Jukka Kantola possesses extensive experience in the field of bioeconomy-related industries. His professional journey has been marked by holding various executive positions in both Europe and Asia. These roles have equipped him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in these economies. Jukka has solidified his reputation within the bioeconomy sector, emerging as a fervent advocate for the principles of the circular bioeconomy.
Throughout his career, Jukka’s companies have actively pursued the innovative and sustainable valorisation of biomass for a range of applications, contributing to the industry’s evolution. He has played a pivotal role in translating bioeconomy principles into tangible results.
In recent years, Jukka has been instrumental in fostering new biorefinery ventures, a relatively nascent development within the industry. His notable achievement includes the founding of the World BioEconomy Forum in 2018, which has grown to become a prominent platform for the advancement of the circular bioeconomy.
The World BioEconomy Forum, under his leadership, consistently addresses pressing themes in each season. For instance, in 2021, the Forum ventured to Brazil, in particular, Belém, where it played a pivotal role in facilitating the announcement of the first biostrategies in Latin America by the Pará state of Brazil. In 2022, the Forum focused on Climate, and as a direct outcome, Jukka Kantola received an invitation to participate in a historic bioeconomy panel at the Climate COP 27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Last year, the World BioEconomy Forum took place in Washington D.C., with a theme centred around the creation of a global hub for the bioeconomy. Among other highlights, the Forum in 2023 unveiled the results of a global survey dedicated to the bioeconomy’s progress.
Jukka also serves as the Chairmam of the World Bioeconomy Association, a non-profit organisation and NGO that addresses the increasing need for a global hub dedicated to advancing and advocating for the bioeconomy. The association was officially launched on 12 December during the World BioEconomy Forum in Washington, D.C. Headquartered in Finland, the World Bioeconomy Association has a global reach through its extensive network and Ambassadors and functions as the non-profit arm of the World Bioeconomy Forum.
Jukka Kantola’s educational background is anchored in academic achievement. He holds a Master of Science degree from Aalto University, Finland, and has further honed his expertise through an eMBA program at Rutgers University.
