Joni Kettunen receives the University of Jyväskylä’s Puolestapuhuja Award 2025
“For many years, Joni Kettunen has generously contributed as an expert and shared his business story on various forums, and also at university events,” explains Antti Määttä, chair of the board of the foundation, giving the reasoning behind the decision. “As the CEO of a university-based company, he has promoted the visibility of research knowledge and university education, while highlighting the benefits of applying research-based knowledge to business development.”
Sanna-Mari Jyräkoski, vice chair of the board of the Jyväskylä University Foundation, presented the award and a painting by Samuli Heinonen at a stakeholder event on 18 December 2025.
“I am truly honored to receive this award, and it is very close to my heart,” says Joni Kettunen. “I believe it is important to support initiatives from the University that build on its expertise and lead to success stories, meaningful impact, and new jobs.”
Firstbeat was founded on research conducted at the Finnish Institute of High-Performance Sport (KIHU) and the University of Jyväskylä. The company, launched by Joni Kettunen, Aki Pulkkinen, and Heikki Rusko, is built on more than 20 years of research on the autonomic nervous system, exercise physiology, psychophysiology, and mathematical methods.
The Jyväskylä University Foundation annually presents the Puolestapuhuja Award to an individual or group that has raised the public profile of the University of Jyväskylä and supported the University through their actions. Previous recipients of the award include Timo Koivisto, Vesa-Pekka Kangaskorpi, Henna Virkkunen, and the men’s choir Seminaarinmäen mieslaulajat.
More information:
Vice Chair of the Jyväskylä University Foundation Sanna-Mari Jyräkoski, sanna-mari.jyrakoski@yrittajat.fi
