Research, expertise and companies come together at the University of Jyväskylä’s Business Networking Day on 8 October 2026
The event will take place at Paviljonki in Jyväskylä on Thursday, 8 October 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Up to 100 organisations and 1,000 participants are expected to attend.
“At Business Networking Day, visitors can see first-hand what is currently being researched and developed at the University,” says Business Services Manager Anni Taponen. “Pitches and personal encounters provide a broad overview of ongoing research and project activities. The event also brings together the University’s partners and stakeholders. We firmly believe the best ideas emerge through interaction, and Business Networking Day provides an excellent opportunity to find new partners and build effective collaboration.”
Inspiring talks and opportunities to connect
In addition to the traditional exhibition area, the programme includes sessions in which representatives of businesses, stakeholders and researchers will discuss this year’s themes. There will be inspiring keynote addresses as well as shorter pitches.
Keynote speakers from a range of fields include intelligence and security expert Saana Nilsson, CEO of Elomatic Tom Lind, and Lauri Reuter, a founding partner of the investment fundNordic Foodtech.
A panel discussion will explore how collaboration between research, business and entrepreneurship can be strengthened and what kind of innovations can emerge when different perspectives come together. The discussion will be introduced by Johanna Moisio, Secretary General of the Research and Innovation Council.
The panel participants include former cabinet minister and member of the Finnish and European Parliament Mauri Pekkarinen; Tom Lind, CEO of Elomatic; Niko Frilander, JYU alumnus and a founding member of Idean; Veli-Matti Hulkko, Technology Manager at Metsä Group; and Mari Suoranta,Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at the University of Jyväskylä.
The themes for this year’s event are AI and data-driven decision-making; disruptive technologies; well-being and demographic change; climate, environment and the green transition; resilience and solutions for comprehensive security; and collaboration as a foundation for innovations. The event will be held in Finnish and English.
