Hannu Nikurautio has built a global career in business and technology spanning decades, multiple industries, and markets, including Finland, the UK, the Netherlands, China, the US, India, and Poland. He brings extensive leadership in international business development, product innovation, and R&D, driving significant advances in wireless communications from 2G through 5G, including Open RAN, cloudification, and emerging 6G capabilities.
Throughout his career, Nikurautio has held senior executive roles and contributed to the evolution of mission-critical and resilient networks. He has helped shape next-generation communications through collaborations with leading companies such as Nokia and FLEX, influencing both technology directions and global business strategies.
Since November 2023, Nikurautio has served as Research Director at the University of Oulu’s 6G Flagship. He leads the Security & Defence vertical and the 6G Technology Center, closely integrated with the NATO DIANA 6G Test Centre. In this role, he drives innovation in resilient-by-design 6G networks, focusing on secure, robust, high-performance communications for defense and critical infrastructure, including Arctic operations, ensuring uninterrupted and secure wireless services even under cyber threats, natural disasters, etc.