Finland Launches ELLIS Institute as Europe's Second Major AI Research Hub
New ELLIS Institute coordinated by Aalto University is on a mission to crack the code of machine learning – and poach the world’s brightest brains.
Martti Asikainen, 11.6.2025
Finland has established Europe’s second artificial intelligence research institute, positioning itself as a key player in the continent’s efforts to compete with global tech powers in AI development.
The ELLIS Institute Finland, launched at Aalto University in May, represents a significant investment in artificial intelligence research and seeks to attract leading researchers from around the world. The institute is the second in the European ELLIS network, following Germany’s Tübingen facility.
Professor Samuel Kaski, who leads the new institute, said recruitment is already underway. “Our operations have started with momentum, and we are currently hiring our first group leaders,” he explained. “Our goal is to renew the core of R&D by improving machine learning and making it more widely applicable.”
The initiative comes as nations worldwide compete to secure advantage in artificial intelligence development, with significant implications for economic competitiveness and technological sovereignty.
Collaborative approach across universities
The institute operates as a collaborative effort between 13 Finnish universities, including the University of Helsinki, Tampere University, University of Turku, University of Oulu, and the National Defence University. This broad partnership aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem for AI research across the country.
Finland’s approach emphasises close collaboration between academic research and industry applications. The institute’s work spans from fundamental mathematical research to practical implementations, with researchers able to access cutting-edge computing resources including the LUMI supercomputer in Kajaani.
The symbolism of the institute’s launch reflected this philosophy. During the ceremony, organisers unveiled the institute’s first blackboard, representing how breakthrough discoveries in AI and machine learning often begin with simple mathematical concepts drawn by researchers.
Significant funding commitment
The Finnish government has committed €40 million to support the institute, demonstrating the priority placed on AI research within national policy. Additional funding comes from private sources, notably the Foundation PS established by Peter Sarlin, CEO of AI company Silo AI.
Sarlin’s foundation is funding 13 professorships across Finnish universities connected to the ELLIS Institute. “AI is a key driver of competitiveness and growth, and Finland’s success depends on world-class expertise,” Sarlin stated when announcing his donation earlier this year.
The funding structure reflects a broader European approach to AI development that combines public investment with private sector support, aimed at creating sustainable research environments that can compete with initiatives in the United States and China.
European AI ambitions
The ELLIS (European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems) network was established in 2018 to coordinate AI research across Europe. It now connects over 1,000 researchers across the continent, focusing on fundamental science, technical innovation, and societal impact.
Kaski emphasised that while AI and machine learning research is beginning to benefit companies and society, many important challenges remain unsolved. “We need research into new fundamentals that make machine learning more applicable, and we are also developing new fundamentals in how we work with partners to solve these problems.”
The institute’s public launch event and scientific seminar are scheduled for October 2025, when the full scope of its research agenda will be presented.
Finland’s ELLIS Institute represents a significant step in strengthening the country’s AI research capabilities and enhancing its international visibility in a field increasingly central to economic and technological development.
Finnish AI Region
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