When art meets technology – New trophy for The Millennium Technology Prize

Pekka Jylhä’s Milky Way artwork embodies the spirit of the global Millennium Technology Prize by focusing on the extensive impact of technology and innovation on the well-being of societies and sustainable future. The President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö will present the new piece of art along with a one million euro prize to the Winner of the Millennium Technology Prize in May 2021.

Watch a VIDEO about the Millennium Technology Prize’s new Milky Way trophy

The Millennium Technology Prize has a new trophy.

“Art, science and technology are constantly reshaping society. Pekka Jylhä’s Milky Way describes how creativity and open-mindedness give rise to breakthrough innovations that improve the quality of people’s lives,” says Marja Makarow, Chair of the Board at Technology Academy Finland (TAF), a foundation awarding the Millennium Technology Prize.

The new trophy will be handed to the Winner of the Millennium Technology Prize along with a one million euro prize on 18 May 2021. The 2020 Winner Announcement and Award Ceremony were postponed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Milky Way was chosen as the new trophy through a competition carried out by TAF, alongside its strategic partner Aalto University. From 2004–2018, the Millennium Technology Prize’s trophy was sculptor Helena Hietanen’s Huippu.

For a better world as an artist

The visual foundation for the new trophy of the Millennium Technology Prize is a hypothetical planet called Planet Nine.

“Milky Way describes how the orbit of this planet, which may be located at the edge of our solar system, affects the orbits of other planets. The topic has long fascinated researchers and scientists alike,” explains sculptor and Artist Professor Pekka Jylhä.

The Millennium Technology Prize is awarded for groundbreaking technological innovations that benefit millions of people around the world and promote sustainable development. These themes are personally significant to Jylhä as well. He likes to use the latest technological tools, such as 3D modelling, in his works and also uses energy sources such as solar and wind power in production.

“In my own small way, I want to participate in making the world a better place. Winners of the Millennium Technology Prize perform huge acts for a better world,” says Pekka Jylhä.

The Millennium Technology Prize is awarded for ground-breaking technological innovations from around the world that improve quality of life and support sustainable development. The Prize of one million euros is awarded every two years by an independent foundation Technology Academy Finland. The President of the Republic of Finland is the Patron of the Prize.

Download photos of the new Millennium Technology Prize Trophy and the sculptor Pekka Jylhä.
Photo credits: Millennium Technology Prize