When Passion for Sports Meets the Power of Technology 🤝
In March 2026, we will explore the exciting world of sport and health technologies aimed at promoting both physical and mental well-being. The event will kick off with keynote speakers who share their personal experiences working and doing business in the fields of sport, health, and wellbeing.
The second half of the afternoon is dedicated to business idea pitches. After each presentation, we hear comments from an expert panel and the audience. The event will wrap up with a networking and idea-sharing session over a cup of coffee. ☕
The event is free of charge and open to everyone!
We are pleased to collaborate in March with Sport Innovation Hub Jyväskylä, who support the growth of SMEs and promote success in sports, physical activity, and well-being. Their on-going project is focused on RDI activities and is co-funded by the European Union. Our second partner on the theme is HHub, an ecosystem dedicated to promoting exercise, health, and well-being locally. The initiative is coordinated by the City of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä Business Development Services.
About FORTHEM Startup Day
FORTHEM Startup Day is a bi-annual hybrid entrepreneurship event that brings together a diverse group of professionals, including entrepreneurs, innovators, students, researchers, and experts working in the field of our changing theme. The event is organized by the University of Jyväskylä in collaboration with the international university network FORTHEM Alliance, and co-funded by the European Union.
Our mission is to promote interaction within the local entrepreneurship ecosystem and encourage collaboration with businesses and higher-education institutions in Jyväskylä and across Europe. We are grateful for the strong support we receive from the FORTHEM Alliance network ❤️
The event is organized by a team of volunteers. We are researchers, students, and entrepreneurs who believe in becoming stronger together by building a community. If you are interested in joining the team, please contact Taija Kolehmainen, University of Jyväskylä.
Got a Fresh Business Idea? Join Us on the Stage!
📢 FORTHEM Startup Day is now looking for startup pitches to share their fresh ideas! Ideas may touch upon, but are not limited to, the themes of sport and health technologies. The presentation will be followed by a 5-minute question-and-answer session with the expert panel and audience.
FORTHEM Startup Day is a place where entrepreneurs, future professionals, researchers, and experts on themes related to our digital world come together. Everyone's welcome to join us and network with our startup community!
Register for pitching on Thursday, March 12th on-site or online.
Program – Sport and Health Technology
| Time | Program |
|
12:30 |
Info for the speakers |
|
13:00 |
The event starts! Welcome words, host |
|
13:05 |
Ecosystem introduction: Sport Innovation Hub |
|
13:15 |
Ecosystem introduction: Hhub - Nordic Health, Sports and Wellbeing Ecosystem, Taija Lappeteläinen, City of Jyväskylä |
| 13:30 | Keynote, Nina Rautiainen, Program Manager, City of Jyväskylä Business Services; EBAN Sport, Member of Steering Commitee and Finnish Business Angels Member & Regional contact |
| 14:00 | Keynote, Tero Myllymäki, Physiology Research Manager at Firstbeat |
| 14:30 | Introduction to the pitch session and panelists |
| 14:35 | Pitches start! 5 mins. presentation + 5 mins. Q&A |
| 15:20 | Do not miss these! - Next entrepreneurial events |
| 15:30 | Coffee & networking on-site Online match-making on Zoom |
Experts, We Are Looking for Keynotes and Panelists!
We are looking for experts and researchers willing to share their insights with early-stage entrepreneurs and students. Contact Taija Kolehmainen at tasukole@jyu.fi, if you wish to give a keynote at the event.
Are you a person working with startups who helps with IPR-related issues, or maybe you offer incubator and venture capital networks, or other support for startups? Sign up for the Startup Day expert panel.
