Ambassadors Visit 6G Flagship to Explore Future Connectivity
The Finnish ambassadors to Ireland and the United Kingdom, Leena Gardemeister and Jukka Siukosaari, visited Oulu on Wednesday to discuss the future of wireless innovation with researchers, city officials, and local technology companies. The day included visiting the University of Oulu’s 6G Flagship, one of the world’s leading initiatives for next-generation connectivity.
At the University of Oulu, the ambassadors were received by Professor Ari Pouttu, Research Director Hannu Nikurautio, and Dean Jukka Riekki of the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. Together, they presented ongoing research and infrastructure aimed at developing secure, high-performance communications systems with both civilian and defence applications.
Hannu Nikurautio, introduced the 6G Test Centre, part of the NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) network. He outlined its capabilities in testing advanced wireless systems under real-world conditions, including arctic environments and subterranean infrastructure. 6G Test Centre focuses on testing secure communications, digital resilience, and dual-use technologies capable of withstanding contested and mission-critical scenarios.
Professor Ari Pouttu discussed research into dependable wireless systems and resilient waveform design, drawing from experience in military radio, radar, smart transport, and energy systems. Dean Jukka Riekki highlighted Oulu’s strategic positioning as a testbed for NATO and EU research, bringing together academic, governmental, and industrial partners.
Researchers at Oulu are working on next-generation wireless networks designed to be faster, more adaptive, and more resilient. These systems are designed to support mission-critical services, including industrial automation, defence communications, remote healthcare, and immersive digital platforms. They prioritise reliability, low latency, and adaptability in demanding conditions. For businesses, they offer a pathway to new markets, improved continuity, and real-time, data-driven operations.
The Finnish ambassadors’ visit provided an opportunity for the University of Oulu’s 6G Flagship researchers to showcase their advancements in innovation, infrastructure, and security. This direct engagement will equip the ambassadors with the comprehensive understanding needed to effectively highlight Oulu’s unique potential and present concrete collaboration opportunities to organisations in Ireland and the United Kingdom.