June 22, 2026

In 1936, a small instrument called a radiosonde traveled from Finland to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Nearly 90 years later, the company behind that innovation is helping support everything from life-saving pharmaceuticals to AI-driven data centers, with a major presence right here in Burlington.

As Vaisala approaches its 90th anniversary in 2026, the global technology company is balancing a rich legacy with a focus on what’s next.

“It may come as a surprise that Vaisala is a large organization with over 2,000 employees globally,” said Senior Marketing Manager, Carol Vardaro. “Our office here in Burlington is an important part of a precision measurement ecosystem serving industries like manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and power transmission.”

For Vaisala, the milestone represents more than longevity.

“Our 90-year milestone and position as a trusted partner signal that we’re here for the long haul,” the company shared. “We’re proud to be the current generation of Vaisala engineers, scientists, and specialists tackling challenges like decarbonization, electrification, and digitalization.”

The Technology You Never See, But Depend On Every Day

Most people never think about humidity sensors or environmental monitoring systems, yet those technologies play a critical role in daily life.

“In life sciences, our monitoring systems help ensure biologics, cell and gene therapies, and vaccines are stored and manufactured under the exact conditions required,” Vardaro explained. “If a drug arrives safely at a hospital or pharmacy, there’s a good chance a monitoring system like Vaisala’s viewLinc helped protect it along the way.”

The company’s technology also supports data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, and battery production, helping organizations improve reliability, reduce waste, and lower energy consumption.

A 90-Year-Old Startup?

Despite approaching a century in business, Vaisala often describes itself as maintaining a “startup spirit.”

The company sees its history not as a reason to slow down, but as a reminder to keep evolving.

“We could have been happy with our role in weather monitoring,” Vardaro said. “Instead, we saw how that technology could be applied to environmental and process measurements that power industries people rely on every day.”

That same mindset continues to drive innovation. The radiosonde that first reached MIT in 1936 was born from a simple question: What if we could measure the atmosphere better?

Today, Vaisala is asking new questions about improving life science manufacturing, reducing data center energy use, and supporting battery production. In 2025 alone, Vaisala invested 11% of its net sales back into research and development.

“Being the best at what we do today doesn’t cut it.”

Why Data Centers Are One of the Most Exciting Frontiers

One area generating particular excitement for the Burlington team is data centers.

“We know it’s a controversial topic, but right now we’re excited about data centers,” Vardaro said.

As demand for artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure grows, Vaisala sees opportunities to help operators improve efficiency while reducing waste.

“Our technology allows organizations to minimize energy consumption and avoid excessive environmental adjustments,” the company explained.

Vaisala believes advanced monitoring technologies will be essential to supporting the next generation of AI, automation, and digital infrastructure while balancing sustainability goals.

Why Burlington?

When Vaisala began searching for a new home for its Industrial Instruments business in 2024, it needed more than additional space. The company was looking for room to house one of North America’s largest measurement instrument calibration laboratories while remaining close to customers, partners, and innovation hubs.

“Burlington checked all the boxes.”

The move has allowed the company to think bigger about its future and its role in the broader technology ecosystem.

“We genuinely feel this move allowed us to realize our potential as a technology company rather than simply an instrument provider, and we’re grateful to the town and its residents for giving us that opportunity.”

As Burlington continues to grow as a center for life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and innovation, companies like Vaisala are helping shape that future. Nearly 90 years after a radiosonde first crossed the Atlantic to MIT, the spirit of curiosity that inspired it remains alive. Today, that legacy of innovation is helping solve some of the world’s most complex challenges, and part of that story is being written right here in Burlington. 

To learn more about Vaisala and its work, visit the company online.