Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and what led you to join Ubotica?
I’m currently the Business Development Director at Ubotica. My career in the space industry began at ICEYE, where I led the team that developed near real-time flood mapping solutions, now used by global insurance firms and government agencies. We also created a tool for catastrophe management.
I then moved to Kuva, a spectral satellite company, as Director of Business Development. There, I was responsible for the company’s business strategy and validating potential opportunities across sectors such as insurance, defence, finance, environment, and government.
What drew me to Ubotica was the potential of onboard processing, especially AI-powered solutions. This is a major shift for Earth observation, and adopting SPACE:AI
could greatly streamline our customers’ operations.
I was also attracted to Ubotica’s focus on innovation. Leading global sales for a pioneering space AI company aligns perfectly with my goals.
Q: What attracted you to the field of space specifically?
I’ve always been fascinated by space. When the opportunity to work in the space tech sector in Finland arose, I seized it. My personal passion for space has kept me engaged, as the field is continually evolving and pushing boundaries.
Ubotica’s technology, like CogniSAT-6, has the potential to transform how we interact with the environment. Satellite technology’s global reach is incredibly compelling, and it’s hard to imagine working in any other industry after being part of this.
Q: What excites you the most about working at Ubotica?
The most exciting aspect of working at Ubotica is our incredible team. With over 20 years of expertise in AI and VISION
, the team gives us a significant edge over competitors. They’ve also made the transition to the company very smooth and welcoming.
Q: What do you hope to contribute to the team and the company’s mission?
My primary goal is to drive business growth by securing clients and building a strong future pipeline. I also aim to use my previous industry experience to guide Ubotica, optimising processes and avoiding waste to support the company’s overall success and development.
Q: Will you be attending space events and exhibitions?
Yes, I plan to attend numerous events and exhibitions, including Paris Space Week in May, the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, and the Space Tech Expo in Bremen in November. I hope to attend many more throughout the year.
Q: Are there any particular challenges or opportunities in the field that you’re eager to tackle?
Business development has its challenges; selling a new product is never easy. Although our products at Ubotica are gaining traction, AI in space is still in its early stages. Live Earth Intelligence, in particular, is a new category in Earth observation. There’s much work ahead, including collaborating with the marketing team on market research, refining messaging, engaging clients, and building strong relationships.
Building trust with prospective clients is crucial. Personal presence matters, but integrating our solutions seamlessly into their spacecraft is a top priority.
Q: Outside of work, do you have any hobbies or interests?
I play tennis and often take trips with my tent to California’s deserts or mountains. Last year, I visited Wyoming, Arizona, Utah, and various places in Finland.