Nokia is donating €1.5 million to Finland’s Aalto University to support research, education and the development of future technologies.
As a result, the company will also increase its research and development (R&D) work with the university, investing around €1.3 million each year in joint projects.
The work will focus on areas such as AI, 6G, intelligent networks, semiconductors and radio technology.
The move builds on the telecom company and the university’s long-standing partnership, making Aalto Nokia’s most active university research partner. Since 2010, they have been involved in more than 400 joint research projects.
The deal will also help develop the next generation of technology workers in Finland. The telecom giant currently employs more than 400 Aalto graduates and welcomed over 400 trainees in Finland in 2025, many of them from the university.
Nokia Chief Technology and AI Officer, Pallavi Mahajan, said: “The next era of connectivity will be defined by the convergence of AI, communications and other breakthrough technologies. Turning that potential into real-world innovation requires deep collaboration between industry and academia.
“Aalto University has been an important partner to Nokia for decades, bringing together world-class research and exceptional talent. By strengthening our investment, we can accelerate work on intelligent, resilient and energy-efficient networks while developing the skills and technologies that will help shape the 6G era and beyond.”
Aalto University, President, Ilkka Niemelä, added: “Our longstanding partnership with Nokia demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when world-class university research and industry expertise come together.
“This generous donation and significant investment in R&D collaboration expands the work we do together, strengthening Aalto’s ability over the long term to bring the results of frontier research to solutions around AI, 6G, intelligent and resilient networks and semiconductors to the world.
“At the same time, we will continue to together shape the next generation of technology talent. We greatly value Nokia’s continued commitment to Aalto University and to Finland’s innovation ecosystem.”
IN RELATED NEWS
