Printocent
PrintoCent is an Oulu, Finland-based cluster organization led by VTT that commercializes Printed Intelligence through a three-stage model of innovation events, a roll-to-roll pilot factory, and a 40-member industry cluster serving medical devices, wearables, structural electronics, and IoT customers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersOulu, Finland
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Printocent does
PrintoCent is a non-legal cluster organization headquartered in Oulu, Finland, established in 2011 to commercialize Printed Intelligence research outputs and bridge the gap between R&D and industrial-scale manufacturing. It is not an independent legal entity but a joint operation led by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, with founding members including VTT, the University of Oulu, Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OAMK), and Business Oulu. The organization operates a three-stage model: (1) awareness through innovation events such as the annual InnoFest competition and biennial PRINSE industry seminar, (2) technology validation and pilot-scale manufacturing through the PrintoCent Pilot Factory with world-class roll-to-roll printing, component assembly, and post-processing capabilities, and (3) commercialization support through the PrintoCent Industry Cluster of approximately 40 international member companies.
The technology stack centers on Printed Intelligence — flexible, stretchable, wearable, and hybrid electronics and diagnostics. Core capabilities include roll-to-roll printing, assembly, converting, and testing; roll-to-roll micro and nano-structuring for silicone elastomers; roll-fed injection moulding for structural electronics; an ISO-13485 compliant Medical Device Pilot Line with sheet sizes up to 500mm × 500mm; and Rapid Diagnostics Test Development covering lateral flow test strips, microfluidic and optofluidic devices, and electrochemical sensors. The cluster provides access to over 500 printed intelligence experts in the Oulu region and supports vertical segments including healthcare and medical devices, structural electronics, wearable electronics, IoT and smart packaging, and energy/sustainability applications.
PrintoCent generates revenue through four streams: pilot factory professional services (quote-based R&D, prototyping, and pilot-scale manufacturing), recurring cluster membership fees from 40+ international companies committed to 3-year periods (currently 2025-2027), event registration and exhibition fees (PRINSE at €375-€750 per participant and €500-€1,000 per booth), and education and training services ranging from short courses to doctoral programmes. VTT, as the lead organization, is publicly funded and absorbs much of the operational cost base. The cluster targets enterprise and mid-market customers across the printed electronics value chain — materials suppliers, electronics manufacturers, medical device developers, machinery providers, and testing services — as well as startups sourced through the InnoFest open innovation competition.
Printocent firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Printocent
- Legal name
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd (as controller of PrintoCent operations)
- Website
- https://printocent.net
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- PrintoCent is an Oulu, Finland-based cluster organization led by VTT that commercializes Printed Intelligence through a three-stage model of innovation events, a roll-to-roll pilot factory, and a 40-member industry cluster serving medical devices, wearables, structural electronics, and IoT customers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Printocent industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Printed Electronics Manufacturing Services
- NAICS
- Support Activities for Printing (323120), Printing and Related Support Activities (323)
- SIC
- Service Industries For The Printing Trade (2790)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Digital Printing (Short-Run, Variable Data) (MPAJALAC)
Keywords
Where Printocent is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Oulu
- HQ country
- Finland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
Printocent business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
Revenue model
- Pilot Factory Services: PrintoCent Pilot Factory provides R&D, prototyping, and pilot-scale manufacturing services to companies. Services include pilot scale manufacturing trials, factory planning, product technical design, device integration, production ramp-up support, and quality and performance testing. Revenue is generated through service fees for facility usage, expert consultation, and contracted development work.
- Event Registration and Participation Fees: Revenue from PRINSE seminar registration fees (€650 early bird, €750 regular, €375 for members), exhibition booth fees (€1000 regular, €500 for members), and InnoFest participation. Training sessions are offered both free and paid.
- Cluster Membership: Cluster members (40+ international companies) commit for 3-year periods and pay membership fees. Members gain access to pilot facilities, networking events, and the PrintoCent Industry Cluster for commercialization support.
- Education and Training Services: University-level degree programmes (B.Sc., M.Sc., D.Sc.), training and short courses as a service, tailored courses, and webinar series. Some courses carry credits (e.g., 5cr printed electronics basics, 2cr screen printing basics).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | One-time | PRINSE'26 Seminar - Early Bird (before 7.12.2025) |
| Subscription | One-time | PRINSE'26 Seminar - Regular |
| Subscription | One-time | PRINSE'26 Seminar - PrintoCent Member |
| Subscription | One-time | PRINSE'26 Exhibition Booth - Regular |
| Subscription | One-time | PRINSE'26 Exhibition Booth - PrintoCent Member |
| Subscription | One-time | Winter Adventure - Arctic Sea Night Experience + Sauna & Jacuzzi |
| Subscription | One-time | Winter Adventure - Sauna & Jacuzzi only |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Accommodation - Single room (Sokos Hotel Arina) |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Accommodation - Double room (Sokos Hotel Arina) |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Accommodation - Standard room (Scandic Oulu City) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Printocent product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PrintoCent is a Finland-based cluster organization led by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland that operates a world-class roll-to-roll pilot manufacturing factory for Printed Intelligence (printed, flexible, stretchable, wearable, and hybrid electronics and diagnostics). It offers R&D, prototyping, pilot-scale production, and proof-of-manufacturing services, including an ISO-13485 compliant medical device pilot line and rapid diagnostics test development capabilities. It also runs education and training programs, the annual InnoFest innovation competition, the PRINSE industry seminar, and an industry cluster of about 40 international member companies.
Product overview
Printocent is a cluster organization focused on boosting innovation and industrialization of Printed Intelligence, headquartered in Oulu, Finland. Rather than a single unified product, it operates as a platform of interconnected services including the PrintoCent Pilot Factory (providing proof-of-manufacturing with roll-to-roll capabilities), a Medical Device Pilot Line (ISO-13485 compliant), Rapid Diagnostics Test Development services, and Education & Training programs including the Printed Intelligence Handbook. The ecosystem is supported by the PrintoCent Industry Cluster connecting approximately 40 member companies across the value chain. Annual programs include the InnoFest innovation competition and PRINSE industry seminar.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- PRINSE: Printed Intelligence Seminar - industry seminar event held biennially
- InnoFest
- PrintoCent Pilot Factory
Products and services
- PrintoCent Pilot Factory World-class roll-to-roll capable pilot manufacturing factory providing printing, component assembly, and post-processing services for companies developing Printed Intelligence products, from prototyping to pilot scale production and early market trials.
- Medical Device Pilot Line State-of-the-art ISO-13485 compliant pilot line supporting development and manufacturing of advanced medical technologies including photonic-based sensor modules, wearable health monitoring patches, and rapid diagnostics solutions, with capabilities up to 500mm x 500mm sheets and MDR compliance.
- Rapid Diagnostics Test Development Expert services in developing diagnostic tests for health, environmental, and veterinary sectors, including design and pilot scale production of disposable sensors, lateral flow test strips, integrated microfluidic and optofluidic devices, and electrochemical sensors with preclinical testing support.
- Education and Training Programs University-level degree programs (B.Sc., M.Sc., D.Sc.), training and short courses, tailored courses, webinar series, and a free Printed Intelligence Handbook covering printed and hybrid electronics components, processes, capabilities, and limitations.
- PrintoCent Industry Cluster A cluster of approximately 40 international industry member companies representing different parts of the Printed Intelligence value chain, with a 3-year membership commitment, three annual meetings in Oulu, Finland, and access to pilot facilities and commercialization support.
- PrintoCent InnoFest Annual open innovation competition for ideas, problems, and Printed Intelligence solutions, attracting startups, SMEs, researchers, and students, with expert consultancy, networking with industry, and commercialization pathways.
- PRINSE Industry Seminar Industry seminar held biennially in Oulu, Finland, where industry leaders present the current status of Printed Intelligence and visionary keynote speakers discuss future developments, with company exhibitions and networking.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduction of base heating in buildings by 5-10°C using smart warming surfaces, enabling significant energy conservation
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Printocent
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Printocent technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature10 records
Printocent partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- PhilipscoreMedPhab pilot line partner. PrintoCent medical device pilot line collaborates with MedPhab which includes Philips providing photonic medical device expertise.
- Tyndall National InstitutecoreMedPhab pilot line partner. Irish national institute providing photonic medical device expertise as part of the European MedPhab ecosystem.
- CSEMcoreMedPhab pilot line partner. Swiss technology innovation center contributing photonic medical device expertise.
- JabilcoreMedPhab pilot line partner. Global manufacturing services company providing medical device contract manufacturing expertise.
- Joanneum ResearchcoreMedPhab pilot line partner. Austrian research institute providing photonic medical device expertise.
- ElcoflexcoreFinnish printed electronics contract manufacturer based in Oulu. Member of PrintoCent cluster. Developed printed supercapacitors for joint PV-powered supercapacitor demo with Ribes Tech. Conducts roll-to-roll converting process training at PrintoCent Pilot Factory.
- OptitunecoreFinnish company developing sustainable nanocoatings for flexible materials. Collaboration with VTT through PrintoCent enables pilot production of innovative flexible materials using VTT's roll-to-roll lines, targeting mobile and consumer electronics industry.
- MedPhabcoreEuropean-level photonics medical device pilot line coordinated by VTT. Supports development and manufacturing of photonic medical devices from early stage to high volume manufacturing under ISO13485. Members include Philips, Jabil, Tyndall, Joanneum Research, CSEM, and VTT.
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland LtdcoreVTT is the lead organization of PrintoCent, established in 2011. VTT provides the main pilot factory facilities in Oulu, research expertise in printed electronics, photonics, and diagnostics. VTT coordinates the operations and strategic direction of the cluster.
- University of OulucoreFounding member providing research capabilities through the Optoelectronics and Measurement Techniques (OPEM) unit. Hosts Biocenter Oulu, Medical Imaging Teaching and Test Laboratory (Mittlab), and Unit of Measurement Technology (MITY). Part of the weekly operational team.
- Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OAMK)coreFounding member operating PrinLab development laboratory for Printed Intelligence. Offers Printed Intelligence design, manufacturing, and test services. Provides education and training programs including PrinBoost prize testing capabilities.
- Business OulucoreFounding member supporting business development and cluster operations. Part of the weekly operational team. Connected to City of Oulu economic development initiatives.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Printocent competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland: Parent organization of PrintoCent and Finland's national applied research institute. Comparable as a comprehensive RTO with broad technology mandate, while PrintoCent is the specialized printed-intelligence cluster within VTT.
- IMEC: Belgium-based world-leading semiconductor and nanoelectronics RTO with extensive pilot lines and industry partnership programs. Comparable as a European RTO operating advanced pilot infrastructure for emerging electronics technologies.
- Fraunhofer Institute: Germany's largest applied research organization with multiple institutes covering printed electronics, photonics, and manufacturing. Comparable as a publicly-funded RTO offering pilot-scale manufacturing and member-based industry collaboration.
- CEA-Leti: French RTO specializing in micro/nanotechnologies, photonics, and printed electronics with industrial pilot lines. Comparable as a publicly-funded European research center offering printed-electronics development and pilot manufacturing.
- CSEM: Swiss technology innovation center with pilot manufacturing capabilities and MedPhab partnership. Comparable as a European RTO offering pilot-to-production services in printed/photonic technologies, though with a broader technology portfolio.
Emerging players
- Joanneum Research: Austrian research institute and MedPhab partner with photonic sensor and diagnostic capabilities. Comparable as a regional European RTO providing photonic medical device pilot services in the same European consortium.
- Tyndall National Institute: Ireland's national ICT research institute and MedPhab partner with photonic medical device expertise. Comparable as a smaller-scale RTO with overlap in photonics-based medical device pilot manufacturing.
Direct peers
- TactoTek: Finnish pioneer of injection molded structural electronics (IMSE); PrintoCent cluster member. Directly comparable as a printed/structural electronics company that commercialized PrintoCent pilot capabilities into mass-production IP licensing.
- Canatu: Finnish company developing advanced carbon nanotubes for automotive and semiconductor industries; a PrintoCent cluster member raised €74M lifetime. Directly comparable as a commercialized printed-intelligence company that emerged from the PrintoCent ecosystem.
- Screentec: Oulu-based contract developer and manufacturer specializing in printed electronics and medical device components; PrintoCent cluster member. Directly comparable as a printed-electronics contract manufacturer using PrintoCent's pilot infrastructure.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Printocent social profiles
Digital presencePrintocent financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Printocent leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Printocent funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Printocent M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Printocent
What does Printocent do?
PrintoCent is a Finland-based cluster organization led by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland that operates a world-class roll-to-roll pilot manufacturing factory for Printed Intelligence (printed, flexible, stretchable, wearable, and hybrid electronics and diagnostics). It offers R&D, prototyping, pilot-scale production, and proof-of-manufacturing services, including an ISO-13485 compliant medical device pilot line and rapid diagnostics test development capabilities. It also runs education and training programs, the annual InnoFest innovation competition, the PRINSE industry seminar, and an industry cluster of about 40 international member companies.
Is Printocent a public or private company?
Printocent is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Printocent founded?
Printocent was founded in 2011.
Where is Printocent based?
Printocent is headquartered in Oulu, Finland, in the Europe region.
How does Printocent make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Pilot Factory Services are the primary driver. The others are event Registration and Participation Fees, cluster Membership and education and Training Services.
Who are Printocent's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, IMEC, Fraunhofer Institute, CEA-Leti and CSEM. Emerging players are Joanneum Research and Tyndall National Institute. Direct peers are TactoTek, Canatu and Screentec.
Does Printocent have an API?
No public API is recorded for Printocent.
What industry is Printocent in?
Printocent's product category is Printed Electronics Manufacturing Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAJALAC, Digital Printing (Short-Run, Variable Data). Its NAICS code is 323120 and its SIC code is 2790.