15.1.2025

Peter Sarlin’s substantial donation to strengthen AI research in Finland – 13 new professorships in Finnish universities and the ELLIS Institute

The substantial donation supports AI research at thirteen universities: Aalto University, Hanken School of Economics, National Defence University, Tampere University, University of Eastern Finland, University of Helsinki, University of Lapland, University of Jyväskylä, University of Oulu, University of the Arts Helsinki, University of Turku, University of Vaasa, and Åbo Akademi University. Additionally, the donation supports the activities of the international ELLIS Institute.

The forthcoming professorships represent a significant step in strengthening the AI research ecosystem in Finland and Europe and in promoting long-term competitiveness in the field of artificial intelligence, while also supporting the activities of the international ELLIS Institute.

Foundation PS, established by Peter Sarlin, aims to continue supporting world-class AI research in Finland, with a particular focus on the activities of the PS Fellow network formed through the professorships.

“In today’s world, AI is a key driver for competitiveness and growth, and Finland’s success relies on world-class expertise and talent. To succeed, we must strengthen our AI capabilities in research, education, and industrial applications. My donation is intended to foster and grow an attractive environment for world-class AI expertise and breakthroughs across multiple disciplines. Together, we can accelerate Finland’s and Europe’s competitiveness on the global AI stage,” says Peter Sarlin.

“Peter Sarlin’s donation is truly valuable for the strengthening and development of AI expertise in Finland. It is great that an alumnus of Åbo Akademi University can contribute in such a significant way to advancing our research and support our expanded education in AI. This will further increase the competence and labour market relevance of our graduates and masters. The donation will be used as part of the establishment of a new professorship in artificial intelligence in the subject of information technology at Åbo Akademi University,” says Mikael Lindfelt, Rector of Åbo Akademi University.

Peter Sarlin holds a PhD in information systems science from Åbo Akademi University and serves as Professor of Practice at ÅAU until 31 January 2025. Peter Sarlin is the co-founder and CEO of Silo AI, Europe’s leading private AI lab. The company’s $665 million acquisition by U.S.-based AMD was the largest AI company acquisition in European history. Sarlin also serves as Professor of Practice at Aalto University, specializing in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Peter Sarlin established Foundation PS to strengthen Finland’s and Europe’s AI research ecosystem and competitiveness. By funding professorships and supporting world-class research, the foundation aims to drive innovation, attract top talent, and solidify Finland’s and Europe’s position as a global leader in AI.

Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence FCAI is a community of experts in artificial intelligence in Finland, initiated by Aalto University, University of Helsinki, and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. FCAI is one of the Research Council of Finland’s Flagships, hubs, top-level research and impact.

ELLIS (European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems), founded in 2018, is a European network of leading AI organizations that focuses on fundamental research, technical innovation, and impact. ELLIS is creating a network of research sites distributed across Europe and Israel consisting of ELLIS Units and ELLIS Institutes. Currently, there are 41 ELLIS Units and 1 Associate Unit in 17 countries. Prior to Europe’s second ELLIS Institute in Finland, the first ELLIS Institute was set up in Tubingen in 2023. The long-term goal is to establish a set of world-class ELLIS Institutes, each acting as the core of a local AI ecosystem.

For more information, contact:

Director Kei Heikkilä, Community relations and partnerships, Åbo Akademi University
kei.heikkila@abo.fi
+358 504 759 796