Opening Words by Foreign Minister Valtonen at the Launch of the Millennium Technology Prize

Opening Words by Foreign Minister Valtonen at the Launch of the Millennium Technology Prize

Opening words by Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen at the Launch of the Millennium Technology Prize on 25 March 2026 in Helsinki.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests, Colleagues and Friends,

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the opening of the Millennium Technology Prize 2027 Award Cycle.

Today, we celebrate the beginning of a new chapter for one of the world's most prestigious recognitions in science and technology-a prize that, for more than two decades, has told a powerful story about Finland.

The Millennium Technology Prize is much more than an award. It is a global emblem of Finland's excellence in technology and our belief that innovation must serve humanity. When the world sees this Prize, it sees progress and a country that values science, invests in knowledge, and consistently delivers solutions for a better future.

In a world where talent, capital, and research partnerships are increasingly mobile, Finland's consistent investment in science and technology is our stronghold. With the Millennium Technology Prize we aim to further strengthen Finland's position as an attractive destination for people to choose for investing, building their careers and pursuing their dreams.

Finland's credibility in this field is deeply rooted. We invest in science and research. We consider knowledge, education, and research not as expenses, but as the foundations of our resilience and competitiveness. This long-term approach is reflected in Finland's goal of raising R&D expenditure to 4 per cent of GDP, reaffirming our determination to stay at the forefront of global innovation.

A key strength behind this approach is the close, trust-based cooperation between the public and private sectors. Finland has developed an innovation model in which universities, research organizations, and industry work seamlessly together, supported by a vibrant deep-tech and start-up ecosystem. This close collaboration, fueled by strong RDI partnerships, has enabled the emergence of new technological innovations and forms one of the cornerstones of Finland's competitiveness.

It is on this foundation that Finland has developed leading expertise across a wide range of high-technology fields. We are home to world-leading capabilities in secure and trusted connectivity, space and quantum technologies, and sustainable energy and circular-economy solutions.

We also have cutting-edge strengths in photonics and sensor innovation, semiconductor and chip design, sustainable process and health technologies, as well as advanced AI-driven automation and robotics. I believe that this expertise makes Finland the right country to award this prestigious technology prize.

The renewed Millennium Technology Prize reflects the evolving landscape of global innovation and the increasing need for technological solutions to address complex global and societal challenges. Its updated focus strengthens the Prize's ability to highlight innovations that advance sustainable development and create meaningful socio-economic value.

This renewal also deepens cooperation with Finland's innovation community, including partners such as Business Finland, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, Technology Industries of Finland, and many others. Together, we ensure that the Prize continues to embody Finland's core values: openness, responsibility, and a commitment to sustainable and human-centered innovation.

These same principles guide Finland's broader work in international technology policy. As technology has become a central element of geopolitical and economic competition, Finland is committed to strengthening technological security, building trustworthy digital infrastructure, and supporting the global competitiveness of its technology sector. We also champion value-based technology governance that upholds human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

As we launch this new award cycle, it is worth emphasizing that the Prize is more than a recognition of individual achievement. It serves as a platform for international collaboration-a meeting point for scientists, engineers, innovators, investors, and policymakers. It encourages curiosity, builds partnerships, and brings global visibility to solutions that strengthen societies and improve lives.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as we begin the 2027 Award Cycle, let us reaffirm the principles that guide both the Prize and Finland's approach to innovation: confidence in science, trust in human ingenuity, and a belief that technology must be developed responsibly, for the benefit of people and the planet.

The Millennium Technology Prize remains a source of national pride and an important symbol of Finland's commitment to scientific excellence. It supports our international engagement and strengthens Finland's profile as a place where the brightest minds can innovate, invest, and create lasting impact.

I wish you all an inspiring event and a visionary start to this award cycle.

Thank you.