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2 million euro donation to Aalto University's new multidisciplinary Bachelor’s programme – Donors: Matti Alahuhta, Sari Baldauf, Antti Herlin, and Jorma Ollila
Set to launch in autumn 2027, the multidisciplinary Bachelor's programme combines technology, business, arts, and design
Prominent figures in Finnish business, Matti Alahuhta, Sari Baldauf, Antti Herlin, and Jorma Ollila, have each donated 500,000 euros to Aalto University's new multidisciplinary Bachelor's programme.
Starting in the fall of 2027, the programme merges technology, business, arts, and design. Multidisciplinary studies have already been implemented across several departments and programmes at Aalto for many years. The new initiative allows students selected for the English-language Bachelor programme to decide their field of graduation only after the first year of study.
Towards the end of 2023, the group of donors began discussing how best to invest in Finland's renewal. Joining these discussions was Nobel laureate in Economics Bengt Holmström, who had a long career as a professor at MIT in the United States. Holmström suggested investing in multidisciplinary university education–an idea that immediately intrigued the group.
’The commitment from all four of us was immediate,’ says Alahuhta.
When the donors reached out to Aalto, they discovered that the leadership was already preparing a new type of Bachelor's programme that aligned with the group’s goals.
Aalto University's aim is to raise 5.4 million euros in donations for the new Bachelor's programme. The university itself will fund the remaining 3.2 million euros needed for the programme’s total costs. The programme has already attracted significant interest from stakeholders. For it to become a reality, the university invites donors to invest in this education for future changemakers.
Sari Baldauf believes that the programme's students will form an international network, potentially resulting in a wave of new ideas and companies.
’The programme will likely attract ambitious young people who want to solve the world's challenges in various roles within society. Contacts are particularly valuable when entering the workforce,’ says Baldauf.
’I believe the Bachelor's programme will significantly impact Finland's progress.’
Aalto’s role in the midst of the AI revolution
Both Baldauf and Alahuhta have had careers leading global corporations through technological revolutions.
They were part of Nokia's management "dream team" from the 1990s until 2005 when the company rose to the top globally as a manufacturer of mobile phones and mobile networks. Later, Alahuhta led Kone's growth story as CEO for nine years. Currently, Baldauf serves as Chair of Nokia's Board of Directors.
In today’s world, artificial intelligence is transforming business operations and societies.
’In this regard, Aalto University has a lot to offer because the transformation affects more than just technologies; it impacts all fields at Aalto,’ Alahuhta notes.
The new multidisciplinary Bachelor's programme seeks students eager to explore broad societal phenomena. Courses will delve into designing AI-based solutions to societal challenges and analysing the relationship between digital technology and social processes.
According to Sari Baldauf, the role of technology in how companies create value has grown tremendously. Therefore, understanding and broadly applying technology across society is crucial for today’s students.
’One invisible barrier to Finland’s economic progress is our insufficient improvement in the productivity of services. The reason may be the inadequate use of digitalisation and AI,’ Baldauf suggests.
Without leading universities, there are no leading companies
Innovations do not fall from the sky, emphasise both donors. New ideas, inventions, and eventually entire industries stem from long-term fundamental research.
When Matti Alahuhta studied electrical engineering at Helsinki University of Technology in the early 1970s, he visited Professor Olli Lounasmaa’s Low Temperature Laboratory, which made headlines with its world record for low temperatures. This lab allowed for studying fascinating physical phenomena under extreme conditions, developing deep quantum physics expertise in Otaniemi.
Later, rapidly growing companies like IQM and Bluefors have emerged from Aalto in the quantum sector. Today, Finland is considered to be either the number one or two in Europe for the quantum computing ecosystem. ’This achievement has received too little attention, though we should be very pleased about it,’ praises Alahuhta.
In international competition, a significant factor is where the best universities are located–those that understand business transformations as well. Without leading universities, there are usually no leading companies, says Alahuhta.
To create such success stories, new generations must adopt both specialised knowledge and collaboration skills. In times of transformation, it’s likely that students will master multiple fields and professions throughout their lifetime.
’When the world changes, creativity becomes more important. We need the ability to think outside defined boxes,’ says Sari Baldauf. ’It’s also crucial that Aalto has launched a radical creativity course that anyone can join. I’ve signed up myself, though I haven't completed it yet!’
Aalto University’s two-year fundraising campaign continues until the end of 2026. Sari Baldauf chairs the campaign committee. She is dedicated to working towards a brighter future for Finland.
’Instead of complaining, one can think about what they can do personally. We need well-educated young people with versatile skills and multiple perspectives.’
The first students of the new Bachelor's programme will walk through the doors of Aalto’s Undergraduate Center in the fall of 2027. With what mindset do you hope they arrive at Aalto?
’With enthusiasm, curiosity, and an open mind,’ says Baldauf.
’I would have said exactly the same words!’ says Alahuhta with a smile.
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