Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation: Aalto University's Information Technology Program Turns 30

ITP program participants work in teams of 4–6 on real-world digital business challenges brought in by companies, guided by one of two study tracks: Strategy and Experience Design (SED) or Information and Service Business (ISB). This year, 79 students are tackling 14 projects, continuing a long tradition of hands-on, interdisciplinary learning that bridges business, design, and technology.

Past to Present: From Telecommunications to Digital Business

At the program’s 30th Opening Ceremony on June 2nd, 2025, Professor Jyrki Wallenius, ITP’s first Academic Director (1996–2005), reflected on the program’s origins:

“Back in 1995, we didn’t have the in-house expertise to run a telecommunications-focused program. So, Veikko Jääskeläinen—the Rector of the Helsinki School of Economics—had the vision to bring in instructors from abroad. From those early days with CD-ROMs vs. the Internet debates, we’ve come a long way. But what’s remained is our commitment to innovation.”

ITP began as the Interactive Telecommunications Program, born during the rise of Nokia and the dawn of the internet. The goal: to prepare students for the emerging digital era. Wallenius recalled learning how fax transmissions and mobile phones functioned, and how one lecture featured an animation of a bee doing a dance to communicate food location—a moment that captured the era’s multimedia fascination.

Under Wallenius, the academic structure of the program evolved. In 1997, it introduced business projects—just seven at first. Responding to student feedback, the program management ensured that by 1998, every student had the opportunity to participate in a business project. These company collaborations, which in time made the program financially self-sufficient, became a defining element of ITP.

Since 2006, Professor Matti Rossi has continued that evolution, guiding program managers, track coordinators, and students alike through moments of innovation and times of uncertainty.

“What makes ITP unique is the combination of a full summer program and real company projects. Even five years ago, there weren’t many like it at Aalto,” Rossi notes. “Especially for international students, it’s a gateway. Some even continue working with the companies after the program ends.”

And while the program continues to deliver, it doesn’t come without its challenges:

Building Confidence, Strengthening Community: Insights from Program Managers

From 2007 to 2010, Jenni Peuranto served as Program Manager and helped shape ITP’s development alongside Matti Rossi. For her, what stood out was the energy and anticipation the application process sparked among students:

Jenni found it rewarding to see student growth, particularly among the track coordinators:

“From early spring to the end of summer, I saw them gain so much confidence. My first year, I worked with Kasper Stenbäck and Henri Weijo, who both had extensive experience with KY-union.”

She also enjoyed working with company partners, even when schedules didn’t align:

“Regardless of whether they joined or not, the conversations were energizing. Most gave very positive feedback. It gave me real confidence that we were building something valuable.”

But perhaps most impactful was watching students become comfortable in professional settings:

“At first, many thought they had to wear suits and act formal. But then they would realize these were just people like them—just with more experience. That shift in their mindset was huge. They walked away with confidence, experience, and networks that often led to jobs.”

Victor de Bruin, the current Program Manager, echoes those sentiments. For him, the people are what make ITP truly unique:

He recalls the distinct summer atmosphere on campus:

“During my first year, campus was so quiet—it seems as if the ventilation system goes on holiday.”

But within that calm, students were learning to collaborate in diverse teams, solve real-world problems, and take the first steps into their professional careers.

Beyond 2025: The Future of ITP and Its Lasting Legacy

As ITP celebrates three decades of innovation, the secret to its longevity lies in its ability to evolve while staying true to its purpose. Jenni captures it best:

“It’s not uncommon for programs like this to last a decade and then fade out. But ITP? It’s still here. That says something. It’s adapted to new realities while keeping what made it special in the first place.”

This summer, ITP continues that legacy—blending new tools, global perspectives, and real-world impact. As students tackle complex problems, pitch innovative solutions, and gain practical experience, the spirit of 1995 lives on.

To the ITP Class of 2025: you are not just part of a program.
You’re part of a legacy. Welcome.