As the US and China compete for dominance in artificial intelligence (AI), Finland is carving out its role by focusing on innovation tailored to its unique language and culture.
According to Peter Sarlin, founder of AI company Silo AI, maintaining sovereignty in AI development is crucial for Europe.
"We've seen China develop models reflecting its values, so it's essential for Europe to create AI that mirrors our values, culture and languages," Sarlin said in an interview on Yle TV1's morning talk show programme Ykkösaamu.
While global AI models like ChatGPT and China's DeepSeek handle small languages relatively well, Sarlin argued that's not sufficient for Finland.
"It's not just about language and culture but also about economic competitiveness," he said.
According to Sarlin, open source AI models that companies can adapt and use are necessary for Finland's digital infrastructure and growth.
Strategic partnership and investment in AI
Sarlin gained national attention when his company, Silo AI, was sold to US semiconductor giant AMD for 600 million euros in 2023. Despite the sale, Sarlin has continued to lead the company.
He explained that the decision to sell was driven by the potential to scale up and create a broader impact.
"As part of AMD, we have a greater opportunity to influence and make a difference," Sarlin said.
Beyond his role at Silo AI, Sarlin is heavily invested in AI development in Finland. He has established a foundation that will allocate 10 million euros to fund 13 AI professorships across various Finnish universities.
"Education is key to AI development," Sarlin emphasised. Half of Silo AI's 300 employees hold doctoral degrees, demonstrating the company's commitment to research and expertise.
Sarlin pointed to a major gap in Europe's tech ecosystem, as highlighted in a report by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi. Europe lacks large-scale tech companies and platforms capable of driving value and growth through scalable services.
While building such infrastructure isn't easy, Sarlin believes fostering expertise is a starting point.
"These professorships are designed to attract top researchers who, in turn, attract others, creating a ripple effect," he said.
The professorships will be part of the Ellis Institute, an international AI research hub supported by 40 million euros from Finland's Ministry of Education and Culture over the next three years.
Regulation and global cooperation
Sarlin also discussed the global implications of AI development and the importance of regulation.
"What happens if governments fail to regulate AI development?" he asked, hinting at potential risks.
This question will be addressed at the upcoming AI Action Summit in Paris, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) will attend, along with Sarlin, who expressed cautious optimism.
"It's good that we meet, but what matters is actually taking action. Too often, progress has stalled at the discussion stage," Sarlin warned.