Tampere, Finland – November 22, 2024. President of Finland Alexander Stubb has today rewarded Unikie with the nation’s prestigious Internationalization Award, granted annually to organizations that have significantly contributed to Finland’s economic growth and expertise through successful international operations.
Founded in 2015, software engineering and innovation company Unikie today generates more than half its 65-million-euro annual revenues from exports. Roughly a quarter of Unikie’s 600 employees work outside Finland.
“Since the beginning, our founders aimed for the top of the league in the international software industry. Our main competitive advantage is world-class software engineering expertise, which is now in high demand due to the globally growing need for customized technology solutions,” says Juha Ala-Laurila, CEO of Unikie.
From left to right: Juha Ala-Laurila (CEO), Esko Mertsalmi (Founder, Strategic Initiatives), Vesa Kiviranta (CBO, Marshalling Solutions)
Focus on AI, Embedded Software, and Dual-Use Technologies
Unikie’s solutions cover diverse applications, such as intelligent machines, automotive, industrial production solutions, and telecommunications solutions. The requirements for secure communication solutions, particularly concerning software and their cyber security, have increased significantly, necessitating substantial additional investments in software development in the future.
In recent years, Unikie has been developing applications related to machine learning models, AI and data analytics for its product development clients. With the rapid proliferation of large language models, awareness of AI’s opportunities has spread, and demand is growing.
“AI-based features are added to cars, network devices, mobile devices, and intelligent machines. For us, this is a significant growth opportunity where we can build on our existing strengths. Especially mobile and edge computing applications with limited computing resources and high-speed requirements call for specialized expertise in applying AI models,” Ala-Laurila says.
Unikie works for multiple industries, ranging from automotive to transportation and logistics, defence, and telecommunications sectors.
“Right now, dual-use technologies are attracting global interest, and we have strong expertise in the area. We provide defence and security manufacturers with high-level embedded solutions and services for critical systems,” Ala-Laurila says.
International Clients Drive Growth
Unikie has won multiple Fortune 500 companies as clients, and the business has grown strongly in Europe, North America, and the United Arab Emirates. Due to the strategic nature of joint development projects, many of Unikie’s clients and partners prefer to keep collaboration confidential.
“We started by building strong partnerships with Finnish companies running global operations and expanded to new markets with them. Thanks to excellent results, the word of our unique capabilities has spread, converting into new partners and customers,” Ala-Laurila says.
Top Talent Key to Success
Unikie’s growth and success build on the founders’ confidence in the international appeal of Finland’s technology expertise.
“The key foundation to continued growth is attracting top talent in AI, data analytics, and software technology. As a company founded on Finnish expertise, we consider it very important that the country continues to invest in technology, technical education, and support for innovation. Bringing together bright minds in Finland and internationally allows us to provide globally sought-after expertise,” Ala-Laurila concludes.
The Internationalization Award of the President of Finland was established in 1967 and is a prestigious national recognition of international success. The award aims to encourage Finnish enterprises to expand their operations and strengthen Finland’s role in the global economy. This year, four companies received the award.
Business Finland’s press release
For more information:
Juha Ala-Laurila, CEO
juha.ala-laurila@unikie.com
+358 50 553 4773
Elina Mansner, CMO
elina.mansner@unikie.com
+358 44 044 7767
