Pyry Haulos
Summary
As CTO at Varjo, I'm focused on defining our long-term technology vision and setting the R&D priorities and strategy for the company. It's exciting to guide our deep-tech — from advanced optics and electronics to perception algorithms and AI — to build the future of XR and solve real-world challenges for our customers.
My career has spanned the full stack, from deep R&D and close-to-metal C++ to cloud-scale systems and modern AI/ML. I've had the opportunity to lead high-performing teams on complex projects, like the dEQP graphics test suite that became a mandatory standard for Android and the Amazon Scout autonomous robot. Along the way, I co-led two startup exits to Google and Amazon and helped lead a crucial organizational turnaround to ship a flagship product. I'm passionate about building great products and creating environments where talented people can thrive.
Experience
Varjo
2023 – Present
Driving the technology vision and innovation to define the future of XR — from advancing the state of the art in mixed reality to transforming defense & aviation training.
Led the device software organization through a major transformation and delivered the XR-4 headset to market. Managed the full stack from firmware and tracking algorithms to SDKs and end-user UI. Spearheaded AI/ML features including hand tracking and super-resolution, and drove the R&D pivot to mature the platform for defense & aerospace.
Integrated the acquired Umbra team into Amazon Scout, establishing Amazon's first R&D office in Finland. Led R&D in large-scale 3D reconstruction, simulation, and mapping, including human-in-the-loop AI processes for 3D map creation.
Umbra
2019 – 2021
Joined Umbra with the dual mission of elevating the engineering organization and driving a successful acquisition. Led the 17-person engineering team, implemented key management processes, and actively participated in the acquisition process, culminating in Amazon's acquisition and the establishment of their first R&D office in Finland.
Technical lead on diverse hardware, firmware, and machine learning projects, pushing the boundaries of innovation in XR and health/wellness at Google.
Within the Android team at Google led the integration and continued development of dEQP, used to validate correctness and robustness of GPU drivers in every Android device. Worked closely with all Android GPU partners to raise the quality bar across 3 major Android releases. Represented Google's interests within the Khronos industry consortium.
Elected to serve as the Vulkan Conformance Test Subcommittee Chair due to experience in developing QA software for GPU drivers. Assembled a cross-industry team from 10+ participating companies and developed a process that enabled the highly distributed team — many of whom were direct competitors — to come together and ship Vulkan 1.0 conformance tests on time. Successfully advocated for the Vulkan Working Group to adopt a testing-first strategy for new API revisions and extensions. Awarded the Khronos “Khronie” Award for significant contributions.
drawElements
2010 – 2014
Started as the 4th employee, soon assumed the role of co-founder & CTO after a major company pivot and restructuring. Developed dEQP and made it a successful product, helping customers improve the quality of their GPU drivers. In 2014 Google acquired drawElements to integrate dEQP into Android.
Symbio
2008 – 2010
Software consulting for various customers. Computer graphics, compiler development, and application development.
Education
Aalto University
2008 – 2010
Discontinued studies to co-found drawElements.