School of Engineering Alum of the Year Mika Viljanmaa: There’s no point in developing something useless

Senior Development Manager at Valmet Technologies Mika Viljanmaa has been selected as the Aalto University School of Engineering Alum of the Year. He has over a hundred patents to his name, and he has received significant honours over the years.

In 2012, he was awarded the Marcus Wallenberg Prize, known as the ‘Nobel Prize for the Forest Industry’, for his pioneering work in the development of technology for metal belt calendering. The method he created improves the quality of the paper’s printing surface, reduces the use of fibre and increases production efficiency. In the same year, Viljanmaa was also named Inventor of the Year in Finland.

At Valmet, Viljanmaa is constantly working on new ideas.

'In my job, I do what I do best: invent and develop new things and solve technical challenges. When something needs to be done more efficiently, faster, harder, or cheaper, that’s when I’m at my best.'

At the School of Engineering, many students recognise Viljanmaa, as he lectures on a product design course every autumn.

'I don’t teach how to manoeuvre the mouse in a CAD program. I focus on why it’s worthwhile – and necessary – to develop new things.'

'You always have to start by understanding the need. There’s no point in developing something useless. Once you understand, down to the root causes, why you’re creating something new, the rest is more or less straightforward mechanical work,' he underlines.

Studying at Otaniemi

Viljanmaa has always been fascinated by technology. 

'Ever since I was a kid, I had to take mopeds apart just to see how they worked. I ended up in Otaniemi partly by chance, though. I had other options in mind as well, but I got leave from the army for entrance exams and I happened to get in.'

Viljanmaa graduated as a Master of Science in Technology in 1997. He has fond memories of his student years.

'Those were carefree and happy times – lots of activities with friends, fun summer jobs, and the thrill of learning something new. Otaniemi became my professional and spiritual home, and that’s still very much the case.'

'At some point I got a degree certificate, but that didn’t change what Otaniemi means to me. I still spend time there with old friends from university. Some have graduated, some probably never will, and some ended up as professors,' he says with a smile.

Viljanmaa notes that today’s engineering students aren’t all that different from those he studied alongside back in his university days.

'Maybe they’re a tad more open than we were, unafraid to ask questions and challenge ideas, which leads to even better discussions,' he reflects.

He has a few key pieces of advice for current engineering students:

'Exploring a wide range of topics that truly interest you is a smart move. It’s good to have at least one area where you’re better than average – and if you want to ensure you land a job, today’s hot fields include energy, CO₂, the circular economy, AI, and national security. It’s also good to get to know plenty of smart people, so communication skills will always come in handy.'

High-flying memories

Viljanmaa doesn’t mind being called inventive, but he would rather not be labelled eccentric inventor.

'I see myself more as a scientist. Developing new things is incredibly rewarding. It’s wonderful to see a good team accomplish things together.'

Over the course of his career, Viljanmaa has had many memorable days. He can name the most eventful one straight away: 6 April 2006.

'I was in Simpele, starting the world’s first metal belt calender at the M-Real mill – the company goes by Metsä Board nowadays. That day marked both the debut of the metal belt calender and the arrival of our first child.'

Viljanmaa recalls that, with his spouse due to give birth any day, he made sure to get her blessing for the trip before leaving Helsinki that morning – and checked in with her again once he reached the factory gates.

'Just as we were about to start up the calender, I got the call: The baby is on the way! Simpele is right out by the eastern border, but it’s amazing how quickly you can drive back to Helsinki when you’re properly motivated. I made it in time to welcome our son into the world.'

In his free time, Viljanmaa enjoys spending time with his family and hobbies. He joined Polyteknikkojen Ilmailukerho (the student-run aviation club) back in the 1980s and has been training pilots since 1993. Along the way, he also qualified as an aircraft mechanic.

'Science and practice always go hand in hand. I’ve never been afraid of getting my hands dirty, whether at work or in my free time; I was at Valmet’s research centre just the other day running experiments. I trained as an aircraft mechanic because let’s face it: planes don’t fix themselves.'

'Flying is a wonderful hobby – and if I ever find myself with a spare moment on dark winter evenings, I’ve got far too many project vehicles waiting for me in the garage. That’s another hobby I picked up at university, as a member of Teekkarien Autokerho, the student car club.'

Being chosen Alum of the Year by the School of Engineering was a welcome surprise for Viljanmaa.

'It’s a great honour and really heart-warming. Thank you!'