Group photo featuring Mr. Mayank Goel, Dean Jukka Riekki, Ambassador Hemant H. Kotalwar, Vice Rector Arto Maaninen, Dr. Jari Juuti, Professor Matti Latva-Aho, and Professor Timo Rahkonen at the University of Oulu.

Indian Ambassador Visits Oulu

The University of Oulu and 6G Flagship welcomed H.E. Hemant H. Kotalwar, Ambassador of India to Finland, on December 19, 2024. The visit focused on fostering collaboration in technology and research, showcasing Oulu’s leadership in areas like 6G and microelectronics. Ambassador Kotalwar expressed a keen interest in strengthening connections between Indian institutions and Oulu, emphasising opportunities for impactful partnerships in innovation and education.

During the visit, the 6G Flagship team highlighted their pioneering research in wireless communications, which has positioned Oulu as a global leader in 6G development. “Our early initiatives in 6G research, coupled with robust European funding, have positioned us at the forefront of wireless innovation,” noted Professor Matti Latva-aho, Director of the 6G Flagship. Discussions also touched on quantum computing and microelectronics, with Dean Jukka Riekki and Adjunct Professor Jari Juuti commending Oulu’s contributions in RF IC design and AI-driven applications, critical for healthcare and sustainable energy advancements.

The visit also included a lively luncheon with 6G Flagship researchers, including Doctors Sumit Singh, Suhas Yadav, and Sumita Sharma, who engaged in discussions ranging from strategies to attract more Indian students to Finland to the potential for stronger industry exposure during their studies. The researchers highlighted past success stories, such as Nokia’s programmes bringing Indian engineers to Finland, many of whom stayed to establish startups. A particularly inspiring exchange, led by Sumita Sharma, focused on leveraging AI and 6G technologies to enhance early education and create tools for children with autism. The ambassador promised to assist in connecting Finnish researchers to schools and organisations in India to advance these efforts.

Ambassador Kotalwar’s proactive approach brought additional focus and momentum to the already vibrant cooperation between India and Finland. His openness to facilitating discussions and connections to Indian organisations exemplified a shared vision of leveraging technological innovation to address global challenges. The visit concluded with a commitment to advancing collaborative efforts for mutual benefit, further reinforcing Oulu’s role as a global partner in cutting-edge research and development.