Alumni of the Year
Architect and CEO of Talli Architecture and Design emphasizes the importance of the built environment for human well-being. She strives to create functional and meaningful spaces and living environments that promote well-being, community, and a sustainable lifestyle.
Minna Lukander, School of Arts, Design and Architecture Alum of the Year 2025
The Aalto University School of Business Alum of the Year award is granted every second year for a person who has promoted interaction between the School of Business, society and alumni, contributed positively to the Finnish society, or done pioneering or exceptional work in his/her own field. Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko also started as a new member of the Aalto University Board as of 1 January 2025.
Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, School of Business Alum of the Year 2025
Johanna Småros, Michael Falck and Mikko Kärkkäinen, graduates of the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, founded in 2005 Relex Solutions, a software company providing supply chain and retail planning solutions to retailers, distributors and manufacturers of consumer goods.
Johanna Småros, Michael Falck and Mikko Kärkkäinen, School of Science Alum of the Year 2023
Heikki Holmberg, Senior technology development manager at Okmetic, says that he ended up in the semiconductor industry through his own interest, but also by chance. 'I've always liked physics. When I took the course Basics of Semiconductor Technology, I got hooked into the field.'
Heikki Holmberg, School of Electrical Engineering Alum of the Year 2023
Antti Valkonen completed his master’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2016 at Aalto, and defended his Ph.D dissertation at Princeton University in 2023. ”I hope that my example can encourage students to go abroad after graduation. The competition can get tough, but it should not scare you off."
Juha-Pekka Pitkänen, CTO at Solar Foods and one of the founders of the company draws on everything he has learned at Otaniemi when he does his work. "We’re currently building a demonstration plant at Vehkala in Vantaa, which is a major investment. The company deals with a hydrogen economy in which we utilise carbon dioxide and renewable energy."
Juha-Pekka Pitkänen, School of Chemical Engineering Alum of the Year 2023
Päivi Hurttia has pursued a career in journalism and communications, among other things. Hurttia recently returned from Ethiopia where she spent a year working for the International Committee of the Red Cross and ensuring the safety of humanitarian assistance to all regions.
Päivi Hurttia, The MBA Alum of the Year 2023
Previous Alumni of the Year
Suggest the School of Electrical Engineering Alum of the Year 2025!
Submit your suggestion by 31 August 2025.
The theme of the School of Business Homecoming Day was “International Finland in 2030?”
The biennial event featured keynote speaker Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs and School of Business alum
Propose the School of Business Alum of the Year 2024!
Please, make a suggestion by 30 September 2024