Business Networking Day brought together companies, researchers, and students to explore new collaboration opportunities
Business Networking Day is an annual networking event organised by the University of Jyväskylä, where companies and stakeholders can showcase their innovations and express their needs, and university researchers can highlight their expertise. Students also have the opportunity to meet company and stakeholder representatives in their field.
The following speakers delivered keynote presentations on the themes of the Business Networking Day: AI and Data-Driven Decision-Making: Ward van Zoonen (Associate Professor at the University of Jyväskylä), Disruptive Technologies: Lauri Reuter (founding partner of the Nordic Foodtech investment fund), Well-Being and Demographic Change: Toni Piispanen (Deputy General Secretary of the National Sports Council of Finland), Climate, Environment, and Green Transition: Marja-Kristiina Lerkkanen (Dean of the Faculty of Education and Psychology), Comprehensive Security Solutions Providing Resilience: Saana Nilsson (Intelligence and Security Expert); and Collaboration as a Foundation for Innovations: Tom Lind (CEO of Elomatic).
Collaboration as the foundation of innovations
In addition to the keynote speech, the importance of collaboration as a foundation for innovation was discussed in a panel session exploring how collaboration between research, business and entrepreneurship can be strengthened and the kinds of innovation that emerge when different perspectives come together.
The panellists were Minister (honorary title) Mauri Pekkarinen, Tom Lind (CEO of Elomatic), Niko Frilander (University of Jyväskylä alumnus and co-founder of Idean Oy), Veli-Matti Hulkko (Technology Manager at Metsä Spring), and Mari Suoranta (Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at the University of Jyväskylä). The discussion was opened by Johanna Moisio (Secretary General of Finland’s Research and Innovation Council), and moderated by Vilma Luoma-aho (Dean at JSBE).
“Every company should invite a researcher to examine their most challenging problem. It is beneficial for a student to conduct their own thesis research on a genuine industry challenge. Here’s another tip for improving collaboration: share one unfinished idea with someone outside your team,” said Lind.
“Universities must open their doors to the business world, and entrepreneurs must do the same to universities. Both sides need to take more initiative,” emphasised Minister (honorary title) Mauri Pekkarinen, who took part in the panel discussion.
Diverse, inspiring encounters
The event provided an opportunity to meet current and potential partners. Participants were also delighted to see so many students taking part.
“Students from many different fields have visited our stand, and there has been great interest in our Summer Trainee programme,” says Petri Tuominen, Consulting Engineer at Elomatic Oy. “Thanks to the partnership between the university and Elomatic, signed in November 2025, we receive research support for our business operations. In turn, the university gains a business perspective.”
“We met many students and researchers from various fields today. We have been collaborating with the university for a long time, and following the cooperation agreement signed with EduJyväskylä’s educational institutions this year, our collaboration has deepened further,” says Physiology Expert Iida Laatikainen-Raussi from Harvia Finland.
“Alva has been working very closely with the university since 2010,” says Risto Ryymin, Development Manager at Alva. “Based on research carried out in collaboration with the university, we now have well-advanced plans for a facility that will recover critical raw materials from waste electrical and electronic equipment.”
“We have had many positive and inspiring encounters with researchers and students from JYU and Jamk, as well as with current and potential partners,” says Virpi Puhakka, Ecosystem Director at Valmet. “We have also been sharing information about our Industrial Nexus programme, for which we are currently seeking partners.”
According to Henna Väisänen, Team Leader at FCG, and Joona Kyhyräinen, Junior Environmental Specialist at FCG, the event has attracted many potential trainees and summer workers. It is also important to increase the company’s visibility among students.
“There have been interesting discussions at the event, and students are keen on internships and job opportunities. If you’re looking for work in your own field, this is a good place to make genuine contacts,” says Lauri Nokkala, a student.
Record-breaking number of participants
Business Networking Day attracted over 1,000 participants, a record-breaking number.
“The event has continued to grow year after year, with participants joining in with great enthusiasm. Students have also turned out in large numbers,” says Suvi Harsunen, Business Services Manager at the Faculty of Mathematics and Science, who was one of the organisers of the event. “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the event.”
