# Hannu Rajaniemi

> Hannu Rajaniemi is a Finnish-born mathematical physicist who became a celebrated science fiction novelist and then a biotech CEO. He wrote the post-human heist novel The Quantum Thief, translated into more than 20 languages, and co-founded HelixNano, a synthetic-biology startup building an advanced mRNA platform aimed at programmable vaccines and personalized cancer therapies. He runs the company as co-founder and CEO while continuing to publish fiction.

- **Role:** Co-Founder and CEO at HelixNano
- **Organizations:** HelixNano, ThinkTank Maths
- **From:** Ylivieska, Finland
- **Nationality:** Finnish
- **Education:** BSc in Mathematics, University of Oulu, Certificate of Advanced Study in Mathematics, University of Cambridge, PhD in Mathematical Physics (string theory), University of Edinburgh
- **Known for:** Wrote The Quantum Thief, translated into more than 20 languages, Winner of the 2012 Tahtivaeltaja Award for best science fiction published in Finland, Nominated for the 2011 Locus Award for Best First Novel

## Career timeline

- **2003** — Published first short story, 'Shibuya No Love'
- **2008** — Signed a three-book deal with Gollancz on the basis of 24 double-spaced pages
- **2010** — Debut novel The Quantum Thief published
- **2012** — The Fractal Prince published; The Quantum Thief wins the Tahtivaeltaja Award
- **2013** — Co-founded biotech startup HelixNano
- **2014** — The Causal Angel published, completing the Jean le Flambeur trilogy
- **2018** — Novel Summerland published; spoke at The Long Now Foundation
- **2020** — Pivoted HelixNano toward an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate during the pandemic
- **2024** — Novel Darkome published; HelixNano began a Phase I trial in Australia for an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine

## Achievements

- Wrote The Quantum Thief, translated into more than 20 languages
- Winner of the 2012 Tahtivaeltaja Award for best science fiction published in Finland
- Nominated for the 2011 Locus Award for Best First Novel
- Winner of the 2011 Science Fiction & Fantasy Translation Awards (short form)
- Co-founded and leads HelixNano, building an advanced mRNA platform
- Earned a PhD in mathematical physics (string theory) from the University of Edinburgh

## Latest updates

- **2024-02** — HelixNano entered a Phase I clinical trial in Australia for an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate.
- **2024** — Published the novel Darkome.

## Links

- Website: https://helixnano.com
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/hannur
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/helixnano
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJNNV8k9WHo
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/helixnano

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/hannu-rajaniemi
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-06-12