The substantial donation supports AI research at thirteen universities: Aalto University, Hanken School of Economics, National Defence University, Tampere University, University of Eastern Finland, University of Helsinki, University of Lapland, University of Jyväskylä, University of Oulu, University of the Arts Helsinki, University of Turku, University of Vaasa, and Åbo Akademi University. Additionally, the donation supports the activities of the international ELLIS Institute.
The forthcoming professorships represent a significant step in strengthening the AI research ecosystem in Finland and Europe and in promoting long-term competitiveness in the field of artificial intelligence, while also supporting the activities of the international ELLIS Institute.
Foundation PS, established by Peter Sarlin, aims to continue supporting world-class AI research in Finland, with a particular focus on the activities of the PS Fellow network formed through the professorships.
"In today’s world, AI is a key driver for competitiveness and growth, and Finland's success relies on world-class expertise and talent. To succeed, we must strengthen our AI capabilities in research, education, and industrial applications. My donation is intended to foster and grow an attractive environment for world-class AI expertise and breakthroughs across multiple disciplines. Together, we can accelerate Finland’s and Europe’s competitiveness on the global AI stage," says Peter Sarlin.
“Sarlin's significant donation will support the establishment of a new professorship focused on AI research in the Faculty of Technology at the University of Turku. The strength of the University of Turku in AI research and education is its multidisciplinarity and effective cooperation with the business world. Silo AI, led by Sarlin, among others, has been an important partner in AI research in recent years," says Rector of the University of Turku Marjo Kaartinen.
“AI methods are one of the strengths of the research conducted at the Faculty of Technology: for example, the TurkuNLP research group's work on large language models is known worldwide. New methods and areas of applications for artificial intelligence are being developed at a rapid pace across all fields, while the research field has expanded rapidly. Sarlin's donation will strengthen research and education in AI methods and systems in particular," says Dean of the Faculty of Technology Jaakko Järvi from the University of Turku.
"This donation towards ELLIS Institute professorships will strengthen and expand our already world-class expertise and competitiveness. The ELLIS Institute will enable us to ambitiously recruit global talent," says Samuel Kaski, Aalto University professor and director of ELLIS Institute Finland. "
Peter Sarlin is the co-founder and CEO of Silo AI, Europe’s leading private AI lab. The company’s acquisition by US-based AMD was the largest AI acquisition in Europe‘s history. Sarlin, who holds a PhD in machine learning, also serves as Professor of Practice at Aalto University, specializing in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Peter Sarlin established Foundation PS to strengthen Finland’s and Europe’s AI research ecosystem and competitiveness. By funding professorships and supporting world-class research, the foundation aims to drive innovation, attract top talent, and solidify Finland’s and Europe’s position as a global leader in AI.
