WEEKEND WRAP: A unicorn is born, a solar-powered jacket and an F1 champ returns

Aiven gallops into the future. The Finnish open-source cloud software company reached a two billion-US dollar valuation in its latest funding round, achieving the sought-after unicorn status. (Photo: Aiven) Read more about this story at Reuters.

Two people wearing the jackets created at Aalto university

Harnessing energy from clothes. Aalto University researchers have created a unique jacket with concealed built-in solar panels. The aim of the project was to make garments capable of powering wearable devices without compromising their aesthetics. (Photo: Anne Kinnunen) Trend Hunter has the story.

The Finnish football team celebrating a goal

Ambition, big hearts and pure talent. The Finnish national women’s football team has already secured a place at Euro 2022 and is now targeting the next World Cup. (Photo: Facebook / Helmarit) ThisisFINLAND talked with the team about its success.

A black and white photo of Mika Häkkinen

Mika Häkkinen is back at the wheel. The double F1 champion has partnered with Mercedes F1 driver Valtteri Bottas to represent Team Finland at the Race of Champions. The annual event is described as a motor-sports showdown where some of the world’s best racing and rally drivers compete in both team and individual events. (Photo: André Zehetbauer/ Flickr) Checkout MSN’s coverage for more.

Helsinki Biennial Pavilion seen from the air

A new Helsinki landmark. Inspired by the rounded cliffs of nearby island Vallisaari, Verstas Architects’ 187 square-metre pavilion was originally designed as the entry point to the Helsinki Biennial art festival, but it will now remain in the capital’s South Harbour for the foreseeable future. (Photo: Pyry Kantonen) Dezeen writes about the pavilion.

“It’s not just soul music, it’s soul-full music”. This is how Finnish soul-funk singer Sam Huber describes his musical style. His latest single, Lessons of Love, is a throwback to the summers of the early 1970s, and it has just been released by New York label True Groove Records. (Photo: Facebook / Sam Huber Music) Read American Blues Scene’s interview with Huber.

Picture of the Majamaja cabin in the evening

An eco-retreat in the Finnish archipelago. Majamaja Cabin by Littow Architects is a treat for anyone looking for a sustainable off-grid getaway. The cabin, located a 30-minute bike ride from Helsinki, is a self-contained unit and was constructed without heavy machinery. (Photo: Marc Goodwing/ Archmospheres) Read London Daily’s article for more.

Still from the TV drama Enemy of the People

Finnish TV dramas on show at Mipcom. Helsinki-based production company Fire Monkey is showcasing a slate of new TV shows at the global entertainment content fair. The headliner is an eight-part thriller called Enemy of the People, which explores investigative reporting in an era of trolls and fake news. (Photo: Markus Kontiainen) Variety has the exclusive.

A decade of Artek’s second-hand shop. 2nd Cycle, Artek’s platform which buys and sells pre-loved design, celebrates its 10th anniversary with an exhibition and a digital pop-up shop. They highlight 10 pre-loved pieces which embody Artek’s mission and history. (Photo: Facebook / Artek 2nd Cycle) Read Wallpaper’s article for more.

What do Finnish seasons sound like? Audio company Genelec answers this question at Expo 2020 Dubai. The company has integrated 84 of its smart IP-networked loudspeakers into Finland’s Snow Cape Pavilion. They’ll be used to reproduce The Land Of Snow, a specially commissioned piece by Finnish composer Emilia Takayama. (Photo: Genelec) Read Mondo DR’s article for more.