2026 Programme (10-15.08)
For the full programme, registration, special offers and more register at ▶▶▶ events.upcode.net ◀◀◀
WFF 2026
PLEASE NOTE that venues, schedules, topics and speakers are subject to CHANGE. Updates and additions are possible (version 29.06.2026)
Certain programs require a separate invitation or external registration (information in the program)
Unique agendas:
• New Nordic Energy System
• New Nordic Energy & Data key competence areas with export targets
• New Nordic “MIT” level R&D, with impact
• New Nordic Defense: main issues and targets
• New Nordic Logistics in world economy
• New Nordic Forest Economy
• New Nordic Culture 3.0 with impact
• AI implementations for leaderships
• New ambitions in Healthcare, Education, Circular Economy, Neurology (we-they in politics), Quantum Tech, Space Economy
• Unique new Exhibition: Everything is Energy – Energy is everything
(10.08) Monday -
Circular Economy /// Forest Economy: national and Nordic Forest values and investment potentials /// NEW MODEL Co-create AI in manufacturing /// Future Vaasa /// Hall of Energy New Exhibition grand opening
09:00 - 11:00
From Climate Goals to Circular Business Models
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
How can climate goals be translated into practical actions, new forms of collaboration, and sustainable business opportunities? This seminar will showcase current examples from Vaasa and Korsholm, where the city and municipality, together with businesses, and other stakeholders are working together to promote the circular economy in the region.
The programme consists of short presentations providing an overview of ongoing climate and sustainability initiatives in Vaasa and Korsholm, followed by business cases demonstrating how circular solutions can create both commercial value and sustainable development. The seminar concludes with a panel discussion exploring the opportunities, challenges, and future prospects of the circular transition in the region.
Preliminary Programme: · Welcome and introduction · Climate and sustainability initiatives in Vaasa · Climate and sustainability initiatives in Korsholm · Company presentations and practical examples of circular business models · Panel discussion · Questions and discussion
Organisers: Korsholm Municipality, VASEK, Vaasa Climate Commitment and Vaasa
11:00 - 12:00
Vaasa as Forerunner in Nordic: Modern living-working-leisure-culture integration with Waterfront
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing
Program TBC
12:00 - 15:00
New value chains – Forestry in wartime – New politics for the future of forests and forestry
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
Preliminary programme
New value chains
• International value chains and the future potential of the bioeconomy, perspectives from North Karelia – Markus Hirvonen, Regional Mayor of North Karelia
• International value chains and the future potential of the bioeconomy, perspectives from Västernorrland – Helena Näsström, Senior Project Manager, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden
• New wood – unlocking the potential of wood – Virpi Korhonen, Project Manager, Metsäviestintä
• Circular Solutions For The Furniture Industry – Insights From Francesca Horizon Europe Project – Erwan Mouazan, Senior Researcher, University of Vaasa
Coffee Break (20 min)
Forestry in wartime
• Sustainable raw material supply for forest energy production in Ukraine – Pasi Poikonen, Project Manager for the Forest Energy Ukraine Project 2025–2028, Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE)
• Perspectives on forestry from the Kherson Region in Ukraine (Teams, Speaker to be confirmed)
New politics for the future of forests and forestry
• Nature, climate and land use: current policy priorities – Mikko Peltonen, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
• Tapping into the innovation potential of forests and forestry, perspectives from EU agricultural and forest policy – Taru Haapaniemi, Member of Commissioner Hansen’s Cabinet (Agriculture)
13:00 - 15:00
Future Vaasa 204X: Powered by Data, Energy and the Citiverse
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing
What could the future of Vaasa look like? How can energy, data, digital twins and smart services support sustainable growth, a better everyday life and the city's long-term development?
The programme explores urban development from both physical and digital perspectives. The event begins with a future vision, painting a picture of what Vaasa could look like in 204X. This is followed by a discussion among experts, city representatives and companies on topics such as the Citiverse, data-driven decision-making, the energy transition and Vaasa’s long-term development opportunities.
Participants will also have the opportunity to share their ideas and perspectives on the future of Vaasa through open idea boards available throughout the event.
The event is organized in collaboration with the City of Vaasa, the University of Vaasa and Merinova, together with the Vaasa IoT and Nordic Energy Capital projects.
15:00 - 16:00
NEW WÄRTSILÄ AI MODEL: Don’t wait! Co-create AI in manufacturing
Presenters: Christian Sundman, GM Innovation, Wärtsilä & Tony Savander, Senior Data Scientist, Wärtsilä
·Keynote: Christian and Tony explain how organizations can begin their journey in collaborating with AI through practical, hands-on approaches.
The presentation highlights the importance of cross-functional collaboration and learning by doing, rather than waiting for perfect strategies.
·Panel discussion - Call for action
15:30 - 18:00
Hall of Energy Grand permanent Exhibition opening ceremony: Everything is Energy – Energy is Everything
📍 Catacombs
15.30–16.00 Cocktail
16.00–Opening of exhibitions
Facts, presentations and art including Everything is Energy, and Terra:Forms. WIC resident artist Benjamin Knock (Australia) has been building a permanent exhibition of digital and physical works to our 'Hall of Energy' named Terra:Forms. Official info: wasafuturefestival.fi/en/TerraForms
(11.08) Tuesday -
NORDIC “MIT”/// R&D /// AI execution & AI for company decision makers /// Startups /// Energy Systems /// RESILIENCE /// Ports /// YoungTalk26
09:00 - 10:30
Agentic AI in Product-Service Systems: Approaches and Applications (1/2)
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
University of Vaasa. TBC. First part of the topic. Followed by Workshop for Industry
10:30 - 13:00
Workshop: Navigating AI Transformative Forces: A Foresight Workshop for Decision-Makers (2/2)
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing
Organized by GenAI Pioneers Project boosted by Business Finland Hosts Dr. Maria Pajuoja, University of Vaasa and Dr. Anna-Mari Simunaniemi, Jamk University of Applied Sciences, Main facilitator Dr. Pauli Komonen, VTT
In this interactive workshop, we examine the key transformative forces, trends, risks, and weak signals of generative AI that will shape the business environment and leadership in the coming years. The workshop provides participants with long-range insights into how AI impacts innovation, decision-making, and business processes, as well as the leadership challenges and opportunities it creates. A new AI Horizon Radar tool developed in the GenAI Project will be used in the workshop. For whom? This session is designed for decision-makers and experts working in innovation, business development, and foresight across industries. What do get? You will gain a comprehensive view of how AI is reshaping the business landscape and practical ways to anticipate change, prepare your organization, and identify opportunities for renewal.
Through the workshop you will:
1. Identify and interpret critical trends shaping future AI scenarios.
2. Engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue explore the opportunities and uncertainties AI creates across industries.
3. Take away practical ideas for anticipating change and renewing your organization’s business.
The underlying research project, GenAI Pioneers, which is a collaboration between the University of Vaasa, VTT, and Jamk, explores this theme specifically from the perspectives of innovation and leadership. The workshop material is based on the project's preliminary insights into the primary transformative drivers of AI.
10:30 - 12:00
Startups fuel for Economic Growth
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
10.30 Vaasa Startup Ecosystem developments - Philipp Holtkamp, Patrik Österåker, University of Vaasa
11.15 Vaasa goes Silicon Valley - Lars Ling (TBD)
13:00 - 15:00
How to prosper during the times of uncertainty?
Geopolitical and geoeconomic tensions make it difficult for businesses to foresee and plan for their long-term operations. Polycrisis scenarios also make it harder for businesses to make investment decisions since typical linear risk models fail to account for the cumulative effects of the existing risk and threat landscape.
The goal of this session is to deepen our understanding of how crises can paralyse certain businesses and public organisations while providing an opportunity for others to recharge and flourish. The thematic session's presentations and panels will address what elements establish operational models in the middle of a crisis, allowing enterprises to develop new types of products or services. Why do some stagnate while others thrive?
Keynote: Mika Aaltonen, Sustainable Nation Group: “The Polycrisis Playbook: Why traditional models fail and how new ones prevail?”
Panel:
Petri Uusikylä, University of Vaasa (moderator)
Hanna Smith, University of Vaasa
Mika Aaltonen, Sustainable Nation Group
Kari Renko, Patria
Hannu Mäntymaa, Wärtsilä
Jussi Aarnivuo TBC, ABB
14.00-14.15 Coffee break
13:00 - 15:00
Workshop: LivingPort – Co-creating the future smart port
📍 Garage
Workshop arranged by the project Ports as Innovation Platforms for Clean Transition, led by the Port of Vaasa, in cooperation with VAMK and VASEK.
The idea is to dig into the themes: PortGrid, Seamless Port and Port Center. The session supports the co-creation model and the process of moving from idea to more concrete steps within the port ecosystem.
The project has previously arranged two innovation workshops based on innovation opportunities related to a new port terminal and center. The first workshop brought together a broad cross‑sector group of stakeholders, and the second workshop deepened this by drawing on the research and expert knowledge of higher education institutions. The focus on co‑creation has genuinely opened up the development process to multiple stakeholder groups and enabled their participation.
The workshop is held in Finnish; all material is in English.
Tags: innovation, ports, charging, etrucks, sustainability, construction, IoT, smart building, energy, scalability
14:00 - 15:00
Values in Motion?AI as a question of public values and societal futures
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing
Session description: AI is no longer only a mundane tool for producing text or automating tasks. It is rapidly entering the core institutions of society where public value is created, contested, and delivered: democratic processes, public administration, and care services.With good reason, these developments are associated with great expectations and opportunities but also risks and fears. In this session, drawing on three projects funded by the Strategic Research Council of Finland, ETAIROS, AIDEMOC and CAREFUTURE,we invite you to a discussion on the values and tensions created through AI in the development of democracy, public administration, and care services.
• Nina Wessberg: What kinds of AI futures are possible?• Antero Karvonen & Anton Sigfrids: What value tensions emerge whenpublic administration adopts AI?• Jaana Leikas: What happens when AI enters care, where ethics,vulnerability, and human relations are central?• Discussion: 20 minutes (facilitator Nina Wessberg)
15:00 - 16:00
Guided Tour: Hall of Fame, Hall of Energy (The Catacombs)
📍 Catacombs
16:30 - 21:00
YoungTalk26 - From Potential to Belonging – Unlocking Talent into Regional Success
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
Organizer: Vaasa University of Applied Sciences / Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu
16.15 Networking starts
16:30 Opening of the seminar
16:40 Opening Remarks by Minister Joakim Strand
Get Inspired By. (Main Speakers 15 minutes each)
· Cracking the code of belongingness – Katarina Hellén, Research Manager, VILPE
· Pathways to potential: how regional actors unlock talent growth – Kenneth Engblom, Vice President Europe and Africa, Wärtsilä
· Inclusion as a strategy: turning diversity into regional success – Keimo Kalliosaari, CEO, Leinolat Group
At 18.00 Co-creation Starts (Pitch Talkers: 5 minutes each)
18:00 A moment of interaction with the audience Theme 1: Unlocking the code of regional success, Henri Kinnunen, CEO, WeTech.
18:45 A moment of interaction with the audience Theme 2: Turning inclusion into Actions, Sanna-Mari Kaakinen, Sustainability Manager, ABB Smart Power.
19.30 Break , Music Performance
19:45 A moment of interaction with the audience Theme 3 Recognising the Hidden Potential, Johnny Lindqvist, CSO & Partner, TK Engineering.
20:45 Exploring Solutions and Next Steps by Moderators
21.00 Event ends
(12.08) Wednesday -
Energy& Data /// New Tech: Photonics, SpaceEconomy, Quantum tech, Local Battery Energy Storage /// Datacenters /// Biology/Neurology (We/Them)
09:00 - 11:00
“Future of Energy” – EnergySAMPO
Sector coupling has been in talks during this spring. Datacenters are popping up like mushrooms and according to some they are just pushing electricity price up without giving anything back. However, industrial electrification, datacenters, hydrogen industry etc. are sectors that are coupled in the energy system in the future. Hence the question. What is sector coupling and what does it mean for us really!
EnergySampo seminar “Future of Energy” builds on facts and tackles the following questions:
·Keynote: Defining sector coupling by Jukka Leskelä, CEO Energy Industries of Finland
·Dialogue: Technically viable vs. economically feasible by Dr. Katja Sirviö, University of Vaasa, and DR2 Sari Kola, Merinova
·Panel discussion: Building a cost-efficient, sustainable and resilient future energy system by Jukka Leskelä, Jarmo Saaranen (VNT Management), n.n. (ABB) and n.n. (to be announced)
11:00 - 11:30
Finland Investment Institute & SITRA AI Cubic for Economic Growth
Vaasa University, rector Minna Martikainen, SITRA, president Atte Jääskeläinen, Vaasa University, Professor in practice Pekka Koponen
12:00 - 15:00
Space Wednesday – From Orbit to Opportunity: The Economic Impact of Space on Finland and the Nordics
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing
– Kvarken Space Center and the University of Vaasa, Ali Arslan, UniVaasa
– Presentation of the national SpacEconomy project, Heidi Kuusniemi, TAU
– Development of the roadmap in SpacEconomy project, Johanna Kalliokoski, UniVaasa
– Building a Competitive Space Economy: The Role of Finnish Governance and Policy Reform, Tero Vihavainen, Leading Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland
– Q&A and Mentimeter summary
13:30-13.45 Break
– Nordic space cooperation, Søren Gram Riisgard, Space Denmark
– Results of the Nordic AuroraSpace project funded by Interreg Aurora, Petri Välisuo, UniVaasa
– Space economy and internationalization, Mikko Punnala, Sharpnav Oy
– Panel discussion on space business, ESA BIC Finland
12:00 - 13:00
(TBC) Datacenter as an Engine for Growth
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
Program TBC. Led by University of Vaasa, Mika Grundström
13:00 - 14:00
ENERGYVAASA: “Change is the new normal – How bold decisions creates growth and resilience”
In a world where change happens all the time, staying still can be the biggest risk. We look at how strong leadership, tough choices, and a readiness to question how things are done can drive growth, build resilience, and create lasting value for businesses and society. The time to be proactive is now.
Kristoffer Jansson & Sabina Storbacka
Speakers: Olli Sipilä /Gasgrid, Matti Vaattovaara / Hitachi Energy
14:00 - 16:00
Panel discussion: A time of increasing polarisation (WE/THEY)
📍 Bock's
2PM- 3PM PANEL DISCUSSION
Tiina Raevaara, Katri Saarikivi, Tanja Sihvonen
convenors: Kari Enqvist, Mikael Fortelius
3PM-4PM SESSION 2 : Concrete proposals to achieve positive impact
Panelists: Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) CPO Oskari Eronen
Experienced YLE journalist Daniel Olin, Two more TBC
Introductions to session 1:
Tiina Raevaara is a writer and a PhD in genetics. She writes both fiction and non-fiction and has received, among others, the Runeberg Literature Prize and the State Award for Public Information.
Katri Saarikivi is a brain researcher and neuroscientist. She is a well-known popularizer of science and the CEO of Samoi Oy, a company that solves problems in workplace interaction. She holds a PhD in philosophy.
Tanja Sihvonen is professor of communication studies at the University of Vaasa, and she studies the relationship between humans and media technology from the perspectives of games, internet cultures, and (ro)bots.
Kari Enqvist is professor emeritus of cosmology at the University of Helsinki.
Mikael Fortelius is professor emeritus of evolutionary palaeontology at the University of Helsinki.
14:30 - 16:00
Strategic Role of Data Centers
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
Data centers have become one of the key growth engines of Finland's future. Their full integration into the energy system – combined with investments in energy infrastructure – enables competitive electricity prices and creates the conditions for new investments. At the same time, data centers form the critical foundation of a modern, resilient society.
·Can we as a society act in a way that creates the best conditions for growth?
The moderator is Marko Kuokkanen, CEO of Technology Center Merinova.
In attendance are Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand,
Private Secretary of the Ministry of Employment and the Economy Timo Jaatinen,
Director General of the Finnish Security and Defence Agency Janne Känkänen,
Microsoft (name to be confirmed), Energy Business Director Wärtsilä, Jens Norrgård, Deputy-CEO EPV Energia Mats Söderlund
15:00 - 17:00
Powering the Energy Transition Together: Scaling Collaboration for Real Impact
📍 Garage
Seminar + Workshop with Karimäki, Segerstam, Sirviö, Mikulski, Kauhaniemi
Purpose: Demonstrate how effective university–industry collaboration creates impact today and co-define how it evolves toward system-level innovation and cross-sector collaboration tomorrow.
Part 1 - Seminar part
· Success cases from today (UVA + partnering companies)
· Transition to future needs
Part 2 - Workshop part
· Value of system-level research
· Expanding value beyond engineering
· Defining relevant use cases
Part 3 - Wrap-up and next steps
15:00 - 17:00
Kiinteistöakku 2030 – Batteries as local & global gamechanger?
📍 Barn
Welcome to listen, discuss and exchange ideas about battery systems installed in buildings and their features.
Programme:
·15:00 Introduction to the Kiinteistöakku 2030 project, its objectives and interim results, Visa Siekkinen
·15:10 - 15:30 The changing energy market through the eyes of the "Docent on Duty", Antti Rautiainen, PKS Sähkökauppa, risk manager
*New opportunities for households and buildings in the electricity market and power procurement. From an electricity buyer to part of a functioning energy system? Batteries, power charges, solar panels, demand response and energy communities. Are these threats or opportunities for an electricity company?
·15:30 - 16:30 Gamechanger with clever charger – Daniel Öster, Dala the Great, Dalas EV
*How can a garage in Raippaluoto become a 100 MWh global battery storage facility? Can a building battery be implemented more cost effectively and in a more environmentally friendly way than industrial and commercialised versions? Is the EU Battery Regulation an obstacle?
·16:00 - 16:30 Panel discussion: The future of building batteries
Panelists: Pörssitohtori, Dala the Great, Ari Salo (Vaasan Sähköverkko)
+ During and after the event, a physical demo model, real estate battery yield calculators and experts will be available to meet, along with refreshments!
16:00 - 18:00
Seminar: Photonics – Energy – Data
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing
Juha Purmonen, Executive director, Photonics Finland
Jyrki Saarinen, Professor, University of Eastern Finland (UEF) (Chair of Scientific Advisory Board, Photonics Finland)
Hycom.core, Pauli Turunen, CEO, co-Founder
Winse Power, Ville Polojärvi, CEO, co-Founder
Nokia, TBC
16:00 - 17:00
Guided Tour: Hall of Fame, Hall of Energy (The Catacombs)
📍 Catacombs
16:01 - 20:00
AFTERFEST @ Bock's
📍 Bock's
Continue the discussions – or relax and network at the local brewery-restaurant! Bock's Brewery is the Wasa Future Festival official food and beverages provider during the week.
(13.08) Thursday -
”More Risk – please” /// Innovation Awards /// Special regional economy iniative /// NEW NORDIC /// Arts as a Driving force in Innovation /// Grand Dinner ///
09:00 - 10:00
Theme: "More risk taking – please!"
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
Taking risk is main element in market economy and main element for growth – specially regarding realeconomy!
Main mental challenge for private capital and public capital sector. But as well important for researchers, management, start-ups and civil servants.
Minister Riikka Purra : Importance of Technology
Two Panels with concrete proposals:
·Panel 1: president of SITRA Atte Jääskeläinen, member of parliament Martin Paasi, CEO, Kreab, Mikael Jungner, CEO, Helectron, Philip Aminoff, CEO, Finnvera, Juuso Heinilä, Chairman of Keskusta -party, Antti Kaikkonen, MEP, Merja Kyllönen
·Panel 2: Minister Joakim Strand, Head of Research, Danske Bank, Heidi Schauman, former prime Minister of Finland Esko Aho, CEO, Business Finland, Lassi Noponen, Member of Parliament Ville Skinnari.
10:00 - 10:55
Two AI initiatives with huge impact on wealth creation
10.00 Case 1: Revolutionary way for AI to create new wealth (potentially 10 Billion per year) by understanding reality and potentiality using real facts from Statistics Finland: Hugh knowledge increase for businesspeople, teachers, pupils, politicians, researchers, civil servants.
Trusted National AI — Trusted Data In, Insights for People Out – Deputy Director General Ville Vertanen
10.30 Case 2 : AI Cubic of Economic Growth "Kuutio”. Fundamentally new ambition to create wealth impact by R&D (target 10 Billion eur per year). Finland Investment Institute & SITRA AI Cubic for Economic Growth Minna Martikainen (VY), Atte Jääskeläinen (SITRA), Pekka Koponen (VY)
11:00 - 11:30
Awards Ceremonies
-Innovative company of the year with huge export and ecosystem impact.
-Grant for excellence in young entrepreneurship.
12:00 - 13:00
Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce: Special regional economy
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing
Theme: Clean Transition Ostrobothnia - Towards the Next Steps
The billion-dollar investments in the clean transition require Finland to take a new, bold approach to regulation. Ostrobothnia is the driver of the energy transition, but projects are often slowed down by bureaucracy and the rigidity of permits. Could the solution be an Ostrobothnia special economic zone based on the Experimental Act, where permits and regulations are eased to accelerate investments?
Target audience: Business management in the region, municipal decision-makers, state administration representatives and green transition experts.
· Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce information session - CEO Paula Erkkilä
· Panel discussion (3 themes): Host, Aleksi Koivisto, Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce
Panelists: TBC
Theme 1: Electricity grid and grid investments.
Theme 2: Ostrobothnia as a national competitiveness project.
Theme 3: Ostrobothnia Special Economic Zone
· Summary and audience questions
13:00 - 16:15
Seminar: New Nordic – The new role of the Nordic countries in the global market (Kvarken Council & FIN-SVE)
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
13:00 Opening of the seminar – Moderator Sarah Väre, Growth Director, Kvarken Council EGTC
13:05 Welcome speech – Kjell Skoglund, CEO, Finnish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce
13:10 Opening speech: Infrastructure of the future – important for both industrial growth and the security of the new Nordic region
Merja Kyllönen, Member of the European Parliament
13:30 The new world order of trade – power play, tensions and Nordic policies
Anders Ahnlid, Director General, Kommerskollegium
13:50 Pharmaceutical distribution under review – security of supply and cooperation in the Nordic region
Katarina Gabrielson, CEO, Oriola
14:10 Borderless business life? – about vitality, entrepreneurship and cooperation
Niklas Nordström, Senior Advisor, Egenmakt AB
14:20 BREAK and refreshments
14:50 The growth potential of the Kvarken region creates added value for the Nordic countries
Jan Wejdmark, Head of Strategic Sales, Newsec Sweden
15:10 Transport network under pressure – a scenario analysis of military mobility in the northern Nordic region
Hans Tino Hansen, CEO, Risk Intelligence
15:30 Large-scale transport infrastructure in the Nordic countries – how to finance it? Case Nordic Connector
Anders Jungar, Manager, PBI
15:50 The future of the Kvarken region; how do we create a more integrated border region?
Helene Hellmark Knutsson, Governor of Västerbotten County
16:05 Reflections and conclusion of the seminar
Mathias Lindström, Director, Kvarken Council EGTC
Moderator Sarah Väre, Growth Director, Kvarken Council EGTC
The program and further information for the joint WFF 2026 seminar of the Kvarken Council and the Finnish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce can be found here: www.kvarken.org/fi/tapahtumat/wasa-future-festival-2026
And in Swedish: www.kvarken.org/evenemang/wasa-future-festival-2026
The program is in Finnish and Swedish, except for one speech. Interpretation from Finnish to Swedish will be provided at the event.
14:00 - 15:00
Art as a Driving Force for Innovation - Panel discussion
📍 Ball Room
How can art be used as a tool for growth and innovation in businesses?
The discussion features corporate culture and art experts Ia Adlercreutz, Teemu Mäki, Ulrika Romantschuk, Janne Ylinen and Elina Melgin. Learn more: http://www.artists.fi/fi/uudet-mesenaatit-wasa-future-festivalilla-1382026-taide-innovaatioiden-kiihdyttajana
The discussion and the networking coffee that follows are open to everyone. Please register in advance via the Artists’ Association of Finland’s website. The panel discussion will be held in Finnish.
16:00 - 18:00
SIDE EVENT: Vaasan Ekonomit (Members only)
📍 Barn
Members only More info to follow. Arranged by Vaasan Ekonomit and Helsingin Ekonomit
17:00 - 18:00
Guided Tour: Hall of Energy, Hall of Fame (The Catacombs)
📍 Catacombs
18:00 - 20:00
GRAND DINNER
📍 Bock's
Pre-Reservations for Groups attending to WFF Grand Dinner directly from the Bock's Brewery Restaurant / Anne Suomalainen. More info, price etc to follow closer to date.
(14.08) Friday -
Nordic Defence /// Health /// Education /// Culture /// Drones!
08:55 - 11:00
New Nordic Defence: New reality and Horizons (INVITATION ONLY)
📍 Ball Room
Note: This is event is open only through personal invitation. Checklist at the door.
Main issues for New Nordic Defence: Logistics, Energy , Data, Technology
·Main points by Finnish Military Representative to NATO and EU: Mika Kalliomaa.
·Concrete proposals by: Rector of Defence Force University Jaro Kesänen, Chairman of Sweden Defence Committee Peter Hultqvist, Executive Vice President of Patria, Kari Renko, Deputy Chief of Staff Jari Mikkonen, Finnish military AI Chief, lieutenant colonel Petteri Hemminki, geopolitical officer Mikko Hautala, Vice Admiral i.a. Jan Thörnqvist, Major General i.a. Inge Kampenes, Rear Admiral (ret) Jakob Rousöe, Major i.a. Rolf Helenius, Commander Thomas Ljungqvist, NESPO CEO Mikael Wigell, CEO Olli Pohjanvirta, EU Defence Industry and Space Jonas Cederlöf, Nordic Compass, Jyrki Katainen
09:00 - 11:50
HEALTH: The Path Towards University Wellbeing Services County
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
Opening words: Anne Salovaara-Kero, Chair of the Board, Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia
If there is a will, there is a way: political support as a driver of development
9.20-9.40 Suvi Einola-Mikkola, Chief Strategy and Development Officer, Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia:
The Path Towards University Wellbeing Services County
9.40-10.20 Key note Speech Iñaki Gutiérrez Ibarluzea, Director of Health Research, Innovation and Evaluation at the Basque
Government's Ministry of HealthConnecting Innovation Ecosystems: Basque Lessons and Future RDI Cooperation with Ostrobothnia
10.20-10.50 Mika Kortelainen, Professor of Health Economics at the University of Turku and a Research Professor at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)
Creating Value in Health Care and Social Services through High-Impact Research Partnership
10.50 -11.00 Joakim Strand, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering (TBC)
Greetings from the Finnish Government on the Development of Wellbeing Services Counties
11-11.20 Harri Jalonen, Professor, University of Vaasa
From Research to Practice, from Practice to Research – Research Collaboration between a Wellbeing Services County and a University
11.20-11.40 Petra Kouvonen, rector, Helsinki universitet, Svenska social- och kommunalhögskola
Advancing Social Work Research and Education through Collaboration
11.40-11.50 The Path Forward, Anne Salovaara-Kero & Suvi Einola-Mikkola
09:00 - 11:00
EDUCATION: Living Labs
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing
Living Labs for 1000 pupils per year
Minister Anders Adlercreutz,
Projectmanager Jan Holmgård and Erkki Saviaro
Marcus Norrby : New collaboration with companies
Director of education in Vaasa Salme Sulander
Comment from Meteoria Mats Andersén.
+ 12.30-14.30 session continues INVITATION ONLY
Voluntary concepts and concrete proposals to be discussed in Invitation Only session, by Skolresurs/Markus Norrby
09:15 - 11:30
Workshop: Unlocking the Cross-Border Impact... (INVITATION ONLY)
📍 Barn
Unlocking the Cross-Border Impact: How Creative Industries Shape the Future of Vaasa and Umeå
Vaasa and Umeå are strong cultural actors and creative hubs in the Kvarken region. This session brings together development organisations, and creative industry actors to explore existing initiatives, support structures, and collaboration models that create cross-border impact. Participants will challenge the barriers limiting collaboration and co-create pathways to unlock the full potential of creative industries as catalysts for innovation, talent attraction, and sustainable growth beyond 2030. A more detailed schedule will follow.
Objective: To create a shared understanding of the current creative industries ecosystem in Vaasa and Umeå,identify existing initiatives and collaboration structures, uncover gaps and barriers, and define themost strategic opportunities for future cross-border action.
10:00 - 16:00
DEMO: Drones, AI Agents etc. Several companies display their capabilities
📍 Bock's
Special agendas: drones , dualpurpose, AI, resilience:
10.00-16.00 Novia UAS’ Faculty of Technology and Seafaring presents its capabilities, cooperation possibilities and project results related to drones, AI agents and spectrometry.
Have a look at our uncrewed surface vessel (USV) sea drone, our underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and our aerial drone. Discover how humans and AI agents can work together to complete tasks and learn more about our handheld spectrometers and their applications.
11:00 - 12:00
Nordic food security and increasing horizontal cooperation
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing
Primärproduktion med på Wasa Future Festival!
Deltagare;
• Maria Swanljung
Ryhmäpäällikkö, maatalouden varautumisasiat, Pohjanmaan elinvoimakeskus
• Susanne West
Toiminnanjohtaja, Pohjanmaan tuottajaorganisaatio
• Annica Ingström
Maaseutupäällikkö, K5
• Christoffer Ingo
Kansanedustaja, maataloustuottaja
•Meira-Pia Lohiluoma
Johtaja, ProAgria
• Moderator Anna Bertils
Toiminnajohtaja, Slf
• Deltagare från Sverige och Norge bekräftas senare! (bekräftas v 28)
OBS! Gemensam lunch efter panelen!
12:00 - 16:15
Beyond Defence – Are We Really Prepared? The New Nordic Reality of Resilience
Organizer: Vaasa University of Applied Sciences: Ostrobothnian Dual Use, Defence and Security Hub and Dual Inno-project
Moderator: Marja-Riitta Vest, Director, Research Development and Innovation.Vaasa University of Applied Sciences
12:00–12:15 | Opening Remarks
Hannu Vahtera, President, CEO, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences
12:15–12:45 | Breaking the Security Illusion – How Did We Get Here?
Colonel (ret.) Mika Hyytiäinen
12:45–13:15 | Finland: Security in Transition – New Realities of Preparedness
Secretary General of the Security Committee | GSO (Colonel) Petteri Korvala
13:15–13:30 | Comment: Turning Resilience into Competitive Advantage – Technology Industries in a Time of Global Disruptions
Akseli Koskela , Director, Foresight and Preparedness, Technology Industries of Finland
13:30–14:00 | Break
Networking and informal discussions
14:00–14:30 | Sweden Rebuilds – What Works, What Doesn’t?
Uncertain Times, Uncertain Plans – How Do We Secure Society?
Minna Lundgren, Senior Lecturer (Sociology), RCR Centre, Mid Sweden University
14:30–15.00 | Household Preparedness: The First Line of Civil Security
Daniel Metcalfe, Founder & CEO, VIVAL Corporation Ltd
15:00–15:30 | Citizen Perspective: Comprehensive Security as a Shared Effort
The roles of government, civil society, and citizens
Paula Risikko, Member of Parliament, First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament , Chair, National Women’s Preparedness Association
Chair, Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK) Council
15:30–16:15 | Panel Discussion: Are We Truly Prepared?
Theme:
Assessing Finland’s resilience through the lenses of critical infrastructure, security of supply, and systemic dependencies.
Panel Discussion Moderator: Colonel (ret.) Mika Hyytiäinen
Panelists:
• Tomi Kankainen, Program Director, Digital Defence Ecosystem (DDE)
• Minna Lundgren, Senior Lecturer (Sociology,RCR Centre, Mid Sweden University
• Daniel Metcalfe, Founder and CEO, VIVAL Corporation Ltd
• Markus Asikainen, Director, Defence and Security Business, Gofore
• COO Ilari Hatakka, Suomen Erillisverkot Ltd
Description:
The panel brings together perspectives from the public sector, research, and industry to critically examine Finland’s resilience and preparedness in today’s evolving security environment.
Registration:
The event is open to all, but we kindly ask you to register for catering purposes. link.webropolsurveys.com/EP/346A14325DCB5CC1
12:30 - 14:30
EDUCATION Session 2 (Invitation only)
📍 Barn
The EDUCATION session continues INVITATION ONLY between 12.30-14.30
Voluntary concepts and concrete proposals to be discussed in session, by Skolresurs/Markus Norrby
13:00 - 15:00
CULTURE: Unlocking the Cross-Border Impact: How Creative Industries Shape the Future of Vaasa and Umeå
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
The event will begin with the announcement of the Vaasa Entrepreneur Association's Innovation Award winner.
Vaasa and Umeå are strong cultural actors and creative hubs in the Kvarken region. This session brings together development organisations, and creative industry actors to explore existing initiatives, support structures, and collaboration models that create cross-border impact. Participants will challenge the barriers limiting collaboration and co-create pathways to unlock the full potential of creative industries as catalysts for innovation, talent attraction, and sustainable growth beyond 2030.
Uusiyrityskeskus Startia, johtaja Tommi Virkama
Vaasan Yrittäjien puheenjohtaja, Platonic Partnership Oy toimitusjohtaja Jussi Loukiainen
Kvarken Film Hub , Sofia Sundholm
Aurora Film Festival edustaja (tbc)
15:00 - 16:00
Guided Tour: Hall of Fame, Hall of Energy (The Catacombs)
📍 Catacombs
16:00 - 20:00
AFTERFEST@Bock's
📍 Bock's
Continue the discussions – or relax and network at the local brewery-restaurant! Bock's Brewery is the Wasa Future Festival official food and beverages provider during the week.
(15.08) Saturday -
• Cultural events, music and performances
• “New Hedonism” – relax with VR arena
11:00 - 14:00
Terra:Forms & Everything is Energy – Energy is Everything (Exhibition)
📍 Catacombs
TBD /TBC
12:00 - 12:20
Wasa Unique esitys (TBC)
📍 Bock's
Parikymmentä nuorta voimistelijaa Wasa Unique -voimisteluseurasta esiintymässä. Lisätiedot myöhemmin.