Our Company

Liquid Sun is on a mission to decarbonize aviation by turning CO₂ into sustainable jet fuel. Since 2022, we’ve been building breakthrough technology with a team united by one goal: a fossil-free future.

OUR PARTNERS

Liquid Sun's Team for Sustainable Jet Fuel

ABOUT US

FROM A SCIENCE LAB TO A GLOBAL IMPACT

Our vision is to eliminate fossil fuels for good, starting with aviation. In our lab in Tampere, Finland, a team of scientists, engineers, and commercial experts is developing cutting-edge technologies and commercial strategies to accelerate the shift towards cleaner aviation. Backed by science, driven by urgency, we’re building a future where progress no longer comes at the planet’s expense.

LEADING THE WAY

We believe that real change doesn’t happen in isolation. To shift an entire system away from fossil fuels, we need collaboration. That’s why we’re on the look out for forward-thinking partners to create a lasting impact to the industries that need it most.

WHO WE ARE

OUR STORY

Liquid Sun was founded on breakthrough research from Tampere University and Stanford University, where Professor Mika Valden and his team developed a new method for producing synthetic hydrocarbons — a key building block for sustainable fuels and chemicals.

After successful testing, the technology matured to move from lab to market. In 2022, a group of founders came together to commercialize the innovation, combining expertise in science, business, and global strategy with a shared mission: to replace fossil fuels using the power of science and nature.

Today, Liquid Sun unites deep scientific knowledge with an international team and commercial experience to lead the development of fossil-free hydrocarbons. In other words, creating real climate impact while delivering economic value for global partners.

Sustainable jet fuel in production by our team of doctors.

OUR BACKERS

Dr. Harri Ali-Löytty

CTO

With 15 years of research experience within academia, Harri is an expert in chemical physics specializing in the analysis of surface and interface phenomena on inorganic materials, with emphasis on (photo)catalysis, corrosion and thin films. Harri worked for the Joint Center For Artificial Photosynthesis (JCAP) project in 2014–2015 during his Postdoctoral scholar in Stanford University.

Dr. Said Said

Innovation Manager

Said is an experienced chemist with an extensive research background, stemming from both academia and industry, in areas of catalysis, organometallics and nanomaterials. Said obtained his PhD at the University of Oxford where he worked on a number of projects concerning nanomaterials for photoelectrochemical applications. Since, he has gained a strong passion for disruptive technologies.

Meri-Sofia Riva

eSAF Coordinator

Meri-Sofia combines expertise in aviation and consulting, with a proven track record in optimizing commercial strategies and advancing sustainability. She has led pricing initiatives in aviation revenue management and recently developed circular economy solutions aligned with EU directives.

Dr. Zafar Ahmed

Catalyst Development Manager

Zafar is an experienced chemist with a demonstrated history of working in research & development labs (academia & industrial). Areas of expertise include Synthetic Chemistry, Photoswitchable Materials and Circular Chemistry. Zafar is harnessing new skills with additional studies in Risk Management & Circular Economy (MD) with a special focus on sustainable and circular product development in the field of the chemical industry. Throughout his career, he has been a result-oriented team player ready to take the lead whenever required.

Dr. Muhammad Zubair

Process Development Manager

Being a young researcher, Muhammad has extensive experience in basic and applied research with expertise in material and catalysts development, their characterization and application in renewable and sustainable energy generation. Throughout his research career, he has been focused on conducting meaningful research that could have a strong impact on society. Muhammad always looks forward to learning new research skills and is always open to collaborations.

Dr. Judit Nyári

Productisation Manager

Judit is a professional with a passion for turning CO₂ from a problem into a solution. With experience across startups, consulting, and academia, she brings a rare blend of insight and agility to the challenge of scaling climate technologies. At Liquid Sun, she thrives where innovation meets market reality—aligning breakthrough science with real-world needs and engaging stakeholders to drive change.

Dr. Markku Hannula

Senior Stack Designer

Markku has a strong and versatile background in surface science. Throughout his university research career, he has been studying surface and interface-related phenomena of different materials, such as stainless steel, semiconductors, organic coatings and transition metal oxides. His expertise is focused on electron spectroscopic methods and the fabrication of nanomaterials via physical and chemical vapor deposition techniques.

Arthur Romanet

Business Development

For the past decade, Arthur has explored and developed expertise in various B2B commercial roles. He started his career in Paris in new business development, before moving to London where he deepened his commercial acumen, working in account management & strategic partnerships. His experience lies in building effective commercial go-to-market strategies and leading sales teams across EMEA.

Dr. Elisabeth Albrecht

Laboratory Engineer

Elisabeth is a dedicated materials scientist and chemist with deep expertise in inorganic solid-state materials. Blending hands-on experimentation with advanced computational modeling, she brings a powerful combination of precision and innovation to her work. At Liquid Sun, she applies her skills in material testing and analysis to develop solutions that push the boundaries of clean technology.

Dr. Pasi Keinänen

CEO, CO-founder

Pasi is an accomplished entrepreneur with an extensive experience in research and development. He has a proven track record of success especially in driving innovation and progress across a variety of fields, leveraging his skills and expertise to push boundaries and achieve breakthrough results.

Sandra Sonneborn

Chemical Engineering Intern

Sandra has hands-on experience in renewable energy systems and the Power-to-X industry through her studies and past work. Passionate about sustainability, she has contributed to multiple R&D projects focused on energy and climate change mitigation. Her expertise includes sustainable systems, environmental calculations, energy systems, and research and development.

Panu Nordlund

Brand & Communications, Co-Founder

Panu is an experienced business leader with expertise in brand strategies, communications and developing strong partnerships. Throughout his career, Panu has collaborated with international companies in their brand strategies and growth initiatives. His focus is always in understanding the business context, end-customer needs, company DNA and making a brand story and design an asset that guides the company forward.

Dr. Prasad Sarma

Senior Electrochemist

Prasad is a passionate electrochemist with deep expertise in electrochemical systems. With a strong foundation in physics and a multidisciplinary background in materials science and electrochemistry, he plays a key role in developing next-generation technologies for clean and efficient energy conversion. At Liquid Sun, Prasad brings curiosity, precision, and innovation to the his teams helping turn bold science into real-world impact.

Professor Mika Valden

Technology Advisor, Co-Founder

Over 35 years Mika has conducted research on phenomena at surfaces and interfaces of photonic materials, biomaterials, metal and semiconductor alloys and nanostructured materials. The main objective of his research activities is to gain insight into the physicochemical surface and interface properties and to develop novel materials by functionalizing surfaces at the nanometer scale. Mika also shares a great interest in engineering pedagogy in the context of university-level teaching and learning.

Samuel Thesleff

Chairman, Co-Founder

Samuel has over a 20 year of career as an entrepreneur, during which he has been involved in founding several successful companies in different fields. For the past 10 years, Samuel has focused on accelerating the growth of multiple start-up companies, where his main areas of responsibility has been financing and commercialization strategies, as well as operational management of the company.

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Lead Tech Engineer Pilot Management

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LATEST NEWS & PRESS RELEASES

Significant progress is underway at Liquid Sun as we accelerate toward the scale-up of eSAFproduction. With each milestone, we're bringing the future of clean aviation closer to reality. Read on to discover the latest breakthroughs driving us forward.

2025

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newsletters

SEE ARTICLE

The market for sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) is predicted to grow from €2 billion in 2030 to over €60 billion by 2050. Finnish company Liquid Sun aims to be at the forefront of this exploding market growth.

2024

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