Why Finland's AI moment is an opportunity for Indian businesses, students

Nokia taught a generation how to connect, Angry Birds became a national timepass, and KONE quietly lifts millions of Indians every day in offices and apartment towers. Now, the same country that once drove our everyday tech habits is pitching something bigger - a place to study, build and work in fields such as AI and deep tech. According to industry voices, Finland's need for skilled professionals - supported by govt policies seen as favourable for work mobility and startups - has opened up roles for the Indian youth in various fields, be it data science, machine learning, computer vision or generative AI.

Laura Lindeman, senior director of 'Work in Finland' at Business Finland, says the country is not just hiring youths with experience in AI, but also investing to scale up its R&D. "Finland is in the process of attracting top deep tech researchers and specialists in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, microelectronics, photonics, imaging and health tech. In addition to excellent opportunities for professional and personal development, experts working in Finland benefit from a strong national commitment to R&D. The country already invests 3.2% of its GDP in research and development, and govt aims to increase this share to 4% by 2030. For Indian candidates from these fields, this means more opportunities to access world-class research infrastructure and build careers in companies and universities that play a key role in driving global innovation," she adds.

The message also came through at a recent AI summit in Turku, where the Finnish govt underlined its ambition to be a serious player in the global AI race, keeping international collaboration at the centre. PM Petteri Orpo described it as a strategic imperative. "Europe must lead, not follow, in the AI revolution," he said.

At the summit, discussions were also undertaken on how the Finnish market requires diverse skillsets, from technical to creative problem-solving expertise. For Indian students and professionals, the subtext was clear - Finland wants talent, and it wants it now.

But the opportunities are not limited to those looking for jobs alone. For those interested in startups, Finland's ecosystem provides a fertile ground, characterised by a dynamic startup culture and high levels of innovation in AI research, doctoral roles, and advanced computing facilities like LUMI supercomputer, one of the world's most powerful supercomputers located in Kajaani.

For students too, Finland's latest push in R&D means availability of globally recognised AI courses that are closely linked with industry projects. The inauguration of the ELLIS Institute this Nov was a crucial step in this regard, fostering an environment conducive to cutting-edge research.

(The writer was in Helsinki at the invitation of the Finnish govt)