Murat Ulupinar, Türkiye

Tell us briefly about your journey to Tampere and how you ended up here?

After completing my bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Advertising in Türkiye and specializing in Marketing Management in the United States, I worked for over 15 years as an international trade executive, primarily in the housewares and packaging sectors. During this time, I had the privilege of experiencing many global cities both personally and professionally.

Over time, driven by my principle of lifelong learning,I aimed to enrich my on-the-ground experience in global trade with the dynamics of the digital world, bridging traditional business models with software to take part in next-generation technology ventures. Finding the strong tech focus and innovation ecosystem I was looking for right here in Tampere, I took my first step into this beautiful city on August 19, 2025, upon being accepted into the Software Engineering program at TAMK.

After experiencing firsthand how systematic, serene, and rich in community culture Tampere is compared to the other cities I had lived and worked in, I brought my beloved wife and son to join me exactly one month later. Today, alongside my family, we happily and peacefully continue our journey as an active part of both the city's high quality of life and its thriving tech ecosystem, further empowered by the university's entrepreneurial and development support.

What do you love most about living in Tampere?

What I love most about living in Tampere is the seamless blend of exceptional safety, flawless urban planning, and the tranquil harmony of nature. As a father, living in a community where children can walk to and from school completely independently gives an invaluable sense of peace and security. The profound mutual respect among people and a genuinely inclusive culture that stands firmly against discrimination make this a vibrant, multicultural environment where you hear languages from across the globe and always feel safe.

Moreover, nestled between two stunning lakes, Tampere offers an unmatched quality of life with some of the cleanest air in Europe and crystal-clear tap water. Known as the Sauna Capital of the World, it boasts a revitalizing wellness culture, top-tier education, and a dynamic event scene where you never run out of things to experience. The advanced public transit system that makes owning a car unnecessary, 24/7 hypermarkets, and smart Finnish engineering solutions bring everyday convenience to the highest level. Combined with an innovation ecosystem that actively empowers entrepreneurs, Tampere stands out as a remarkably peaceful, functional, and privileged place to live compared to many major cities across Continental Europe and beyond.

Why would you encourage international talents to move to Tampere?

I wholeheartedly encourage international talents to choose Tampere because it is one of the rare cities where global career ambitions and an exceptional quality of life exist in perfect harmony.

Having spent over 15 years in international trade leadership and now actively building ventures in software and tech, I have seen firsthand that Tampere is genuinely built for innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent growth. Thanks to Finland's flat organizational culture and low hierarchy, connecting with decision-makers and key ecosystem drivers is remarkably accessible. The city functions as a vibrant living testbed, where world-class institutions like Tampere University, TAMK, Platform6, Business Tampere, and International House Tampere provide tangible, continuous support to turn ideas into thriving solutions and integrate newcomers seamlessly.

Most importantly, you do not have to sacrifice personal wellbeing to achieve professional success. Here, you leave behind metropolitan burnout, congestion, and safety concerns in exchange for world-class education for your children, pristine nature right at your doorstep, and a genuine work-life balance. Whether you are aiming to reinvent your skill set through lifelong learning, excel in cutting-edge tech, or launch a global business, Tampere offers the most empowering and secure foundation to realize your full potential.

What is your favorite place, and your favorite thing to do in Tampere?

My favorite places and activities in Tampere lie right at the crossroads of its breathtaking lakeside nature and its vibrant urban culture.

Whenever I need to unwind and recharge, visiting the traditional public saunas on the shores of Lake Näsijärvi (especially Rauhaniemi) with a refreshing lake dip is an unparalleled experience. For sweeping panoramic views of the city between two lakes, the iconic Moro Sky Bar is my top spot. I also love spending time, working, and connecting with friends in the welcoming ambiance of Ravintola Puisto and Fazer Café. Strolling through the scenic pine forests of Pyynikki for fresh munkki (doughnuts) at the observation tower, or walking along the historic red-brick heritage of Tammerkoski rapids, constantly fuels my inspiration.

For family time, Särkänniemi Theme Park and the city's rich museums offer endless joy. Adding to that the lush golf courses, diverse dining spots, and modern shopping centers, Tampere provides the perfect lifestyle mix where there is always a fulfilling activity for every season.

How would you describe Tampere as a city, what makes it special?

If I had to describe Tampere in a single phrase, it would be a human-centric innovation hub that seamlessly blends its rich industrial heritage with future-forward high technology.

What makes Tampere truly special is its exceptional sense of balance and scale. It offers all the strengths of a major global metropolis—a thriving technology ecosystem, world-class universities, rich cultural events, and international career opportunities—while being completely free from the traffic, chaos, stress, and distance challenges of large cities.

Is there anything else you would like to share with potential newcomers that make Tampere a great place to live and work?

My most important piece of advice to potential newcomers is to arrive with an open mind, genuine curiosity, and a proactive spirit. While Finnish culture might seem quiet and reserved at first glance, once you take the first step and start a conversation, you will discover one of the most sincere, trustworthy, and helpful communities in the world.

You are never alone on this journey. Robust support networks such as International House Tampere, local universities, startup hubs, and especially we as Tampere Talent Ambassadors, are always here to actively support you in integrating into the local culture, expanding your professional horizons, and unlocking new opportunities. If you are seeking a safe, nurturing environment for your children, global career opportunities, and true peace of mind for yourself, Tampere is the place to be. Be bold, connect with local communities, engage in networking events, and embrace the extraordinary life this city has to offer!