On October 29, 2024, Business Oulu, hosted the “Chips from Very North” event, organized by ICT Oulu and partner organizations. With around 90 delegates from various companies and research institutes in attendance, the event aimed to foster collaboration within the microelectronics ecosystem and spotlight the region’s innovations.
Welcome Address
The event kicked off with welcoming remarks from key stakeholders, including representatives from Business Oulu, Business Finland, VTT and Photonics Finland. Niina Heikkinen, Coordinator of ICT Oulu, served as the MC, guiding the audience through the proceedings. Juha Ala-Mursula, Director of Business Oulu, and Jussi Leponiemi, Key Account Director of ICT Oulu, emphasized the importance of collaboration between research institutes and industry players in advancing microelectronics. Toni Mattila from Business Finland discussed the Finnish semiconductor strategy and the EU Chips Joint Undertaking, while Juha Purmonen from Photonics Finland highlighted upcoming events, including the Optics and Photonics Days 2025 in Oulu. Petri Räsänen, Program Director at Business Tampere, introduced the chip competence center aimed at accelerating digitization across various industries. Tomi Salo from VTT presented insights on Kvanttinova, a microelectronics and quantum technology RDI hub.
Microelectronics Research and Education in Oulu
Aarno Pärssinen, Professor of Radio Engineering,University of Oulu, discussed Finland’s microelectronics ecosystem, highlighting the effectiveness of initiatives like the Chips Campaign aimed at engaging teenagers in technology. He presented the University of Oulu’s infrastructure, including the RF EMC lab and the National Printed Intelligence Infrastructure, while addressing global trends such as energy efficiency and the merging of communications and sensing in the context of 6G. He emphasized on the aspects to be considered for Vision 2040 like requirement for skilled engineering professionals and collaboration between different sectors. He pointed at the specific strength and weaknesses of the Oulu ecosystem and emphasized on the role of high-quality academic research for the industry.
Timo Rahkonen, Professor of Circuit Theory,University of Oulu, provided insights into the Devices and Things ecosystem, elaborating on the university’s focus areas: Microelectronics, Optoelectronics, Circuits and Systems, and the Centre for Wireless Communications. He emphasized the importance of cultivating skilled professionals as a key asset for the industry.
Keynote : Telecom Fueling the Semiconductor Industry
Veijo Kontas, Chip Development Manager at Nokia and recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Oulu, delivered the keynote address. With over 36 years at Nokia, Kontas discussed the global semiconductor landscape, the transition from 5G to 6G, and the collaborative efforts needed among Finland’s universities and research institutes to ensure success. He underscored the critical demand for System-on-Chip (SoC) talents and the role ofAI in shaping the future of telecommunications, advocating for a united front in leveraging Finland’s strengths.
Business Success Stories
Lauri Koskinen from the University of Oulu shared insights from his experience establishing a semiconductor startup, stressing the importance of business acumen in technical ventures. Olli Närhi, R&D Director at Nordic Semiconductor, recounted his journey from Nokia engineer to a leader in cellular IoT, emphasizing the relevance of AI in today’s landscape. He was the first employee of Nordic Semiconductors in Finland.
Panel Discussion
Moderated by Aarno Pärssinen, the panel featured Veijo Kontas (Nokia), Juha Pennanen (Texas Instruments), Ville Salmi (MediaTek), and Tomy Runne (Murata Electronics Europe B.V.). The discussion centered on current challenges and future opportunities in the microelectronics sector, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation. Panelists discussed strategies for achieving the Vision 2040 goals, reinforcing existing strengths while advocating for a systems-level approach to circuit design and manufacturing. Discussions went on from manufacturing and circuit design to system level thinking and taking strength out of that so that we understand the big picture at the same time. The discussion ended with a positive note hoping to make the next decade of Oulu Semiconductor industry better.
Closing Remarks
In closing, Jussi Leponiemi emphasized the importance of communicating the progress and innovations from the North. He thanked all participants and speakers for their contributions, reiterating the value of collaboration among stakeholders.
Networking Event
The day concluded with a networking session, sponsored by the MEREBE project, offering attendees a chance to connect in a relaxed atmosphere. This gathering fostered discussions on potential collaborations and the exchange of ideas, setting the stage for future advancements in the microelectronics sector.
The “Chips from Very North” event was a significant step in strengthening Oulu’s position as a leader in microelectronics and semiconductor technology, paving the way for exciting developments in the years to come.