Heureka x Microsoft
For three consecutive autumns, Microsoft has offered fifth-graders living near the sites of its future datacenters the opportunity to visit Science Centre Heureka free of charge during Robotics Weeks. More than 1,900 fifth-graders took part in 2024, followed by approximately 1,700 pupils and their teachers in both 2025 and 2026 from Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti.
In autumn 2024, 2025 and 2026, Microsoft offered fifth-graders from schools located near the sites of its future datacenters the opportunity to visit Science Centre Heureka during Robotics Weeks. Altogether, approximately 5,300 pupils and their teachers took advantage of the opportunity over the three years. The visits were organised as part of Heureka’s sponsored science class programme.
Through the sponsored science class programme, support from Heureka’s partners enables numerous schoolchildren and children in early childhood education to visit Heureka each year, including children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit a science centre. The sponsored science class package includes admission to Heureka’s exhibitions as well as round-trip coach transportation between the school and Heureka. During Robotics Weeks, the Microsoft-sponsored classes have also had the opportunity to explore robotics and programming through hands-on workshops, learning by doing and experimenting.
Sponsored science class visits made possible by Heureka’s partners inspire pupils to explore scientific achievements and innovations that make our everyday lives easier. The visits can also motivate pupils in their studies and introduce them to ideas and possibilities for their future working lives.
“Microsoft has collaborated with Heureka on the development of the Artificial Intelligence – Me, Myself & AI exhibition, and these sponsored class visits supported by Microsoft have been a natural continuation of our fruitful collaboration. It is wonderful if, by working together, we can inspire children and young people to take an interest in technology,” says Teemu Vidgrén, Managing Director of Microsoft Finland.
Microsoft supported the sponsored science class visits in the areas surrounding its future datacenters as part of its commitment to being an active member of the community and a good neighbour in the municipalities where its datacenters will be located. Microsoft’s future datacenters will provide the physical infrastructure for information technology used in education, working life and leisure.