Business Networking Day 2026
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.
Registration of companies and stakeholders
Registration for University Staff and Students
In the thematic sessions, we will hear short presentations (max. 5 minutes) from representatives of companies, partner organizations, and the University’s researchers and staff. Applications for these talks are open.
As only a limited number of elevator pitch slots are available in the programme, we unfortunately cannot guarantee a speaking opportunity for all applicants.
In the application form, you will be asked to provide a brief description of your presentation topic and select the theme to which you would primarily like to contribute. The application period for elevator pitches closes on 31 August 2026.
Apply for a speaking slot!
Speaker Training
If delivering an elevator pitch is new to you, no worries! We offer all pitchers the opportunity to participate in a training session, including a lecture and a sparring workshop. Be sure to save the training dates in your calendar!
- During the lecture (Teams) on Friday 11 September at 10:00–11:00, you will learn the basic principles of a strong elevator pitch and have the chance to ask any questions you may have.
- In the sparring workshops (two alternative sessions on 21 or 23 September at 12:00–16:00), you will present your elevator pitch to a panel and receive constructive feedback on your presentation.
- The training sessions also provide a great opportunity to get to know other speakers.
Participation in the training is not mandatory, but we highly recommend it, especially for first-time speakers. In 2025, 92% of participants found the training beneficial.
The Business Networking Day will be held in Jyväskylä, Paviljonki (Lutakonaukio 12). We will be using halls A and B1, which can be entered via the entrance of Lutakonaukio.
For detailed arrival and parking instructions, please visit the Paviljonki website Arrival and parking - Paviljonki.
Daytime programme and exhibition open from 9:00 to 17:00.
8-9 Building the exhibition
9:00 Opening of the event
9:30–10:45 Thematic sessions 1 (Stages 1 and 2)
10:45–12:45 Lunch
10:50–12:40 Side event: FORTHEM Researcher Grand Prix (Stage 2)
12:45–14:00 Thematic sessions 2 (Stages 1 and 2)
14:00–14:30 Coffee break
14:30–15:45 Thematic sessions 3 (Stages 1 and 2)
Dinner from 17:00 to 21:00.
Preliminary program
17:00–20:30 Dinner, networking and short program segments
20:30 Last call
21:00 The event ends – have a safe journey home!
Host: Aaro Vuotila
The evening will be hosted and the program led by Aaro Vuotila, an actor with Teatterikone, who originally hails from the singing landscapes of South Karelia and has made Central Finland his home.
Saana Nilsson is a leading expert in intelligence and security, with nearly 20 years of experience at the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service (Supo). During her career, she has held several key positions, including Researcher, Chief Analyst and Chief of Staff. After her long public service career, Nilsson founded her own company with the aim of bringing the best practices and insights of the intelligence field to support organisations more broadly.
As an experienced speaker, Nilsson helps organisations anticipate future developments and discover new, clarifying perspectives.
Her presentations are known for their concrete examples, personal experiences and subtle sense of humour. Nilsson excels in engaging with her audience and is happy to take on even the most challenging questions.
Saana Nilsson speaks within the theme Comprehensive Security Solutions Providing Resilience.
Tom Lind became CEO of Elomatic in 2023, bringing over 20 years of experience across consulting and the process industry. His career spans roles in development, management, and administration, with a strong focus on enhancing competitiveness, driving large-scale strategic business development, and leading comprehensive business transformations.
Recognized as an engaging and forward-thinking leader, Tom fosters a positive mindset and values strong relationships with all stakeholders. He holds a PhD in Technology from Åbo Akademi University. In addition to his role at Elomatic, Lind serves on the boards of CH-Bioforce Oy, SKOL (the Finnish Association of Consulting Firms), and Elomatic-Pharmalab (EPCE). He is also a member of the Industry and Climate Committee at the Finland Chamber of Commerce and of Varma’s Consultative Committee of Employers.
Tom Lind speaks within the theme Collaboration as a Foundation for Innovations.
