aalto`s on-campus Korean karaoke booth (coming early June in Abloc).
All materials and snacks provided. The project is funded by @sustainability_action_booster
📍 BioMakerStudio, Otakaari 7, 02150 Espoo, Finland
✍🏻 SIGN UP
Sign up for next week`s (4 May) 2-hour workshop: https://luma.com/7dv3dfq3
Sign up for other workshops (11, 18 May): https://linktr.ee/noraebang_fi
#mycelium #helsinkiactivity #fungi
Spring is finally here 🌸 and starting off earthy with claywork at the BioMakerStudio 🧱
Showcasing beautiful 3D clay printing work by @marcelo_guajardod
Very exciting to see how it fires 🔥
Printing with @eazao3d
#biomakerstudio #clayprinting
Spring is finally here 🌸 and starting off earthy with claywork at the BioMakerStudio 🧱
Showcasing beautiful 3D clay printing work by @marcelo_guajardod
Very exciting to see how it fires 🔥
Printing with @eazao3d
#biomakerstudio #clayprinting
Clay 3D printing in progress at the BioMakerStudio 🧱
by @marcelo_guajardod
Using the Eazao 3D printer @eazao3d
Very satisfying to watch! 👀
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#3dprinting #clayprinting #biomakerstudio
Clay 3D printing in progress at the BioMakerStudio 🧱
by @marcelo_guajardod
Using the Eazao 3D printer @eazao3d
Very satisfying to watch! 👀
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#3dprinting #clayprinting #biomakerstudio
CONTACT
If you are interested in using the BioMakerStudio or have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We are always looking to expand our inventory of equipment and materials through recycled or second-hand goods. If you have any lab / makerspace equipment that you would like to donate, please let us know!
Interested in the BioMakerStudio? Contact
Ena Naito
Doctoral Researcher
ena.naito@aalto.fi
+358 50 464 4304
Co-funded by
