Riina Salmimies (Sofi Filtration)
Overview
Riina Salmimies is a prominent Finnish executive known primarily for her role as the CEO of Sofi Filtration, a cleantech company that specializes in developing advanced water filtration technologies. Salmimies has significantly contributed to the field of industrial water treatment, particularly through innovations that enhance resource efficiency and promote sustainability. Under her leadership, Sofi Filtration has brought to market cutting-edge products such as the Sofi Alchemist, a technology that marries ultrasound with self-cleaning mechanisms to drastically improve the filtration and recovery of minerals from industrial process waters. This innovation positions the company at the forefront of the green transition movement, highlighting Salmimies' impact on both the industry and environmental conservation.
Recent Developments
Over the last few years, Riina Salmimies has led Sofi Filtration through notable advancements and achievements:
- November 2025: Sofi Filtration secured a €900k investment from EIT RawMaterials to bolster its initiatives in critical mineral recovery. The investment aims to accelerate industrial pilots and international expansion, particularly across Europe, Türkiye, and towards North America.
- October 2025: Sofi Filtration implemented its Sofi Prima technology to enhance nickel sulphate production for Terrafame, a Finnish battery chemicals producer. This deployment is a critical step in optimizing the battery materials supply chain in Europe.
- May 2025: Salmimies emphasized the role of Sofi Filtration at the Raw Materials Summit, underlining the technology's potential to alleviate Europe's dependency on extensive new mining projects by maximizing existing resources.
- Early 2025: Under Salmimies' leadership, Sofi Filtration's Sofi Alchemist technology was recognized at the EIT Venture Awards, securing a second-place finish and highlighting the company's rapid commercialization and sustainability efforts.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Riina Salmimies |
| Born | Not publicly disclosed |
| Nationality | Finnish |
| Occupation | CEO of Sofi Filtration |
| Known For | Advanced industrial water filtration |
| Education | Doctorate in Chemical Engineering; Master's in Business |
Early Life and Education
Riina Salmimies pursued a path built on a strong foundation in science and business. After completing her initial education in Finland, she went on to earn a doctoral degree in chemical engineering. Her academic journey equipped her with the technical expertise necessary to innovate in her field. Alongside her technical qualifications, Salmimies also obtained a Master's degree in Business, which has been instrumental in her ascent to leadership positions, including her current role at Sofi Filtration. Her upbringing in Finland and exposure to the education sector likely influenced her commitment to integrating environmental sustainability into industrial processes.
Career and Notable Achievements
Riina Salmimies has had a distinguished career spotlighted by several key accomplishments:
- Director of Research Policy and Funding at LUT University: Before joining Sofi Filtration, Salmimies served as Director of Research Policy and Funding, fostering innovation and collaboration within the university’s scientific community.
- CEO of Sofi Filtration: Since assuming the role of CEO, she has driven the company’s vision of making industrial processes more environmentally sustainable, notably through the introduction of technologies like Sofi Prima and Sofi Alchemist.
- EIT Venture Award: Guided Sofi Filtration to a notable place at the EIT Venture Awards, underscoring the company’s prowess in innovation and commercial viability.
- International Expansion and Growth: Facilitated strategic partnerships and investments that advanced Sofi Filtration’s technologies internationally, aiding the global push towards sustainable mining practices.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Riina Salmimies is focused on scaling Sofi Filtration’s operations globally, driving the adoption of their innovative filtration technologies across various industries such as mining and energy. Her leadership is pivotal in enhancing the company's impact on sustainable practices and resource efficiency. By advancing the use of technologies like the Sofi Alchemist, Salmimies and her team are addressing critical environmental issues associated with water usage and mineral recovery. The success of these technologies is not just enhancing operational efficiencies for industries but also contributing significantly to the global efforts towards maintaining ecological balance.
Conclusion
Riina Salmimies stands out as a key figure in the field of industrial sustainability. Her strategic leadership at Sofi Filtration has positioned the company as a leader in the cleantech sector, known for innovating solutions that promote efficient resource use and environmental conservation. As Sofi Filtration continues to expand its influence in Europe and beyond, Salmimies' contributions could have lasting impacts, enabling industries to meet the increasing demands for sustainable practices while mitigating environmental impacts. Her role exemplifies how leadership in science and technology can drive real-world impact, motivating shifts towards more sustainable industrial processes globally.