President Stubb Continues as Patron of the Millennium Technology Prize

President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb (second from left) was inaugurated in March 2024. Photo: Juhani Kandell, Office of the President of the Republic of Finland.

The President of the Republic of Finland has acted as the Patron of the Millennium Technology Prize throughout its 20-year history. The newly inaugurated President, Dr. Alexander Stubb, will continue in this role.

By continuing to support the prize, President Stubb demonstrates his endorsement of the Millennium Technology Prize as an essential part of Finland’s research, development, and innovation system. The prize is an indication of Finland’s aim to participate in global development through research-based knowledge and international cooperation.

“The President’s role as Patron signifies that the Millennium Technology Prize is a point of pride for all of Finland. Internationally, it also enhances the credibility and prestige of the Prize,” says Markku Ellilä, CEO of the Technology Academy Finland, the foundation overseeing the Prize.

Millennium Technology Prize is awarded for world-leading innovations that enhance the quality of human life and the well-being of the planet. Over the past 20 years, the Millennium Technology Prize has been awarded to individuals such as Shinya Yamanaka for enabling ethical stem cell research, Linus Torvalds for developing the open-source Linux operating system, and Martin Green for making solar energy the lowest-cost option among energy sources. Three recipients of the Millennium Technology Prize have subsequently been awarded the Nobel Prize.

The next Millennium Technology Prize will be awarded in autumn 2024. The winner will be announced on 4 September, and the prize will be presented to the winner at the Award Ceremony on 30 October.

The October Award Ceremony will be globally available live on Yle Areena, the streaming platform of the Finnish National Broadcasting Company.