Mikko Möttönen

Professor of Quantum Technology and an Academy Professor at Aalto University and VTT

Dr. Mikko Möttönen is renowned for his pioneering work in superconducting quantum‐electric circuits and ultrasensitive bolometers, culminating to the development of an autonomous quantum processing unit (AQPU). His research bridges both experimental innovation and deep theoretical insight.

A recipient of five ERC grants, Mikko earned his doctorate in 2005 from the Helsinki University of Technology at the Department of Applied Physics. His groundbreaking work has not only advanced quantum physics but has also enabled the commercialization of quantum-computing devices, exemplified by the spinout of IQM Quantum Computers, a quantum unicorn, from his research group.

As one of the four co-founders of both IQM Quantum Computers and QMill Oy, his entrepreneurial spirit is matched by a series of prestigious recognitions—including the Nokia Recognition Award, Väisälä Science Prize, Innovation Professor Award, and an Honorary Doctorate from Lappeenranta University of Technology—and a membership in the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters as well as the Finnish Academy of Technology.

At Nordic Chip Summit, we'll hear Mikko's thoughts and perspectives on the Future Quantum Computers, on Monday afternoon.

Jason Harrison

CEO of Beneq Oy

Dr. Jason Harrison is a semiconductor industry executive with deep expertise in atomic layer deposition and broader capital equipment technologies.

With over 25 successful new product introductions from concept to high-volume manufacturing, he brings senior leadership experience from Applied Materials, Lam Research, Veeco Instruments, and Picosun, complemented by an early career at Intel that gives him perspective from both the customer and equipment-supplier sides of the industry.

At Beneq, he leads the company's continued advancement of ALD technology for semiconductor, optical, and R&D markets. Dr. Harrison holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, Davis.

At Nordic Chip Summit, Jason will join the Excellence in Ecosystems session on Tuesday afternoon. On stage, he will share Beneq's perspective on the role of deep-tech ecosystems in supporting company growth and innovation, before joining a panel discussion alongside some of Europe's most interesting ecosystem builders.

Juha Hassel

VP, Quantum Technologies, IQM Quantum Computers

Dr. Juha Hassel’s career builds on a long track within research and development on superconducting device technology and applications of medical, security, and quantum technologies. Since 2019 after leaving the position as Principal Scientist at VTT, he joined IQM Quantum Computers where he has served in several leadership roles.

At IQM, he has contributed to growing the company from the initial academic spinout into its status today as a unicorn. Juha has been growing and leading the teams responsible for many core technologies needed in the full-stack quantum computers that form the basis of IQM’s product offering.

Juha earned his PhD from Helsinki University of Technology (today Aalto University) in Engineering Physics in 2004. As a member of the research community, Juha contributed to building the technological backbone of the superconducting device technology and instrumentation with features today also used in quantum processors.

Juha will join the Quantum Perspectives session on Monday afternoon, where he reviews IQM’s quantum computing technology at its current stage, and discusses through IQM’s roadmap the possibilities and challenges of quantum computing disruption.

Antti Vasara

Technology Executive, Board chair and NED, Venture Partner, Special Envoy

Antti Vasara is a Venture Partner at Kvanted, focusing on industrial startups in the Nordics and Central Europe. He chairs the boards of the University of Helsinki, Detection Technology, QMill, and SemiQon, while also serving on the boards of several other startups and large-cap companies.

Previously the CEO of VTT, Antti's earlier career includes roles at Nokia and McKinsey, as well as serving as the CEO of SmartTrust. He currently serves as Finland’s Special Envoy for Technology and sits on the European Innovation Council (EIC) board. Additionally, he has advised both the European Commission and the Finnish government on innovation and industrial policy. He holds a doctorate in Technical Physics from Aalto University.

At Nordic Chip Summit Antti will give the event's closing keynote talk on Tuesday 8 September. In this speech, Antti will share his insights from the visionary position he currently has, and shares knowledge that can only be collected at the front row of deep tech companies. Be sure to not miss it! 

Lauri Sainiemi

VP, Fabrication, Microsoft Quantum

Dr. Lauri Sainiemi is a micro- and nanotechnology expert with extensive experience in nanofabrication and quantum technologies. He has over ten years of hands-on experience in clean room processing and several years of experience in managing fabrication, metrology, and materials teams.

Lauri currently works at Microsoft Quantum in Copenhagen, where he contributes to the development of next-generation quantum computing technologies. Before joining Microsoft, he built a distinguished career in semiconductor process development and microfabrication, supported by a Ph.D. from Helsinki University of Technology (now Aalto University), where his research focused on cryogenic deep reactive ion etching of silicon micro- and nanostructures.

Throughout his career, Lauri has combined deep scientific expertise with practical technology development, helping advance innovations at the intersection of microelectronics, nanotechnology, and quantum computing.

At Nordic Chip Summit, Lauri will talk about Microsoft's Quantum program and their vision for the future. Come to hear what does one of the world's biggest companies think about quantum and what's their take on this area of technological development.

Miikka Putaala

Director of Business Development, MEGIN

Miikka Putaala is Director of Business Development at MEGIN, the Espoo-based world leader in clinical magnetoencephalography (MEG). With around 20 years dedicated to MEG technology and its commercialization — including senior roles at Elekta Neuromag, MEGIN's predecessor — and more than a decade in neurosurgery and radiosurgery product development before that, he has an unrivalled view of the global MEG community. His perspective spans from hospital procurement to the needs of the world's leading academic and clinical centres.

Today he helps drive MEGIN's vision of an integrated, full-stack MEG platform that turns quantum sensing into accessible tools for clinical brain health. He holds an MSc in Marketing Management from the Turku School of Economics.

At Nordic Chip Summit, Miikka will tell the story of MEGIN, and shed light on quantum sensing applications. Did you know, that quantum technologies can already read human brain?

Philippe Flatresse

Director of Innovation and Partnerships, Minalogic & Director of French Competence Centre for Asterics

Philippe Flatresse is a semiconductor industry expert with more than 30 years of international experience in microelectronics, semiconductor manufacturing, automotive electronics, and emerging digital technologies. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions at STMicroelectronics and SOITEC, driving business development, strategic partnerships, innovation programs, and ecosystem collaboration across Europe, US and Asia.

His expertise spans semiconductor technologies such as FD-SOI, edge AI, automotive electronics, and innovation ecosystem development. A strong advocate for European technological sovereignty, he actively supports initiatives that strengthen semiconductor value chains and foster collaboration across Europe’s microelectronics ecosystem.

Today, Philippe Flatresse is Director of Innovation and Partnerships at Minalogic and Director of the French Competence Center for Asterics, supporting European semiconductor innovation, technology transfer, and ecosystem development.

At the Summit, Philippe will introduce Minalogue and participate in a panel discussion about ecosystems and their importance for development support.