This University of Helsinki prize was awarded for the first time ever.

Sasu Tarkoma, professor of computer science, has been exemplary in promoting collaboration between the University of Helsinki and the corporate world, the university states as the reasoning behind the prize.

He has brought the university new funding through corporate collaboration, and has opened up new avenues in teaching and open data. In addition, Professor Tarkoma participates in university-based startup work, says Vice-Rector Pertti Panula, who gave away the prize.

It’s a joy to collaborate with the industries. I believe that it’s a win-win for both parties, both the university and the corporations. The secret to success is the good teamwork, and I have had the fortune to work with good teams, said Tarkoma in his thank-you speech.

Left-right: Maarit Haataja, Sasu Tarkoma, Antti Neimala, Pertti Panula

Tarkoma’s innovation presented at SLUSH

In 2015, Sasu Tarkoma presented his innovation at SLUSH, leading to the establishment of a startup called MoPrim, with the aid of HIS. He is now a member of its board, and MoPrim was also prominently on display at this year’s SLUSH, seeking more backing.

The startup machinery has now started up at the university, Tarkoma says.

Tarkoma’s innovation is related to technology for sensing movement, and could be useful both in public transportation and for individuals.

Corporate collaboration expanding into open oline course

From the viewpoint of the university, the external funding  gained by Tarkoma is significant. He has headed many projects with corporate funding. The value of the projects is some 1.2 million euros. In addition, he has managed several TEKES projects and gained funding from the Academy of Finland.

It is also thanks to Professor Sasu Tarkoma that the university started a MOOC (massive open online course) in information security in cooperation with F-Secure. Over 30,000 users have visited the website, and 30% of them visited from the USA.

The university research services encourage corporate collaboration

The promoter of corporate collaboration of 2016 was announced on 13 December 2016. In addition to the main prize, smaller awards were given to all the trailblazers of corporate collaboration at the university.

Vice Managing Director Antti Neimala of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises, who spoke at the prize ceremony, emphasized that an increasing number of jobs are created in the SME sector.

More and more, enterprises are looking for university skills within the business sector, Neimala said.

The university services can offer encouragement and support for corporate collaboration

It’s great that the university management encourages and supports researchers interested in collaborating with corporations. The team for corporate collaboration will increase to seven in 2017. We are here for researchers and enterprises alike. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need help with corporate collaboration, says Maarit Haataja, service manager for corporate collaboration.

Text: Maria Linkoaho-Nordling, Minna Meriläinen-Tenhu, Joel Takala, Heidi Kinnunen

Translation: Marina Kurtén

Photo: Linda Tammisto