Extensive strategic cooperation between Nokia and Aalto University

Nokia has been an important partner for Aalto University and its predecessor universities for decades. For example, co-operation has taken place in the area of information and communications technology and as projects in the fields of arts and design and business.

Nokia has made several significant donations to Aalto University, especially during the past two years. In this way, the company wants to promote research that strengthens Finland’s international competitiveness.
 

Many students and alumni have participated in entrance exams, lectures and examinations in the large Nokia hall at the School of Business.

‘Co-operation between Nokia and Aalto has produced some great results over the years. Our multi-disciplinary profile provides interesting options for working together in the future as well. The donations allow us to develop research and teaching and attract the best experts from Finland and abroad to Aalto,’ says Ilkka Niemelä, President of Aalto University.

Artificial intelligence and 5G

One of the new areas of cooperation is artificial intelligence and quantum technology research. The Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence FCAI – a joint research institute of Aalto University and University of Helsinki – will open at the beginning of 2018. Nokia will also be involved in its activities.

Aalto University has been nominated as one of Nokia Bell Labs Distinguished Academic Partners (DAP). The DAP partnership aims at developing important innovations, especially in the 5G research area, from radio to analytics.

Nokia supported the launch of the Aalto-1 satellite into space. Nokia Center for Advanced Research (NCAR) is a joint institute of Aalto and the University of Helsinki that studies data science and data networks with support from Nokia.

Nokia was a partner in the CodeBus Africa project coordinated by Aalto University’s Global Impact unit. The project supported equal opportunities for youth in Africa to learn about the world of technology over a period of 100 days.

Nokia employs a lot of Aalto alumni

A lot of graduates from Aalto University and its predecessors work for Nokia. Professor Emeritus Erkki Oja and his groups have co-operated with Nokia for more than 20 years, and he is a familiar face to many people who have worked for the company. Professor Oja was awarded the Nokia Foundation Recognition Award 2017 for his pioneering work with machine learning, pattern recognition and neural networks.