International alliance for quantum telecommunications and robotics

The MoU was officially celebrated on 4 November with Finnish Ambassador Arto Haapea, Professor Matti Latva-aho, Board Chair of the 6G Flagship and Vice Rector for Research at the University of Oulu, Finland, Professor Andrew Parfitt, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Technology Sydney and Distinguished Professor Jay Guo, Director GBDTC, University of Technology Sydney. 

This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening research ties between Australia and Finland, leveraging the complementary strengths of both institutions. The University of Oulu is home to the 6G Flagship, the world’s first dedicated 6G research program, while UTS brings world-class expertise through its Global Big Data Technologies Centre (GBDTC), Centre for Quantum Software and Information (QSI), and ARC Research Hub for Human-Robot Teaming. 

“The collaboration between the University of Oulu in Finland and the University of Technology Sydney marks an important milestone between two trusted partners from two like-minded and trusted nations. It reflects the deep mutual confidence and shared commitment that underpin the relationship between Australia and Finland—both globally recognised leaders in 6G and digital technologies," said Ambassador Haapea during the ceremony.

"Today’s announcement reinforces this enduring trust and has the potential to further strengthen science and innovation collaboration between our nations across both security and technology spaces, addressing our common challenges.” 

UTS’s ARC Research Hub for Human-Robot Teaming leads Australia’s efforts in human-centric and collaborative robotics, developing revolutionary technologies for construction and focusing on revolutionising the construction industry.

Meanwhile, QSI is at the forefront of quantum software and secure communication protocols, playing a key role in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC²T). 

Together, UTS and the University of Oulu will establish a joint global institute that will serve as a hub for transformative research and innovation, shaping the future of digital infrastructure and intelligent systems, and train and nurture the next generation of research leaders and innovators.

Australia has world leading research capabilities in 6G, quantum and robotics. We have innovative technology adopters such as mobile network operators, and the mining and construction industries.

However, Australia has a relatively weak manufacturing and software industry. In contrast, Finland has a thriving manufacturing and software industry, with diverse SMEs ranging through to global giants like Nokia.

This ecosystem works together to produce cutting edge solutions for businesses and consumers. Australia and Finland have strong complementary strengths in telecommunications, quantum technologies and collaborative robotics.

Finland’s ambitions are under tied by a national quantum strategy which targets investment in education, infrastructure and industry access to quantum systems.

In the telecommunications space, the 6G Bridge program assists Finnish businesses to network with research organisations, companies and industry-leading stakeholders that invest in these technologies, seeking to making Finland a pioneer in 6G technologies. 

The joint institute aims to leverage all the resources from the two countries to create an ecosystem that will bring our research outputs to the world in a timely manner.

The institute will serve as a catalyst to develop Sydney’s Tech Central into a global innovation hub, leading the world in technology development in 6G, quantum and robotics and will drive forward Australia’s science priorities. 

This partnership reflects a shared vision to push the boundaries of interdisciplinary research and industry engagement, positioning both institutions as leaders in the global research landscape. 

“We are thrilled to form a strategic partnership with University of Oulu. It signals UTS’s determination to strengthen our collaborations in Europe and technologies that include 6G and beyond, Quantum and Robotics will be transformative for Australia, requiring strong global collaboration” said Professor Andrew Parfitt, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Technology Sydney.