Photonics Finland appointed seven Honorary Members at the Photonics Finland Spring Meeting held on June 4, 2025. This recognition is reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the development of photonics in Finland and to the activities and growth of Photonics Finland as a national organization.
Photonics Finland Honorary Members are:
Ari T. Friberg
Professor Emeritus, University of Eastern Finland
Professor Emeritus Ari T. Friberg is an internationally respected researcher and educator in theoretical optics, with a career in photonics research spanning more than five decades. His work has focused on the coherence and polarization properties of light, and he has trained several generations of optics researchers in Finland and Sweden.
Friberg is a founding member and the first chair of the Finnish Optical Society, and played a major role in the Society’s internationalization. He has served in several leading international scientific organizations, is a Fellow of Optica and SPIE, and chaired the founding meeting of Photonics21.
“Photonics Finland has had a decisive impact on developing Finland’s photonics industry to the remarkably high level it has reached by any international standard. This development will continue and must be emphasized in future areas such as optical data transmission, photonics information sciences, and quantum technologies of light.”
Kim Grundström
CEO and Owner, Ab Kimmy Photonics Oy
Kim Grundström is a pioneer of the Finnish photonics industry who has worked with photonics-based technologies since the 1980s. He specializes in laser technology, particularly in non-contact measurement methods, spectroscopy, and imaging microscopy.
Grundström was a founding member of both the Finnish Optical Society and Photonics Finland, and has served actively on their boards as well as chair of Photonics Finland (2023–2025). His work has strengthened the Finnish photonics business landscape and promoted close collaboration between research and industry.
“Photonics is advancing in giant leaps, and new innovations and startups need networks to grow. No one succeeds alone – Photonics Finland will play an increasingly central role in driving development and internationalization in the field.”
Jouko Korppi-Tommola
Professor Emeritus, University of Jyväskylä
Professor Emeritus Jouko Korppi-Tommola has conducted pioneering research in laser and optical measurement methods and founded the Laser Laboratory at the University of Jyväskylä. His research has made significant contributions to laser-assisted materials studies, ultrafast light transfer processes in photosynthesis, and third-generation solar cells. He has also brought his expertise to sustainable energy production through teaching, research, and public engagement.
The Academy of Technical Sciences awarded him the Millennium Recognition Award in 2011 for his work on solar cell research. Korppi-Tommola has been involved in the Finnish Optical Society since its founding and has promoted national cooperation and visibility in the field. He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of FOTONI magazine.
“Through basic research, the field has grown globally and in Finland into a scientifically and economically significant industry that enhances people’s everyday lives in many ways. It has been truly rewarding to be part of this development.”
Veli-Pekka Leppänen
CEO and Co-Founder, Nanocomp Oy
Veli-Pekka Leppänen, PhD in Physics, is CEO and co-founder of Nanocomp Oy in Joensuu. He has played a central role in Nanocomp’s growth and internationalization. Today, the company is part of the global Taiwanese corporation Radiant Opto-Electronics (ROE) — a partnership that has brought significant value to Nanocomp’s technology and international business.
Founded in 1997 from the University of Joensuu’s Department of Physics, Nanocomp develops micro- and nanostructured optical films. Its technology enables the roll-to-roll production of highly precise optical structures, a capability that is unique even on a global scale. Leppänen has been an active advocate for research collaboration and innovation in photonics both nationally and internationally.
He has served on the Photonics Finland board and has played an important role in advancing the field, particularly in fostering industrial cooperation and application-driven innovation.
“Nanocomp’s technology opens up opportunities in new application and market areas that would not be possible without collaboration with a global partner like ROE.”
Risto Myllylä
Professor Emeritus, University of Oulu
Professor Emeritus Risto Myllylä has been a leading figure in Finnish optoelectronics and measurement technology for over 50 years. His research, particularly in photonics-based measurement techniques, has resulted in more than 500 scientific publications and the training of dozens of PhDs and engineers for the photonics industry and academia.
He has co-founded several photonics companies, including Noptel Oy, and has been active in international scientific communities such as SPIE and EOS. Myllylä is a founding member and former chair of the Finnish Optical Society.
“Photonics Finland is an important bridge between industry and the academic community.”
Jyrki Saarinen
Professor, University of Eastern Finland
Professor Jyrki Saarinen is the director of Finland’s largest photonics research center and a key developer and visionary of the Finnish photonics ecosystem across research, industry, and internationalization. He served as the first secretary of the Finnish Optical Society and the first chair of Photonics Finland. Under his leadership, an academic network evolved into a strong cluster uniting research and industry.
As founder and former CEO of Heptagon, Saarinen helped bring Finnish photonics expertise to international markets. His research has advanced optical miniaturization, artificial intelligence applications in photonics, and 3D-printed optical components.
“Photonics is no longer the technology of the future – it is already here. Its role is crucial in solving many global challenges. Events like OPD and the work of Photonics Finland in strengthening expertise and collaboration are vital for the field’s growth.”
Timo Vuorenpää
CEO and Photonics Consultant
Timo Vuorenpää has dedicated his career to the design, manufacturing, and application of optics and optical instruments, particularly within the defense industry. He has contributed to the development of manufacturing methods, the training of new professionals, and the growth of the photonics business in Finland.
Vuorenpää is a founding member of the Finnish Optical Society and has served both on the board and as chair of Photonics Finland. His contributions have been instrumental in building Finland’s photonics community and supporting industrial growth in the field.
“The importance of photonics continues to grow in both science and industry. A strong member-driven organization like Photonics Finland is essential for fostering networking and collaboration across these sectors.”
These distinguished individuals represent both academic excellence and industrial leadership, and all have roots in the Finnish Optical Society, the predecessor of Photonics Finland. Their dedication, expertise, and long-term impact have been instrumental in shaping the Finnish photonics community. The honorary membership reflects not only professional achievements but also a lasting legacy and commitment to the Finnish photonics ecosystem.