Hycamite, based in Kokkola, Finland, develops technology that produces low‑carbon hydrogen and various carbon products through a carbon‑dioxide‑free process. As a rapidly growing industrial company operating within critical infrastructure, reliable cyber security and robust connectivity are essential prerequisites for its business. Collaboration with Elisa supports Hycamite’s growth and preparedness against cyber threats.
On Finland’s west coast, cutting‑edge technology is being developed to reduce industrial emissions – technology that has also attracted interest at the EU level. Hycamite has created a solution that decarbonises natural gas used as an industrial raw material.
In Hycamite’s thermocatalytic methane splitting process, low‑emission hydrogen is produced alongside carbon products such as battery‑grade graphite. This high‑value graphite has been classified by the EU as a critical raw material.
“Decarbonising industry is at the core of what we do, and our own process is completely carbon‑dioxide‑free,” says Laura Rahikka, CEO of Hycamite.
“Battery‑grade graphite is our most valuable product. It also earned us Strategic Project status from the European Commission under the Critical Raw Materials Act, which is a significant recognition for our company,” Rahikka adds.
Modern technology enables the business
Hycamite turns six years old this year, and production has recently transitioned to an industrial scale. The company serves customers worldwide, including in the chemical industry, battery sector and energy industry.
“We are growing rapidly and will be expanding production in the near future. Modern technological solutions are absolutely critical to our business,” Rahikka emphasizes.
“We primarily operate in the field of process technology, which means our task is to deliver hydrogen, carbon and other products to customers as agreed. Managing the entire supply chain, cyber security and quality assurance are at the core of our operations. NIS2 regulation also plays a decisive role in how we operate,” says Tuomas Haavisto, IT Manager at Hycamite.
“Reliable process operations and smooth customer collaboration require a modern IT environment and architecture. Stable connectivity is, in practice, what enables production,” Haavisto adds.
Hycamite has worked with Elisa for several years. The company’s communications services, mobile subscriptions, data connections and enterprise mobility services are provided by Elisa. Over the years, solutions have been optimised and service levels adjusted in line with Hycamite’s business growth.
“Elisa is a strategic partner for us in IT services and cyber security development,” Haavisto says.
Cyber security requires anticipation
According to Haavisto, participating in cyber crisis exercises led by Elisa has been eye‑opening for the entire team. In these exercises, scenarios such as a complete shutdown of all Microsoft 365 services are simulated.
“The exercise examines what happens when everyday services suddenly stop working. We observe cascading effects, communication and recovery. It has been extremely interesting,” Haavisto explains.
These exercises are an excellent way to prepare for cyber threats that are critical to business continuity.
“Cyber crisis exercises are truly valuable – we’ve achieved excellent results from them. They are a great way to prepare for business‑critical cyber threats,” says Laura Rahikka.
“The cyber environment is complex, and unfortunately it’s not going to get any simpler. You need to continuously train and develop protection for potential cyber incidents. Now we know how to act if a situation arises,” Haavisto states.
Elisa keeps pace with a fast‑growing company
Hycamite also participates in Elisa’s Growth Hub programme. The challenges faced by growth companies differ from those of more established organizations: plans evolve quickly, circumstances change rapidly, and support is needed on many fronts.
“The pace of work here is intense. From partners, we expect availability and fast response – and that’s exactly what we’ve received from Elisa. Elisa understands the realities and dynamics of growth companies,” Haavisto says appreciatively.
Within the Hycamite team, Elisa is seen as a reliable partner with whom the business can be developed and sparred for the future. Cyber security is a topic that growth companies should take seriously from the very beginning.
We expect our partners to be accessible and responsive, and that is exactly what we have received from Elisa. Elisa understands the realities and dynamics of growth companies.
“Laying the foundation for information security must start early, as we have done. Building that foundation includes identity and device management, data collection, and employee training. The blueprint must be solid and tested for global markets,” Haavisto reflects.
Certifications serve as guarantees of quality and transparency across the entire ecosystem, including toward customers and investors. Hycamite requires, for example, ISO 27001 certification from its partners.
In addition, plans must be in place for potential crisis situations, which is why Hycamite has also practised responses to cyber threats.
“If we were to experience a cyber security incident, it could be a major issue not only for our business but also for our reputation and investor relations. That’s why we want to be as well prepared as possible,” Haavisto assesses.
“Cyber insurance is also a viable option for growth companies. Building a strong security culture and a reliable partner network is a top priority for Hycamite,” Haavisto concludes.
Interested in the growth company programme? Apply to Elisa Growth Hub!
Article in Finnish: Kyberturvallisuus on kasvuyrityksen toiminnan edellytys – Hycamite rakentaa vähähiilistä tulevaisuutta Elisan tuella
Photo: Hycamite
Read also
Global Growth Requires Strong Cyber Security – Peikko Group Relies on Elisa’s Security Expertise
HR Solutions Provider Sympa Strengthens Public Cloud Cyber Security and Data Protection
At Mehiläinen, Continuous Cyber Security Development Is at the Core of Operations
Avainsanat
