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Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel explored quantum, space and ice research during their visit at Aalto University
The purpose of the visit on Friday 21 August 2026 was to enhance cooperation between Finland and Sweden in the areas of research, education and innovation.
Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel visited Aalto University on Friday 21 August 2026.
This was the first time that they visited Aalto University together. Prince Daniel visited Aalto in 2017 as part of his trip focused on Finnish innovation and entrepreneurship. King Carl XVI Gustaf visited Aalto University in 2014.
During their visit to Aalto University, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel learned about quantum technology, space technology and ice research – topics that are strategically important to Sweden and Finland and involve close research collaboration between the two countries. In addition, the Crown Princess Couple visited the Aalto Design Factory – an interdisciplinary product-design and learning hub – where they heard student presentations and met Aalto students from Sweden.
Crown Princess and Prince also signed a plaque that will travel into space aboard Aalto University’s next research satellite, scheduled for launch in 2027. Earlier this year, the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, and the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, also signed similar plaques.
Aalto University collaborates actively with Swedish researchers and institutions, especially in the fields of electrical engineering and electronics, astronomy and astrophysics, computer science, AI, telecommunications, automation, and energy and fuels.
Over the past five years, Aalto researchers have co-authored over 1 200 publications with more than 50 Swedish institutions. This means that over 1 100 researchers at Aalto have co-authored publications with Swedish institutions since 2020.
Sweden is also the most popular destination for Aalto’s outgoing exchange students.
The visit of the Crown Princess Couple was hosted by Aalto University’s President Ilkka Niemelä and Head of Donor Engagement, Camilla Wardi.
Read more about the programme of the visit after the photo section.
Details of the visit programme on the Aalto University campus:
- Quantum technology: Professor of Quantum Technology Mikko Möttönen showcased how decades of low‑temperature physics and quantum research have evolved into global relevance in quantum computing, sensing and industrial spin‑outs. In March, Aalto University unveiled its own AaltoQ20 quantum computer to be used for research and to educate new talent. Finland is excellently positioned as a leader in quantum technology development. Greater Helsinki area is ranked as the world’s number two quantum innovation cluster.
- Space and satellite technology: Doctoral Researcher Marius Anger presented on how, in just over a decade, Finland has grown into a space nation, and how satellite technology has become an important business supporting economic growth. It all started with a student project that succeeded in building Finland’s first satellite and has now grown to be a rapidly developing space technology business that could not exist without the research and innovations done at Aalto. Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel signed a plaque that will travel into space aboard Aalto University’s next research satellite, scheduled for launch in 2027. Earlier this year, the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, and the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, also signed similar plaques.
- Aalto Design Factory: Professor and director of the Aalto Design Factory Tua Björklund gave the guests an introduction to the Aalto Design Factory, an interdisciplinary product-design and learning hub, where the guests will also view example projects by Aalto students. Design Factory shows what Aalto University is all about, bringing art, technology and business together to solve everyday problems.
- Aalto Ice and Wave Tank: The visit ended at the Aalto Ice and Wave Tank, which is the largest indoor ice tank in the world. Laboratory manager Otto Puolakka showed how researchers and industry test ships and other maritime structures in ice conditions. Finland is recognised worldwide as a pioneer in ice-going ship design and construction. As climate change alters ice conditions, tensions in the Arctic rise and demand for icebreakers grows, this area of Aalto University’s research and education is more relevant than ever.
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