We are excited to announce that Tapio Kallonen, CEO of Specim, Spectral Imaging Oy Ltd., has joined the board of Photonics Finland, a leading innovation ecosystem in the photonics industry, as its newest member.
With Kallonen’s appointment, Photonics Finland reinforces its commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the Finnish photonics industry. Known globally for manufacturing advanced hyperspectral cameras, Specim has been at the forefront of pioneering applications for hyperspectral imaging, setting new standards in the industry under Kallonen’s leadership.
Photonics Finland, which represents a cross-section of Finnish education, research, product development, and industry in photonics, drives the field’s growth and visibility on both national and international stages. As an industry-driven ecosystem, Photonics Finland aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge photonics research and practical, industry-ready applications.
About Photonics and Its Importance
Photonics, the science and technology of light, is a cornerstone of many modern technologies and innovations. From LED lighting and fiber-optic communication to thinner screens and virtual reality, photonics transforms industries. Photonics addresses significant global challenges, from sustainability and climate solutions to advanced healthcare technologies.
Kallonen’s expertise aligns with Photonics Finland’s mission. Currently recognized as an international leader in photonics expertise, Finland boasts a tightly knit research and business cooperation network. Kallonen sees this collaboration as essential for Finland’s future as an industrial powerhouse in photonics, noting, “In Finland, we have excellent expertise and a genuine competitive advantage in photonics research and its utilization in various applications. We, the entire photonics community, must ensure that we also create a competitive advantage in Finland in the future, especially through innovations.”
A Vision for Finland’s Photonics Future
Photonics Finland’s vision for the future encompasses not only innovation but also production on an industrial scale. Finland could grow from a hub of photonics research and development into a global leader in the industrial production of photonics technologies, drawing in large companies and catalyzing new startups. To achieve this, we need the cooperation of all the actors.
To support this vision, the new chairman of Photonics Finland’s Scientific Advisory Board, Professor Jyrki Saarinen from the University of Eastern Finland, is intensifying efforts in photonics education. By strengthening partnerships with higher education institutions and integrating photonics education at all levels, Photonics Finland is building the foundation for a robust, future-ready industry.
Photonics Finland’s Board Leadership
Photonics Finland’s board members represent the highest caliber of Finnish photonics talent, with each member bringing unique expertise and perspectives. As the newest board member, Tapio Kallonen is positioned to contribute to the board’s strategic efforts to expand Finland’s influence in the photonics sector.
Board of Photonics Finland
- Chairman: Kim Grundström, Kimmy Photonics
- Vice-Chairman: Heidi Piili, University of Turku
Board Members and Deputies:
- Birgit Päivänranta, Microsoft, Espoo
- Jussi Rahomäki, Canatu, Espoo
- Timo Vuorenpää, Peak PC, Jyväskylä
- Samuli Siitonen, Nanocomp, Joensuu
- Niklas Saxen, Edmund Optics, Helsinki
- Jouko Korppi-Tommola, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä
- Polina Kuzhir, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu
- Antti Isomäki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki
- Juha Toivonen, University of Tampere, Tampere
- Göery Genty, University of Tampere, Tampere
- Sanna Aikio, VTT, Oulu
- Harri Lipsanen, Aalto University, Espoo
- New Members: Tapio Kallonen, Specim Spectral Imaging, and Ana Gebejes, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu
For more information, please visit https://www.photonics.fi/2024/10/31/fotoniikka-on-jo-kaikille-tuttua-tehdaan-fotoniikka-tutuksi/
About Specim
Specim is a global leader in hyperspectral imaging solutions. Offering cameras that cover the VNIR, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR ranges, along with comprehensive software and accessories, Specim serves diverse industrial and scientific markets from its global headquarters in Oulu, Finland, and through a network of offices and distributors around the world. Specim has been a part of the Konica Minolta Group since 2020.