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Aalto University invites the university community to propose candidates for the next Aalto Pioneering Excellence Award. The award is granted annually to one or more teams that address unique challenges and strive for sustainable value creation and superior performance in Aalto University’s education, research, artistic activities, or in advancing international success.

Tell us which team you think should receive the award. Propose nominees for award recipients with justifications by 16 October 2026.

Award given for pioneering work

The awarded activity can:

• be a cross-border activity that fuels and brings about the success of others
• develop an ethically sustainable and responsible culture and way of working.
• involve key stakeholder groups in the development of operations, taking into account the views and expectations of all stakeholder groups. 
• promote creativity and excellence in the Aalto University community.
• build on previous knowledge and experience and use resources wisely and efficiently.

The award committee that makes decisions on the awardee(s) consists of the Chair of the Board Veli-Matti Mattila (Orion Corporation), and professors Tua Björklund, Tuuli Mattelmäki and Risto Rajala (Aalto University).

Who has won the prize earlier?

The prize has been awarded annually since 2021.

In 2025, the Aalto Pioneering Excellence Award was given to the Biodesign Finland team. It is a need-based health technology education and innovation programme that aims to provide the best foundation for the creation of new health technology companies.

In 2024, the award was given to two teams, one of which is the satellite team led by Associate Professor Jaan Praks. The pioneering work of the research team started the era of small satellites in Finland. The other awardee is the Research Services Pre-award team, which supports researchers in obtaining external funding.

Find all news of previous winners

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Aalto Pioneering Excellence Award | Aalto University