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About
Deep tech advisor | PhD (physics) & MSc (econ) | Bridging deep science & commercial market entry.
- I bridge the gap between complex materials science and commercial market entry. As an advisor and board member, I help deep tech, healthtech, and advanced hardware companies translate their scientific breakthroughs into strategic business development, profitable partnerships, and structured market entry.
What makes me a strong advisor and board member?
- Most boards face a common challenge: they have brilliant scientists who lack commercial experience, or seasoned business experts who do not understand the underlying technology. I work at the intersection of both fields.
A dual foundation in science and business (PhD + MSc + CMC): My doctorate in material physics means I understand the science, whether it is a semiconductor wafer, a cleanroom setup, or a complex analytical instrument. My economics degree and Certified Management Consultant status mean I know how to translate that technology into a viable commercial model, using a transparent, structured process.
Practical B2B and technical sales expertise: I do not just offer high-level advice. I have hands-on experience opening doors, navigating complex supplier qualification processes, and facilitating technical B2B negotiations in the Nordics and Europe.
Flexible and actionable support: Startups and scale-ups need agility. Working on a fractional or advisory basis, I focus on practical go-to-market strategies, helping technical teams build a repeatable, scalable commercial process.
What kind of companies benefit most from my expertise?
- The companies that get the highest return on investment (ROI) from my advisory role typically fall into three categories:
1. Deep tech and materials science scale-ups
The profile: Companies working with nanotechnology, semiconductors, commercialization of microbiological solutions, advanced thin films, or complex industrial equipment.
Key challenge: They have groundbreaking technology but struggle to convey its value proposition to less technical buyers, or they lack the commercial structure to scale internationally.
2. Healthtech, life sciences and regulated hardware
The profile: Companies operating in diagnostics, medical devices, or cleanroom environments where compliance (ISO, GMP) is strict.
Key challenge: They require an advisor who understands the highly regulated nature of their market while still being able to drive active commercial momentum.
3. Engineering-driven B2B companies transitioning to growth
The profile: Companies with a strong product looking to open new geographic markets (the Nordics or broader Europe).
Key challenge: They need local credibility and strategic doors opened to industrial decision-makers.
- I bridge the gap between complex materials science and commercial market entry. As an advisor and board member, I help deep tech, healthtech, and advanced hardware companies translate their scientific breakthroughs into strategic business development, profitable partnerships, and structured market entry.
What makes me a strong advisor and board member?
- Most boards face a common challenge: they have brilliant scientists who lack commercial experience, or seasoned business experts who do not understand the underlying technology. I work at the intersection of both fields.
A dual foundation in science and business (PhD + MSc + CMC): My doctorate in material physics means I understand the science, whether it is a semiconductor wafer, a cleanroom setup, or a complex analytical instrument. My economics degree and Certified Management Consultant status mean I know how to translate that technology into a viable commercial model, using a transparent, structured process.
Practical B2B and technical sales expertise: I do not just offer high-level advice. I have hands-on experience opening doors, navigating complex supplier qualification processes, and facilitating technical B2B negotiations in the Nordics and Europe.
Flexible and actionable support: Startups and scale-ups need agility. Working on a fractional or advisory basis, I focus on practical go-to-market strategies, helping technical teams build a repeatable, scalable commercial process.
What kind of companies benefit most from my expertise?
- The companies that get the highest return on investment (ROI) from my advisory role typically fall into three categories:
1. Deep tech and materials science scale-ups
The profile: Companies working with nanotechnology, semiconductors, commercialization of microbiological solutions, advanced thin films, or complex industrial equipment.
Key challenge: They have groundbreaking technology but struggle to convey its value proposition to less technical buyers, or they lack the commercial structure to scale internationally.
2. Healthtech, life sciences and regulated hardware
The profile: Companies operating in diagnostics, medical devices, or cleanroom environments where compliance (ISO, GMP) is strict.
Key challenge: They require an advisor who understands the highly regulated nature of their market while still being able to drive active commercial momentum.
3. Engineering-driven B2B companies transitioning to growth
The profile: Companies with a strong product looking to open new geographic markets (the Nordics or broader Europe).
Key challenge: They need local credibility and strategic doors opened to industrial decision-makers.
Hannu Karhu is an advisor and board member based in Finland, specialising in Nanotechnology. They speak English, Finnish and Swedish. They are open to advisory board and board director opportunities and are available for introductions through Boardio.
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