Presidential couple of Estonia visited Aalto University

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.