Metsä Group and CollectiveCrunch AI application wins international innovation award

Metsä Group and CollectiveCrunch have won the international Innovation of Innovations prize for their AI application designed to detect insect damage in forests. The award-winning application utilizes artificial intelligence, machine learning, and open data to identify pest infestations, such as bark beetles, in coniferous trees before they are visible to the human eye.

This real-time detection method is crucial for maintaining forest health and carbon sinks amid climate change. Metsä Group's wood supply personnel have been using the application since June 2023. It allows for precise location of damage and helps schedule timber procurement and harvesting to mitigate the spread of pests.

The risk area mapping generated by the application is accessible through the Metsäverkko mobile application, enabling forest owners to inspect potential damage sites and plan their forestry activities. Additionally, Metsä Fibre, part of Metsä Group, was recognized in the Business Innovations category for its "Future Sawmill" concept, which aims to enhance sawn timber production efficiency and workplace safety. The Quality Innovation Award competition featured 562 entries from eight countries, with 24 innovations ultimately receiving awards.