Business Networking Day 2025
Come and join us for an event where research, business and stakeholders meet!
The Business Networking Day is organised by the University of Jyväskylä. During the day, companies and stakeholders have several opportunities to discuss and network as well as to seek new collaboration. Valid data and a solid scientific foundation are essential for companies in product and service development, whereas for researchers solving practical problems, it can be an excellent opportunity to extend their know-how within their area of expertise. The event is open to a wider student audience, making it a showcase for both companies and the university, both competing to find the brightest minds of the future.
The event includes a traditional exhibition area, keynote talks and themed oral sessions to introduce companies and researchers to the public. When the daytime programme ends, the evening programme starts! The evening is spent among good food, drinks, relaxed discussions and informal programming.
Register for the day via link below. If you want to receive marketing of the event, you can also subscribe to the mailing list via following link.
Download the Business Networking Day programme leaflet (PDF) above.
Registration of companies and stakeholders
Registration of university staff and students
For detailed arrival and parking instructions, please visit the Paviljonki website Arrival and parking - Paviljonki.
Exhibitors
7.55 Registration for exhibitors opens
8.00-9.00 Building the exhibition
8.40 Registration opens for participants
9.00-9.15 Opening of the event
9.20-10.35 Theme session 1: Building a Crisis-Resilient Society (stage 1) & Imaging and Measurement Technologies (stage 2)
10.40-12.45 Lunch
10.45-12.35 Side event: FORTHEM Researcher Grand Prix (stage 1)
12.45-14.00 Theme session 2: Well-being for Tomorrow (stage 1) & Data, digitalisation and AI (stage 2)
14.00-14.30 Coffee break
14.30-15.25 Theme session 3: Games and Gamification (stage 1) & Clean Energy and Green Technologies (stage 2)
15.30-16.00 Theme session: Partners as a Key to Success and closing of the event (stage 1)
17-20.30 Dinner (only for the participants who have registered to dinner in advance)
Antero Holmila
Antero Holmila is Professor of History in the Department of History and Ethnology at the University of Jyväskylä. He specialises in the post-World War II period, the Cold War with its diverse phenomena and crises in history. His recent works popularising science include The Finnish Cold War (2023) and Why Russia Acts the Way It Does (2023), co-authored with Martti J. Kari and published in Estonian in winter 2025.
Antero is also the director of the Global Europe Master's programme, which will start in autumn 2025.
Antero gives the keynote on the theme of Building a crisis-resilient society titled "Älä tuhlaa hyvää kriisiä: kriisien historiasta opittua ja unohdettua".
Tuomas Koivumäki
Tuomas Koivumäki is a versatile expert in medical technology and an enthusiastic medical physicist trainer. He serves as the chief medical physicist for Hospital Nova of the Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland and as an adjunct professor of medical physics at the University of Jyväskylä. In addition to his clinical hospital work, he has conducted research in nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. Tuomas's work emphasizes acting as a bridge between technology and patient examinations and treatments. He is also active in collaborating with hospitals, universities, and companies.
Tuomas gives the keynote on the theme of Imaging and measurement technologies: Medical imaging and measurements: Insights from a medical physicist.
Maria Ritola
Maria Ritola is a Finnish technology entrepreneur and researcher who focuses on the future of knowledge work in the age of artificial intelligence. As one of the founders of the AI company Iris.ai, Maria has spent years developing ways to harness AI to expand human intelligence and accelerate innovation. Her work emphasizes the integration of human and machine intelligence, particularly in teamwork.
Maria is a sought-after speaker on topics related to AI as a support for individual and team work, the future of knowledge work, building successful teams, and ethical issues in AI. Her insights highlight the human dimension behind success stories. As a long-time AI entrepreneur, Maria is skilled at bridging the gap between often abstract technical questions of AI and practical applications, making her talks accessible to a wide audience.
Maria has served on the boards of several organizations and regularly participates in public discussions on technology trends, including as a regular guest on Yle's Aamu Jälkidigi program.
Maria gives the keynote on the theme of Data, digitalisation and AI titled "Where are you going, knowledge work? – A chasm or a flourishing".
Janne Kotiaho
Janne Kotiaho is a professor of ecology and the director of the transdisciplinary Resource Wisdom Community JYU.Wisdom at the University of Jyväskylä. He leads a research group of about 15 people focused on calculating ecological footprints. Kotiaho is serving his second term as the chairman of the Finnish Nature Panel and also acts as a scientific advisor to the Finnish government in international biodiversity agreement negotiations. Kotiaho is a long-time member of the board of the Kone Foundation.
Janne gives the keynote "Kohti planetaarista hyvinvointia: jalanjäjistä kädenjälkiin, viherpesusta kompensaatioon."on the theme of Well-being for tomorrow .
Wanda O Rly
Wanda O Rly (Valtteri Lahti) is a professional in creative science communication and the game industry, as well as a performing artist. They are a co-founder and the Chief Operating Officer of Psyon Games, a health games company based in Jyväskylä. Psyon Games is a leading and multi-award-winning company in its field, developing game-based solutions for global health challenges in collaboration with major pharmaceutical companies and public health organizations such as the WHO, Gavi, The Gates Foundation, and Girl Effect.
In addition, Wanda contributes to the development of the Central Finnish game industry as the Chairperson of the Board of Expa Game Business Cooperative. Expa is an official partner of Epic Games and is Finland’s only, and the world’s northernmost, Unreal Authorized Training Center (UATC). The center offers high-demand training in the use of the Unreal Engine for game development, 3D modeling, simulations, architecture, marketing, virtual productions, live broadcasting, and many other applications.
Wanda gives the keynote on the theme of Games and gamification: Play Means Business - Games And Game Technologies To Drive Other Industries.
Anni Mikkonen
Anni Mikkonen is the CEO of the Renewables Finland (former Finnish Wind Power Association) since 2009. During her time the association and the importance of wind power in the Finnish energy sector have increased significantly.
Anni is one of the leading wind power experts in Finland. She holds a master’s degree in Environmental Sciences (MSc) and Corporate Environmental Management (M. Econ) from University of Jyväskylä.
Anni gives the keynote "Energiamurroksen ykkösajuri" on the theme of Clean energy and green technologies.
Pasi Raiskinmäki
Pasi Raiskinmäki, PhD, will conclude the event with a closing address under the theme "Partners as a Key to Success."
Dr. Raiskinmäki serves as Vice Rector at the University of Jyväskylä, with responsibilities in societal interaction — including partnerships, research collaboration, innovation activities, and lifelong learning.
He has a strong background in both academic research and research administration. Prior to his current role, he worked as Development Manager for Innovation and Research Services at the University of Jyväskylä, and has also held positions at JAMK University of Applied Sciences, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and the Department of Physics at JYU, where he earned his doctoral degree.
Vice Rector Raiskinmäki actively promotes collaboration between universities, research institutions, and public and private sector actors. His work emphasizes the importance of national and international RDI networks and the development of new models for stakeholder cooperation.
Themes of the day and elevator pitchers
In the sessions, we will hear how research, product development, and innovations can bring new insights and solve the major challenges of our society. Under the themes, we have gathered examples of topics that can be addressed. Feel free to boldly propose your own topic to be included in the theme!
The global political landscape has recently undergone sudden changes, and the playing field can shift rapidly. Just a few years ago, the coronavirus brought the whole world to its knees and transformed social practices, both in working life and everyday life in a very short time. How should we prepare for crises and ensure the resilience of society in the face of various destabilising changes?
Chair person for the session is Vice Dean Tapio Litmanen. This session will be mainly in Finnish.
After Antero Holmila's keynote speech "Älä tuhlaa hyvää kriisiä: kriisien historiasta opittua ja unohdettua" we will hear short elevator pitches:
- Ville Matikainen (Nammo Vihtavuori Oy), Tutkimus pohjoismaisen huoltovarmuuden tukena
- Pekka Koskinen (Jyväskylän yliopisto), Turvallisuusteknologian DI-koulutus
- Päivi Pirkkalainen (Jyväskylän yliopisto), Siirtolaiset ja sosiaalisesti kestävä yhteiskunta
- Arto Hautala (Jyväskylän yliopisto) Machine learning models for predicting health-care costs: case exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation
- Ilkhom Khalimzoda (Jyväskylän yliopisto)Internationals as Cultural Bridges: From Adaptation to Innovation in Finnish Workplaces
- Anniina Runtuvuori-Salmela (Jyväskylän yliopisto), Yhteistyö on vaikuttavuuden ydin
- Sanna Laakso (Jyväskylän kaupunki) Kokonaisturvallisuudesta kasvua Keski-Suomeen
People and phenomena are constantly measured and monitored. A broken leg is not plastered or operated on without an X-ray. In the same vein, no decisions are made in product development without precise research, measurement and data. This theme session covers a wide range of methods that are used to measure and image various phenomena. In addition to measuring, automatic image analysis methods, such as those based on artificial intelligence, provide help in interpreting large numbers of images.
Chair person for the session is Specialist Tuula Palmén. This session is mainly in English.
After Tuomas Koivumäki's keynote speech "Medical imaging and measurements: Insights from a medical physicist" we will hear elevator pitches:
- Taija Juutinen (JYU), Novel ultrasound imaging techniques for tendon health
- Maria Sukanen (JYU), Ultrasound Tissue Characterization (UTC) for assessing equine tendon integrity in racing trotters
- Francesco Cenni (JYU), Mapping skeletal muscle properties in children and young adults with cerebral palsy
- Paavo Penttilä (JYU) Multiscale characterization of materials using X-rays
- Jussi Auvinen (CSC - Tieteen tietotekniikan keskus), Supertietokone LUMI yritysten kehittymisen tukena
- Kimmo Kinnunen (JYU), Imaging and measurement possibilities in the Nanoscience Center
- Aku Ursin (University of Eastern Finland), FAME – Flagship of Advanced Mathematics for Sensing, Imaging and Modelling
- Lauri Ylinen (JYU), How Math Helps Us See the Unseen
- Harri Piitulainen (JYU), Automated network stimulation revolutionizes the brain research and treatment?
- Marianne Taipale (JYU), Musiikin kuuntelu stressin lievittämisessä: monimenetelmäinen koeasetelma nuorille aikuisille
- Emmi Matikainen-Tervola (JYU), Ikääntyvien kävelyn muuttujien mittaaminen – laboratoriosta kohti todellista elinympäristöä
- Perttu Rönkkö (Harvia) Harvia Sauna IoT – Transforming Sauna Atmosphere & Health Measurement Data into Actionable Insights
Well-being for tomorrow requires a multi-perspective approach, diverse solutions and proactive measures. How can we prevent mental health problems and support the functional capacity of the elderly so that the need for services does not grow uncontrollably?
In this session, we discuss how diseases caused by inactivity, loneliness, or bacteria and viruses can be combatted. How do we avert international health crises and foster life on our planet for generations to come?
Chair person for the session is Professor Vesa Linnamo. This session is mainly in Finnish.
After Janne Kotiaho's keynote speech "Kohti planetaarista hyvinvointia: jalanjäjistä kädenjälkiin, viherpesusta kompensaatioon." we will hear elevator pitches:
- Taiga Rautiainen (Green Care -keskus Könkkölä ry) Lisää luontohyvinvointia ja kestävyysosaamista sote-sektorille
- Laura Karavirta (JYU) Kuntotesti jokaisen taskuun
- Jaana Rossi (HUR) Uusi liiketoimintamalli Suomen fysioterapeuteille
- Anna Tirkkonen (JYU) Gerastenian tunnistaminen sähköisistä potilastiedoista
- Rehna Sotto (JYU) Shall shift workers go dark?
- Kirsi Leskinen (JYU) Työturvallisuutta ei ole ilman monipuolista viestintää
- Joona Taipale (JYU) Toisten toiseudesta
- Pinja Päivänen (JYU) Työn merkityksellisyys, uudelleenajateltuna
- Johanna Rantanen (JYU), Mielekkäästä työstä mielen hyvinvointia mutta miten?
- Taija Lappeteläinen (Jyväskylän kaupunki) Uusi Hipposkeskus innovaatioiden alustana
With digitalisation, data is created and collected everywhere: from people, our devices as well as industrial processes. Data and various artificial intelligence methods can be utilised in many ways in business, in the decision-making of organisations, or in promoting the well-being of individuals.
In this session, we discuss the ways quantum computing could further enhance data analysis and usability in the future, and how digitalisation and artificial intelligence can support the sustainability transition. How do we solve challenges related to the biases of large masses of data or the growing dependence of societies and people on digital infrastructures?
Chair person of this session is Head of Faculty Adiministration Joni Kultanen. The main language is English.
After Maria Ritola's keynote speech "Where are you going, knowledge work? – A chasm or a flourishing" we will hear elevator pitches:
- Jouni Flyktman (IQM Quantum Computers) IQM Quantum Computers – Finland’s pioneer in quantum computing
- Juha Harju (Woolman Oy), From data chaos to Intelligent Commerce – AI as a bridge between data and actions
- Jarkko Hautala (Niilo Mäki Instituutti) CECO -project supports education export
- Samuli Pekkola (JYU), Digital transformation is not just technology implementation
- Jussi Jokinen (JYU), Multiobjective optimization of interaction design
- Tiia Suomivuori (JYU), Meaningful Digital Evolution (MDE) - Cultivating Purpose and Productivity in the AI Age
- Geoff Luck (JYU), AUDISSION: Predictive modelling for the advertising industry
- Ville Heilala (JYU) Miten tekoäly voisi vahvistaa parhaita puoliamme?
- Lauri Haapanen (JYU) Tekoäly journalismissa: innovoiden, ei vain tutkien
- Hanna Heinonen (KONE Corporation),Driving Digital Change with a Human Touch
- Riikka Simpura (JYU), Koodirunous ihmisen ja koneen välissä
- Viivi Korpela and Laura Pajula (JYU), Rethinking digital inclusion with older adults
Games and gaming are a significant international industry and an ever-growing market. Gamification is increasingly being used in different sectors of society, and e-sports professionals are the new superstars of our time. Games and gaming also shape our worldview and culture. How can games and gamification be utilised in business, education or research? What opportunities do games provide for promoting well-being or disseminating information?
Chair person for this session is Associate Professor Pekka Mertala. The main language is English.
After Wanda O Rly's keynote speech Play Means Business - Games And Game Technologies To Drive Other Industries we will hear elevator pitches:
- Tuomas Roininen (Jyväskylä Game Industry Hub EXPA), Expa Game Business Co-operative Unreal Authorized Training Center 11/2024 by Epic Games -What Then?
- Raine Koskimaa (JYU), Peliala kohtaa kyberturvallisuuden
- Anna Lukkari (JYU), iWall-liikuntapelien fyysinen kuormittavuus
- Jukka Varsaluoma (JYU), Gamification - magic for motivation
Global warming is accelerating, and the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting the temperature rise to 1.5 degrees seems increasingly unattainable. In order to turn the trend in the right direction, global greenhouse gas emissions must be brought under control quickly. How can we make this happen? What does a change of direction require from us socially and technically?
Chair person for this session is University Lecturer Mikko Vesisenaho. The main language is Finnish.
After Anni Mikkonen's keynote speech "Energiamurroksen ykkösajuri" we will hear elevator pitches:
- Timo Rouvinen (Metsä Group), Hiilijalanjäljen pienentäminen rakennusteollisuudessa
- Sirpa Tenhunen (Jyväskylän yliopisto), Arvoista toimintaan -työpajat Suomen metsien kestävyyssiirtymän vauhdittajana
- Toni Hemminki (Alva-yhtiöt Oy), Vihreän siirtymän kääntöpuoli
- Mashiur Rahman (Jyväskylän yliopisto) EU Decarbonisation in Times of Crises: Exploring Social Innovations and Enhancing an Equitable Twin Transitions (DeCrises)
- Terhi Kuikka (Jyväskylän yliopisto), Vety osana vihreää siirtymää
Speeches focusing on collaboration and networking have been moved to a new mini session titled "Partners as a Key to Success"
This session does not begin with a keynote speech; instead, it concludes with the closing address of the entire event, delivered by Vice-Rector Pasi Raiskinmäki.
To celebrate the day, we will also raise a toast to the event!
Chair person of this session is Vice Rector Pasi Raiskinmäki. The main language is Finnish.
We will hear elevator pitches:
- Mika Fisk (Jyväskylän Yritystehdas Oy), There is Strength in Numbers - The Startup Factory’s Services for Staff and Students
- Mari-Pauliina Tervo (kirjailija, Sirimaan salaisuus), Sirimaan salaisuus matkalla maailmalle
- Maria Kuoksa (AuHippu), AuHippu neurokirjon nuorten tukena
- Katja Kröger and Heidi Sipponen (Kielo Jyväskylä), Kielo - Tilat lähellä tutkimusta, osaamista ja yhteistyömahdollisuuksia
- Pirkko-Liisa Vesterinen (Keski-Suomen Yrityskummit ry),Yrityskummit onnistumisen tukena
- Viivi Sakkara (Keski-Suomen kauppakamari),Keski-Suomi – Parhaat palat löytyvät keskeltä
As part of the FORTHEM European university alliance, JYU organizes the local Researcher’s Grand Prix to select the person to represent JYU and go forward into the FORTHEM European Researcher Grand Prix final for Early-Stage Researchers, and present alongside representatives from the other FORTHEM universities. Nine universities from all over Europe will be represented at the RGP final in Dijon this year.
For the second year, the University of Jyväskylä’s finalist will be selected in this semi-final event at the Business Networking Day by a specially selected jury of experts. The competitors will give a short four-minute presentation/pitch of their research project in front of the Business Networking Day audience.
This event provides the opportunity for the researchers to present their work in a new, entertaining, and engaging way, to a diverse audience of fellow academics, experts, and business representatives. The final of the FORTHEM Researcher Grand Prix will take place at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, France on 6 November.
Competitors:
Jun Liu, Department of Biological and Environmental Science
Antimicrobial textiles
Kimmo Lehtinen, Department of Biological and Environmental Science
Red Light Controlled Cell Death
Sanna Turakka, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences
Perfectionism and self-compassion in sport
Robin Chouleur, Department of Language and Communication Studies
Winners and Losers in Language History: The Cases of Finnish and Occitan
Aino Sorsa, Department of Psychology
Studies In sync with speech: the path to reading?
After the daytime program, we’ll take a short break and continue the evening with a dinner event starting at 17:00 in Paviljonki’s A-Hall.
Evening Program:
17:00–18:30 Welcome and dinner
18:30–19:00 Live music by Bilebändi Buumi
19:00 Dessert is served
19:45–20:15 Second set by Bilebändi Buumi
20:30 Last call
21:00 Event ends – safe journey home!
Evening Host: Anna Roikonen
The evening program will be smoothly guided by Anna Roikonen.
Anna works at the University of Jyväskylä as a Project Manager for JYU.Edu and Coordinator of the EDUCA Flagship. She holds a Master’s degree in Education, and her passions lie especially in teaching and early childhood education.
Performer: Party Band Buumi
During the dinner, Party Band Buumi will lift the mood and get everyone moving!
Buumi is a four-member cover band that plays a wide range of popular music — from energetic party hits to more traditional dance tunes.
Line-up:
- Elina Häyhä – Vocals / Keyboard
- Atte Leppikangas – Guitar / Vocals
- Juuso Ratilainen – Bass / Synth Bass
- Jere Jolkkonen – Drums
