Startup Summit Eastern Finland & Falling Walls Lab
- 19.9.2025
- 8:30 – 17:15
- Kuopio
Breakthrough Ideas.
Bold Startups.
One Inspiring day to meet startups and investors.
Welcome to Startup Summit Eastern Finland 2025 – a one-day, two-part event bringing together the sharpest minds and boldest innovators from across Eastern Finland.
The day kicks off with Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland, official partner of Falling Walls Science Summit. It is a pitch competition for students and early-career professionals to present their breakthrough, science-based innovative ideas. Students and researchers from all across Finland are welcome to apply and present their breakthrough ideas.
In the afternoon, the spotlight turns into 10 chosen Startups from Eastern Finland presenting their businesses, shaping the future of business and innovation in the region, where startups seek funding and connections! There is also open networking for the startups who won’t pitch to meet investors and other stakeholders.
Have we mentioned the prizes yet? The winner of Falling Walls Lab gets a ticket to the global Falling Walls finale in Berlin on November 6th, travel and accommodation included! The winning startup of Startup Summit Eastern Finland gets a startup ticket to SLUSH 2025, happening on November 19-20!
Whether you’re an innovator, entrepreneur, investor, business driven researcher, or ecosystem builder, this summit is your gateway to connect, pitch, and be inspired!
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Organizers
Partners
Schedule
Morning Session: 8:30–12:00
Afternoon Session: 13:00–17:15
Microkatu 1, Novapolis, H section, 2nd floor, Pointti conference room
8:30 – Registration, coffee and snacks
9:00 – Opening speech, welcome notes and introducing Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland (moderators: Parastoo Jalili & Tomi Tuovinen)
9:10 – Keynote #1: Jarmo Lumpus, Serial entrepreneur, “How AI is Rewriting the Startup Playbook”
9:25 – Pitching part 1 (5-6 presenters) 40-50 minutes
- Selected participants present their 3-minute breakthrough ideas + Jury panel evaluation & feedback (5-minute Q&A per pitch)
10:15 – Keynote #2: Milla Koistinaho, Partner at Innovestor Life Science Fund, Associate Professor at UEF – ”Commercialising research results – what are investors looking for?”
10:30 – Pitching part 2 (5-6 presenters) 40-50 minutes
11:20 – Break (15-20 minutes) (entertainment/ music) (meanwhile the jury will decide the winner)
🏆 11:40 – Winner Announcement & Award Ceremony
- Regional winner selected to represent Finland at the Falling Walls Global Finale in Berlin on November 6th. Travel and accommodation included!
- Certificate & recognition for top 3 presenters.
- Group picture with the top 3 winners and all the partners
12:00 – Closing the morning session
12:00 – 13:00 – Lunch (self-paid)
Microkatu 1, M-part, Novapolis Co-Work
13:00– Welcome & Opening Words
- Introduction by the organisers
- Overview of the day and event goals
13:15– Keynotes: Stories from the Field
- Adamant Health Oy
- Angel CoFund/Innovestor
- Finnish Startup Community
14:00– Break
14:15– Startup Pitch Competition – Startups Eastern Finland
- 10 startups, Format: 3-minute pitch + 3-minute feedback
- 🏆 Winner Announcement & Award Ceremony
- Winning startup receives a ticket to Slush 2025 and glory within the ecosystem!
- Winning startup receives a ticket to Slush 2025 and glory within the ecosystem!
16:00– Investor & Startup Speed-Dating
- Networking and speed-dating session
17:00– Closing Remarks
- Summary and thank-yous
- What happens next?
Schedule
Morning Session: 8:30–12:00
Microkatu 1, Novapolis, H section, 2nd floor, Pointti conference room
8:30 – Registration, coffee and snacks
9:00 – Opening speech, welcome notes and introducing Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland (moderators: Parastoo Jalili & Tomi Tuovinen)
9:10 – Keynote #1: Jarmo Lumpus, Serial entrepreneur, “How AI is Rewriting the Startup Playbook”
9:25 – Pitching part 1 (5-6 presenters) 40-50 minutes
- Selected participants present their 3-minute breakthrough ideas + Jury panel evaluation & feedback (5-minute Q&A per pitch)
10:15 – Keynote #2: Milla Koistinaho, Partner at Innovestor Life Science Fund, Associate Professor at UEF – ”Commercialising research results – what are investors looking for?”
10:30 – Pitching part 2 (5-6 presenters) 40-50 minutes
11:20 – Break (15-20 minutes) (entertainment/ music) (meanwhile the jury will decide the winner)
🏆 11:40 – Winner Announcement & Award Ceremony
- Regional winner selected to represent Finland at the Falling Walls Global Finale in Berlin on November 6th. Travel and accommodation included!
- Certificate & recognition for top 3 presenters.
- Group picture with the top 3 winners and all the partners
12:00 – Closing the morning session
12:00 – 13:00 – Lunch (self-paid)
Afternoon Session: 13:00–17:15
Microkatu 1, M-part, Novapolis Co-Work
13:00– Welcome & Opening Words
- Introduction by the organisers
- Overview of the day and event goals
13:15– Keynotes: Stories from the Field
- Adamant Health Oy
- Angel CoFund/Innovestor
- Finnish Startup Community
14:00– Break
14:15– Startup Pitch Competition – Startups Eastern Finland
- 10 startups, Format: 3-minute pitch + 3-minute feedback
- 🏆 Winner Announcement & Award Ceremony
- Winning startup receives a ticket to Slush 2025 and glory within the ecosystem!
- Winning startup receives a ticket to Slush 2025 and glory within the ecosystem!
16:00– Investor & Startup Speed-Dating
- Networking and speed-dating session
17:00– Closing Remarks
- Summary and thank-yous
- What happens next?
Who should attend?
A stage for researchers and students to pitch and present science-driven breakthroughs. Organised in collaboration with the global Falling Walls Summit.
Who should attend the morning session?
- RESEARCHERS AND STUDENTS from across Finland who are ready to pitch their breakthrough ideas.
- Investors and business angels scouting the next big thing.
- Innovation and ecosystem professionals building the future of Eastern Finland.
- Corporate innovators, mentors, and supporters of regional growth.
- Not pitching? No problem! You’re warmly welcome to join the audience, get inspired by the innovative ideas presented, and network with representatives from universities, public organisations, investment funds, and more.
Registration is free, but seats are limited.
Do you want to pitch your innovative and scientific idea? Apply here for Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland:
A pitch competition and networking arena for early-stage startups looking for funding, visibility, and connections in Eastern Finland.
Who should attend the afternoon session?
STARTUP FOUNDERS from Eastern Finland looking to gain visibility, feedback, and connections.
INVESTORS and BUSINESS ANGELS scouting the next big thing.
INNOVATION and ECOSYSTEM PROFESSIONALS building the future of Eastern Finland.
CORPORATE INNOVATORS, MENTORS and SUPPORTERS of regional growth.
Not pitching? No problem! You’re warmly welcome to join the audience, get inspired by the innovative ideas presented, and network with representatives from universities, public organisations, investment funds, and more.
Registration is free, but seats are limited.
Criteria of evaluation of 10 chosen startups for pitching at the afternoon:
- Problem and Solution
- Business Model and Scalability
- Team
- Market Potential and Competitive Advantage
- Financial Eligibility
For the Startup Summit as a guest or startup contestant: Sign up for Startup Summit Eastern Finland:
Who should attend?
A stage for researchers and students to pitch and present science-driven breakthroughs. Organised in collaboration with the global Falling Walls Summit.
Who should attend the morning session?
- RESEARCHERS AND STUDENTS from across Finland who are ready to pitch their breakthrough ideas.
- Investors and business angels scouting the next big thing.
- Innovation and ecosystem professionals building the future of Eastern Finland.
- Corporate innovators, mentors, and supporters of regional growth.
- Not pitching? No problem! You’re warmly welcome to join the audience, get inspired by the innovative ideas presented, and network with representatives from universities, public organisations, investment funds, and more.
Registration is free, but seats are limited.
Do you want to pitch your innovative and scientific idea? Apply here for Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland:
A pitch competition and networking arena for early-stage startups looking for funding, visibility, and connections in Eastern Finland.
Who should attend the afternoon session?
STARTUP FOUNDERS from Eastern Finland looking to gain visibility, feedback, and connections.
INVESTORS and BUSINESS ANGELS scouting the next big thing.
INNOVATION and ECOSYSTEM PROFESSIONALS building the future of Eastern Finland.
CORPORATE INNOVATORS, MENTORS and SUPPORTERS of regional growth.
Not pitching? No problem! You’re warmly welcome to join the audience, get inspired by the innovative ideas presented, and network with representatives from universities, public organisations, investment funds, and more.
Registration is free, but seats are limited.
Evaluation Criteria for the 10 chosen Startups Pitching in the Afternoon Session:
- Problem and Solution
- Business Model and Scalability
- Team
- Market Potential and Competitive Advantage
- Financial Eligibility
For the Startup Summit as a guest or startup contestant: Sign up for Startup Summit Eastern Finland:
Info about speakers
Coming soon.
Contact us
Startup summit
Matti Laitinen
Juha-Matti Huusko
+358 50 537 0525
juhamatti.huusko@navigatio.fi
Mikko Järvilehto
+358 50 346 9206
mikko.jarvilehto@businessjoensuu.fi
Falling Walls Lab
Tomi Tuovinen
Parastoo Jalili
+358 44 718 2034
parastoo.jalili@kuopio.fi
Where to stay?
Do you need a place to stay during Startup Summit Eastern Finland & Falling Walls Lab? We have you covered! Two excellent hotel options are available with discounted prices exclusively for event attendees.
Lapland Hotels Kuopio:
- Northern Comfort Single Person Room + breakfast 118€ / night (inc. VAT)
- Northern Comfort Two Person Room + breakfast 138€ / night (inc. VAT)
Book your reservation through www.laplandhotels.com at latest on September 7 with reservation code: ALL190925
Original Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi
- Single Person Room + breakfast 137€ / night (inc. VAT)
- Two Person Room + breakfast 157€ / night (inc. VAT)
Book your reservation through www.sokoshotels.fi at latest on September 4 with reservation code: BSUMMIT
Check out other hotels, hostels, or Airbnb listings in the area and find what works best for you.
Be part of the breakthroughs at Eastern Finland.
Be part of the summit.
#StartupSummitEF2025 | #FallingWallsLab | #EasternFinlandInnovation