Olli Rantala

Olli Rantala serves as Head of Innovation for the City of Oulu, where he leads Smart City development and citywide innovation platforms in collaboration with companies, universities, and civic partners. His portfolio spans AI‑enabled knowledge management, automation of information flows and reporting, open data and interfaces, and the development of digital services that make everyday life and cultural participation easier for citizens.

Active in the cultural sector since 2006, Olli has previously worked as Executive Director of the Oulu Music Video Festival and Air Guitar Championships, Development Manager for Cultural Services, and Head of Planning. Within the Oulu Innovation Alliance, he has acted as ecosystem director for Northern City with Attractive Opportunities, helping align urban vitality, investment, and culture‑driven development.

Olli partners closely with cultural NGOs, ICT firms, universities, Cities as well as chairs many Steering Committees of EU projects, as well as is the Executive Committee member of the LUCI organization. He also has chaired the Irish Music Society of Oulu for five consecutive years and, during the COVID‑19 pandemic, guided the organization to deliver a Virtual Irish Festival, creating a global stage for Irish artists.