Kajaani University of Applied Sciences and XTX Markets forge educational collaboration
XTX Markets to financially support new data centre education offering at the university of applied sciences and in local schools
Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) and leading algorithmic trading firm XTX Markets have entered an educational collaboration to boost the data centre skillset across the local education ecosystem.
XTX Markets will support the development of data centre programs at KAMK and also contribute its expertise to enhance the quality of education through guest lectures. The XTX Markets funding will help the university develop new course modules in mechanical and building engineering studies, and a course for students in the Master’s Degree Program in Engineering, improving the visibility of data centre-related career paths to all local students.
KAMK has been a leading educator of data centre specialists for 15 years. The rapid growth and diversification of data centres impose considerable demands on KAMK.
– In this situation, it is essential to develop educational content and methods, and to introduce entirely new programs. By doing this, we will attract more top students to the data sector, who will eventually become professionals. Strong partnerships with top companies like XTX Markets ensure real-world insights and opportunities for progress, Director of Research and Development Mikko Keränen emphasizes.
XTX Markets recently announced plans to invest over €1bn to develop a state-of-the-art data centre complex in Kajaani. The firm has begun construction on its first data centre, with completion planned for 2026. During construction and upon completion, the campus will require a substantial number of skilled professionals.
– We are delighted to collaborate with Kajaani University of Applied Sciences to enhance data centre education for students in the region. As the Kajaani data centre ecosystem expands, the demand for skilled individuals will only increase, and we hope boosting technical education of students of all ages will help meet that need, Head of XTX Markets Finland Jukka-Pekka Partanen says.
The XTX Markets donation is part of the Expertise for Kainuu Data Centres Project launched to develop the training of data centre professionals to meet the needs of this rapidly growing sector. The project will create new educational content and enhance the existing offerings at KAMK. Entirely new study modules for the data centre sector will be developed for Kainuu Vocational College and Kajaani High School.
Additionally, the project aims to increase the sector’s attractiveness among applicants and to draft a development plan for data center expertise extending to 2030. As a result of the project, educational opportunities in Kainuu will significantly improve and open new career opportunities for professionals. The two-year project, starting in March 2025, has received funding from the European Social Fund Plus as well as XTX Markets.
For further information:
Director of Research and Development Mikko Keränen, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, mikko.keranen@kamk.fi, tel. + 358 44 710 1620