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Presidential couple of Estonia visited Aalto University

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President of the Republic of Estonia, Alar Karis, and his spouse, Sirje Karis, together with the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb and Suzanne Innes-Stubb visited Aalto University.
Group in smart clothes touring an industrial hall, one person gesturing while others listen by metal rails.
The presidential couples were introduced to Aalto Ice and Wave Tank, ice research facility, which is the largest of its kind in the world. Photo: Matti Ahlgren/Aalto-yliopisto

President of the Republic of Estonia, Alar Karis, and his spouse, Sirje Karis visited Aalto University on Wednesday, 29 April 2026. The visit was hosted by President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb. Aalto University’s Vice President for Innovation, Janne Laine, welcomed the guests to campus.

The presidential couples were introduced to Aalto University’s space research and satellite laboratory, where students and researchers build small satellites. The visitors were briefed on space technology and the business opportunities it has created, presented to them by Jaan Praks, Professor of Space Technology at Aalto University, and Rafal Modrzewski, CEO at Iceye satellite company.

The second place to visit was Aalto Ice and Wave Tank, ice research facility, which is the largest of its kind in the world. Laboratory Manager Otto Puolakka demonstrated testing ships and other maritime structures in ice conditions. 

The Estonian presidential couple’s state visit to Finland provided further opportunities to deepen bilateral relations between the countries and to strengthen cooperation in security and defence technologies, as well as in the field of culture.
 

Images from the visit of the Estonian Presidential Couple

Photos by Matti Ahlgren / Aalto-yliopisto

Three suited people at an ICEYE event, one holding a microphone in front of a space image screen
Professor of Space Technology Jaan Praks (left) introduced the presidential couples to Aalto University’s space research and satellite laboratory. Aalto University’s Vice President for Innovation, Janne Laine, welcomed the guests to campus.
Group of visitors and media touring an indoor industrial water testing facility
The second place to visit was Aalto Ice and Wave Tank, ice research facility, which is the largest of its kind in the world.
Group in formal wear listens to a guide speaking beside a blue Ice Tank sign in an industrial hall
Laboratory Manager Otto Puolakka demonstrated the functioning of the ice research facility, designed for testing ships and other maritime structures in ice conditions.
Group talking indoors; woman in chequered jacket with GRRR text, others in dark suits holding blue-black flags
Our students handed President Karis and his spouse Sirje Karis the students' traditional May Day magazine.
Four adults in smart clothing talk indoors; one holds a blue and black flag, faces blurred.
Our students handed President Karis and his spouse Sirje Karis the students' traditional May Day magazine.
People in business attire and lab coats listen to a speaker at an indoor tech exhibition.
Rafal Modrzewski, the CEO of Iceye, a satellite company with roots in Aalto University’s entrepreneurial community, gave an overview of the latest developments in satellite technology.
Group of suited visitors watch an ice tank test indoors, guided by staff near rails and computers.
Laboratory Manager Otto Puolakka demonstrated the functioning of the ice research facility, designed for testing ships and other maritime structures in ice conditions.
People in formal suits stand outdoors by a table with papers and a drink bottle
The visit was hosted by President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb.
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