Elea & Lili Oy is a Finnish deep-tech biomaterials company, spun out of VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, that develops cellulose-based superabsorbent materials. Its core product, Cellulose Super Absorbent (CSA™), is designed to replace fossil-based superabsorbent polymers (SAP) used in disposable diapers, feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products, and in agricultural water retention. The material is made from cellulose, is biodegradable and microplastic-free, and is designed to be compatible with existing diaper production lines with absorption performance comparable to conventional SAP.

The company was founded by CEO Tatu Miettinen and CTO Miika Nikinmaa. VTT transferred the underlying technology, patents and intellectual property from more than a decade of biomaterials research to the newly established company. Its first commercial applications target disposable diapers and agriculture, and the company is working with industrial partners across the cellulose and biomaterials value chain to scale CSA from pilot to industrial production.

In March 2026 Elea & Lili raised a €2.5 million seed round led by Lifeline Ventures, with participation from Ikorni Invest and Baltiska Handels Sverige. The funds are intended to scale pilot production, advance industrial validation, develop first commercial diaper products, accelerate agricultural field trials and expand the core team, with first commercial launches planned in Europe and the United States.