Innovation Europe > News > Innovation EU Vol2-1 > Aalto University School of Science and Technology

Aalto University School of Science and Technology is the leading university of technology in Finland. Efficient adaptation and exploitation of scientific knowledge is one of the cornerstones of Finland’s national competitiveness. Consequently, the strategy of Aalto University School of Science and Technology focuses on strong basic research and close co-operation with top universities and innovative companies.

The roots of Aalto University School of Science and Technology –formerly known as Helsinki University of Technology – go back to the year 1849. Throughout its history, Aalto University School of Science and Technology has pursued a strong commitment to the highest level of scientific research and teaching. Talented and motivated students are the most important resource in innovative research. The training it provides is intended not just to produce good graduate engineers and architects, but also to engender genuine interest in science and technology. Enthusiasm and commitment emerge with the support and encouragement of expert, dedicated teaching staff in the university community.

In January 2010, Helsinki University of Technology joined forces with two other top Finnish universities, Helsinki School of Economics (HSE) and University of Art and Design Helsinki (TaiK), to form the Aalto University School of Science and Technology. The combination of the disciplines of these three universities is a unique concept and opens up new possibilities for strong multi-disciplinary education and research. Aalto University School of Science and Technology ambitious goal is to be one of the leading institutions in the world in terms of research, education and innovations in its own specialised disciplines. Networking and co-operation guarantee active dialogue on both the national and international markets. Aalto University School of Science and Technology is already co-operating with the world’s leading universities and networks.

Aalto University School of Science and Technology was recently mentioned in Harvard Business Review article “Tapping the World´s Innovation Hot Spots” by John Kao: “One of the best examples of Finland´s large-scale, holistic approach to innovation is Aalto University, which is scheduled to open its doors in the autumn of 2009. Named for the legendary Finnish architect and designer, but referred to locally as Innovation University, the new institution will be the result of the merger of three established universities: Helsinki School of Economics, University of Art and Design Helsinki, and University of Technology. Established with close to $1 billion in new funds, Aalto University will develop curricula and stimulate research to explore novel, commercially significant ideas.”

Aalto University School of Science and Technology is part of Otaniemi technology hub, twice selected by the EU as one of the most innovative regions in Europe. A unique feature of Otaniemi is the intense co-operation between companies and research organisations. Otaniemi is a scientific and innovation community of 16,000 students and 16,000 professionals from almost 100 countries, world-class research of Aalto University School of Science and Technology and research institutions, as well as over 800 high-tech companies from start-ups to multinational corporations with their extensive international networks. For companies focusing on research and product development, the leading technology hub in the Nordic countries offers almost limitless potential for creative, productive scientific work and the development of new ideas.

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is locating one of its information and communication technologies research units on the Aalto University School of Science and Technology campus in Otaniemi. EIT’s operative units are independent, co-operative Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KIC), which are comprised of universities, institutes of higher education, research institutes, companies and other interest groups.

In addition to Helsinki, EIT’s ICT network units will be located in Berlin, Eindhoven, Paris and Stockholm. The founding members of the Finnish unit are Aalto University School of Science and Technology, Nokia, and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.

Otaniemi International Innovation Centre (OIIC) is a globally branched dynamic service unit of Aalto University School of Science and Technology providing expert and assistance services. Innovation services are offered to clients in a way that maximises the competitiveness of Aalto University School of Science and Technology, its campus and the vast metropolis surrounding Helsinki. OIIC helps with applications for research funding, contractual obligations and intellectual property rights issues. OIIC also supports graduates into working life, keeps in touch with school alumni, and generally functions as a link between the university, the business world and society as a whole.

If you are interested in co-operation with Aalto University School of Science and Technology, contact Otaniemi International Innovation Centre.

For more information, visit:
www.oiic.tkk.fi/en
www.aalto.fi/en
www.tkk.fi/en
www.otaniemi.fi