Exploring Digital Transformation: FORTHEM Startup Day Recap

The FORTHEM Startup Day hosted in the Faculty of Information Technology at the JYU gathered entrepreneurs and researchers to exchange ideas on digital transformation.

Held on Thursday 23rd November 2023, this matchmaking event brought together startups, researchers, students, and organizations from all corners of Europe. The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative discussions, with a central focus on Digital Transformation.

The event featured Professor Samuli Pekkola from the University of Jyväskylä, who shed light on the significant influence of identity in digital transformation. Pekkola emphasized the challenges brought about by the ever-changing organizational landscape and the necessity of coordinating research with practical needs. "New practices are challenging our old work practices,” Pekkola said and urged a need to develop new work practices. Startups were encouraged to consider the potential transformational impact of their technology on customer experiences.

Sampo Hyvärinen, CEO of startup Aichologist, provided an overview of mimicking human interaction using generative AI. The keynote speech highlighted the ethical considerations of duplicating human behavior through artificial intelligence, specifically focusing on enhancing communication between individuals using AI-generated feedback.

From the University of Valencia, Professor Jose Rodolfo Hernandez-Carrion explored the topic of "The 'Peer-To-Peer Sharing Economy' Age: The Digital Platforms Revolution," uncovering the transformative essence of the sharing economy. Hernandez-Carrion offered valuable advice for startups to navigate and capitalize on the opportunities emerging from collaborative platforms.

The event also offered a platform for four startups, featuring delegates from the University of Valencia, University of Jyväskylä and the University of Opole, to present their business ideas that focused on digital transformation. Expert commentators provided valuable feedback that enriched their perspectives, promoting a collaborative atmosphere.

Attended by more than 50 guests from the University of Jyväskylä and the region and from the FORTHEM Alliance, the event seamlessly blended physical and virtual engagement. The forthcoming FORTHEM Startup Day, set for Thursday, 16th May 2024, at 14:15 EET (13:15 CET), holds the potential to strengthen the culture of collaborative innovation. The event will centre around the theme of sustainability. Startup Day is free and open to all. Looking forward to meeting you!