Our travel days are winding down as we touchdown in Finland—or as Duke calls it, “The Fineland.” It’s a bit bittersweet, knowing we only have three days left as college graduate students. But we didn’t let that dampen our spirits; we were ready to explore “The Fineland.” On our first day, we headed straight to the hotel pool and sauna. It was a hot day, perfect for a swim. The water was just right, and it was a fantastic way to relax after the journey. Plus, we learned that saunas are a big deal in Helsinki, so we had to give it a try. Duke made a side trip to a cigar store and picked up some Cuban cigars to share with our classmates. It was a great way to bond and create lasting memories on the last leg of our trip. We’re soaking in every moment, trying to make the most of these final days. Finland has been incredible so far, and we’re excited to see what else it has in store for us.
Saif reporting here, two days after. Our business journey continued with a visit to Business Finland, a dynamic organization known for promoting Finnish innovation and international business collaboration. It was fascinating to learn about the ways Finland supports its burgeoning startup ecosystem and encourages foreign investment. Business Finland’s efforts have undoubtedly contributed to Finland’s reputation as the number one happiest country in the world. This ranking, which is based on various factors including an extremely low level of corruption, highlights the country’s robust societal framework and governance. It’s worth noting that the “happiness” referred to here isn’t purely emotional; it encompasses a broad spectrum of well-being indicators, including social support, freedom to make life choices, and a sense of trust in the community.
At Business Finland, we were introduced to several innovative projects and companies making significant strides in various fields. One company, in particular, caught my attention with its groundbreaking approach to sustainable technology. They are developing solutions that not only drive economic growth but also align with Finland’s strong environmental values. It was inspiring to see how Finnish companies are integrating sustainability into their core business strategies, setting a standard for the rest of the world.
The next day, we headed over to the Life Sciences Center at the University of Helsinki, using the impressive, clean and efficient Helsinki public transportation. There, we got to hear about LUMI, Finland’s groundbreaking supercomputer project. LUMI is a beast—it’s the fastest supercomputer in Europe, located in the CSC data center in Kajaani. Without getting too technical, let’s just say it’s incredibly powerful and efficient, designed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
The talk about LUMI was mind-blowing. They explained how machine learning is becoming a cornerstone of innovation, enabling complex data analysis and predictive modeling. And quantum computing? It’s set to change the game completely, solving problems that our current computers can’t even touch.
One of the most exciting parts was learning about the new data centers in Finland. These aren’t just your average data centers—they’re designed to be sustainable. They capture the heat generated and use it to heat nearby buildings, turning a byproduct into a valuable resource. This kind of thinking is what makes Finland a leader in sustainability and innovation.
Overall, our visits to Business Finland and the University of Helsinki were super enriching. They gave us a deeper understanding of how Finland stays ahead in happiness and innovation. The country’s focus on sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and solid governance is a powerful example for building a thriving, forward-thinking society.
