Oulu, Finland—Nokia has officially opened its new, state-of-the-art Research & Development (R&D) and manufacturing campus in Oulu, Finland, solidifying the city’s status as the “Home of Radio” and a critical hub for next-generation network technology. The cutting-edge facility, designed to develop and deliver networks built for the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, and Nokia President and CEO, Justin Hotard.
The new campus, which will employ around 3,000 experts from over 40 nationalities, is touted as the world’s most advanced hub covering the entire lifecycle of 5G and 6G radio innovation. This integrated approach ensures that secure next-generation networks are designed, tested, and built within Europe, enhancing the continent’s technological sovereignty and resilience.
A Strategic Investment in Europe’s Digital Future
President Stubb underscored the significance of the investment, stating that it “pays off to invest in Finland” and highlighted that network infrastructure is “key” to the future of AI, robotization, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Nokia CEO Justin Hotard emphasized the unique ecosystem in Oulu, where the company’s R&D and smart manufacturing are integrated with local partners, including leading universities, start-ups, and even NATO’s DIANA test center. Hotard noted that the new facility will be “essential to advancing connectivity necessary to power the AI supercycle.”
The campus’s immediate R&D focus will be on 5G, including Standardization, System-on-Chips (SoCs), radio hardware and software, and patents. The on-site Oulu Factory will handle New Product Introduction for Nokia’s 5G radio and baseband products, ensuring a seamless transition from innovation to market-ready technology.
Powering the Future with Sustainability
A cornerstone of the new facility is its commitment to environmental sustainability. The campus, which has a total footprint of 55,000 square meters, operates as a “Green campus,” purchasing all its energy as renewable.
Perhaps the most significant sustainable feature is its on-site energy station, one of the world’s largest CO2-based district heating and cooling plants. Crucially, all surplus energy generated is fed back into the local district heating system and used to heat an estimated 20,000 households in Oulu, creating a positive impact on the community. The campus also boasts a 100% waste utilization rate and a 99% avoidance in CO2 emissions.
The new Oulu campus represents a major stride for Nokia and Finland, positioning the region at the forefront of global network development and ensuring the continued innovation of high-performance, resilient, and secure connectivity for both civilian and defense applications worldwide.
