Kari Ruokonen the founder of Cariitti was awarded for his life's work

On the Day of Valo (light in Finnish), February 3, Suomen Valoteknillinen Seura (Illuminating Engineering Society, IES) awarded two distinguished individuals in the lighting industry with the Valoisa persoona 2025 and Valaistunut persoona 2025 honors.

Cariitti's founder Kari Ruokonen was honored to receive the Valoisa Persoona 2025 Award for his life's work in the lighting industry.

Left: Valaistunut Persoona 2025 Award winner Heikki Härkönen. Right: Valoisa Persoona 2025 Award winner Kari Ruokonen.

The award is granted according to the selection principles of the IES to a person who, through a single act or long-term activity, has brought light to the world and contributed to the cause of lighting. The award consisted of a rotating award “Valokeilassa” created by artist Kari Alonen and a certificate of honor.

Said about Kari during the selection:

Kari Ruokonen is a bright, artistic and encouraging influencer in the lighting industry, whose handwork can be seen in many significant Finnish sites, such as the Ateneum, the Parliament Building, the House of the Estates, the Presidential Palace, the Esplanadi Park and the Jyväskylä pedestrian street. His career in lighting began with his father importing lighting, and in 1971 he founded Ker-lux Ky in Mänttää, which employed around 100 people. After the sale of the company, Kari continued his career in 1987 as the CEO of Valaisinpaja. When the Ruokonen family became the owners of Valaisinpaja in 1998, it was also decided to change the company name to Cariitti.

Kari has been a pioneer in lighting technology – he developed Finland’s first T5 fluorescent lamp and the first bright light device. With Cariitti Oy, he brought fiber optic lighting and LED technology to Finland early on. Technically skilled, artistic and positive, Kari has left a lasting mark on the lighting industry and passed on his expertise to the next generation. Kari has brought a lot of joy to the world with all his innovative products.

Cariitti proudly congratulates its founder Kari!

We also warmly congratulate Heikki Härkönen, the recipient of the Valaistunut Persoona Award, and Teo Rinne, Aurora Lehtinen and Tiina Savallampi, who won awards in the Tiedon Valo -Thesis competition.

Watch the video below from the event held on the Day of Valo on February 3, 2025. Kari's award will be presented at 15:37.

Read more on the topic on the website of IES.