📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

Organizer: Mustasaari Municipality & VASEK Welcome to From Waste to Value, a seminar focused on exploring innovative solutions and opportunities within the circular economy. The event kicks off with an introduction to a developing local circular economy ecosystem Renergi, highlighting collaboration and sustainable growth. This is followed by an inspiring company presentation showcasing practical applications of circular principles in business. The seminar concludes with a keynote by renowned expert Timo Huhtamäki, Entrepreneur, EU Climate Ambassador, Sustainability Influencer of the Year, who will share insights into circular economy-based business models and their transformative potential. Join us to discover how waste can become value.

Organizer: Regional Council of Ostrobothnia Opening Mats Brandt – Regional Mayor of Ostrobothnia 12:15 Forests as a power source for the region – Riikka Pirkkalainen – Regional Mayor of Kainuu 12:45 Future of the forest industry, Ali Harlin, research professor, VTT 13:15 Innovations from the industries’ perspective – Niklas von Weymarn, CEO Metsä Spring 13:45 Coffee break 14:30 Forest services in the future – Björn Stenmark – Finnish Forest Centre 15:00 The future and opportunities for natural value trade – Heli Siitari, enviromental expert and field manager, MTK 15:30 Growth driver in Ostrobothnia – forestry shows the way – Mika Salmi, manager, forest policy, Finnish Forest Industries 16:00 Whereto next? Nina Myllykangas, Finnish Forest Centre

Minister of Labour Matias Marttinen (National Coalition Party) serves as the head of the Ministry of Labour and the Economy. The Minister of Labour handles matters concerning the Employment and Functioning Markets Department. Timetable TBC

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PRESENTED IN FINNISH. The topic of this discussion is the fate of humanity. We will consider the culture of overconsumption from the perspective of individuals, organizations, nations and the planet, and we will strive to find constructive solutions to curb climate change and nature loss. Welcome to listen and discuss! The discussion will be moderated by Hanna Hietikko, editor-in-chief of the student media Pomedia.

📍 Catacombs

Rebekah Rousi, University of Vaasa Elina Melgin, University of Vaasa Where: Catacombs, Wasa Innovation Center, Pukinkulma, Gerbyntie 16, Vaasa Open to the general public August 12-31, 2025 Proudly presented as a part of the Wasa Future Festival Website: sites.uwasa.fi/butterfly/en

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

Organizer: University of Vaasa 08:30 Refreshments & University Day Opening, Minna Martikainen, Mika Grundström, Tanja Risikko 09:15 Energy Transition Valley, Mika Grundström, Jan Segerstam, Kimmo Kauhaniemi, Martin Meyer 10:30 Coffee break

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Transdisciplinary symposium & workshop: Sustainability in digitalisation, energy, & business (creativity), Rebekah Rousi 09:00 - Opening words – Rebekah Rousi & Toija Cinque 09:15 - Keynote presentation – Juhani Risku: Art and design are phenomena of higher abstraction of knowledge, skill, understanding and criticism –> New leadership begins 10:00 - Coffee 10:15 - Paper presentations 11:15 - 12:15 Lunch (own cost) 12:15 - Keynote presentation – Anne Stenros: Creativity 13:00 - Paper presentations 14:00 - Coffee 14:15 - 15:00 Fishbowl discussion More info: sites.uwasa.fi/butterfly/en/symposium-workshop-programme

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

Topic: Knowledge and ability to apply natural sciences – the key to the Finnish economy. Minister of Science and Culture Talvitie (National Coalition Party) is responsible for matters covered by the Department for Higher Education and Science Policy and the Department for Art and Cultural Policy, apart from religious affairs.

Organizer: University of Vaasa Welcome Speech Speakers: Marko Kohtamäki | University of Vaasa Sanna Peltonen | VAMK University of applied sciences AI-driven innovations in the business and research Speaker: Marko Komssi | VTT Industrial use-cases of AI-enabled innovations Speaker: Pasi Tuominen | Wapice Oy AI in learning and educational innovations Speaker: Pekka Koponen | Infinit Capital & University of Vaasa The AI Frontier: From Theoretical Foundations to Practical Breakthroughs Panelists: Marko Komssi, Pasi Tuominen, and Pekka Koponen Host: Marko Kohtamäki Closing Remarks Speakers: Marko Kohtamäki and Sanna Peltonen KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Marko Komssi is a senior scientist at VTT and an entrepreneur with extensive experience in research and the global software industry. His work explores the dynamic intersection of AI-driven software technologies and business model innovation. Pasi Tuominen, CEO of Wapice Oy, applies his deep expertise in industrial software to develop AI-powered digital solutions. He focuses on building intelligent IoT platforms that support new business models and seamless cloud integration in the energy sector. Pekka Koponen is the Chair of Infinit Capital, a family office investing in companies that are shaping a better future, with a focus on education innovation. He is also a Professor-of-Practice of Industrial Transformation at the University of Vaasa.

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing

Organizer: University of Vaasa Mona Enell-Nilsson, Antti Mäenpää

Tackling GHG emissions throughout supply chains with AI and other digital technologies, Juha Arrasvuori

Organizer: Pomedia PRESENTED IN FINNISH How is journalism created? Why is it done? What does the audience think about it? Come and brainstorm topics, consider perspectives, give feedback and discuss journalistic choices with journalists! In the live newsroom, you can suggest your hottest story ideas, give critical feedback and praise, and discuss what journalism is and what it could be. Local and far-flung professional journalists and the audience will meet in this meeting place, conceived by communication science students at the University of Vaasa, in an unprecedented way, as the line between the creators and the audience is removed. At best, the end result can be an understanding of the media's operations, the audience's needs, and journalistic stories that can actually be published!

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

Organized by University of Vaasa Roundtable: Martin Meyer, University of Vaasa; Minna Martikainen, University of Vaasa; Eeva Leinonen, NUI Maynooth, Hanna-Leena Pesonen, Jyväskylä University, Hanne Harmsen, Copenhagen Business School, Agnes Cheng, Price College of Business, James Smith, Southern Methodist University

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PROGRAM IN FINNISH. The allure of strong leaders and populism, Hanna Hietikko, Panelists: Esa Hyyryläinen, University of Vaasa; Mari Kiviniemi, Politician and Chair of the Board of the University of Vaasa; Olli Seuri, Uusi Juttu

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

Organizer: YoungTalk, VAMK & partners 16:15 Networking starts 16:25 Musical performance 16:45 Opening Remarks and Highlights from YoungTalk24 by Moderators Cathy Leonelle, Johanna Välimäki and Sami Korpela Get Inspired: Thriving with International Talent • Laura Lindeman (Senior Director of Work in Finland Unit at Business Finland) • Malin Gustavsson (Founder, Ekvalita) • Presentation of Ready for Talents -project results (Sara Nyyssölä) At 17:45 Co-creation Starts 17:45 A moment of interaction with the audience Theme 1: Young Talent´s Perspectives – Pitch Talk: Abel Muparadzi, Edupower Solution discussion at the tables 18:30 A moment of interaction with the audience Theme 2: Business Perspectives – Pitch Talks: Chi Nguyen, Alteams Solution discussion at the tables 19:15 Break 19:30 A moment of interaction with the audience Theme 3: Entrepreneurship Perspectives – Pitch Talks: Robin Hagqvist, Vaasa Entrepreneurship Society Solution discussion at the tables 20:15 Closing Remarks by Minister Joakim Strand 20:30 Exploring Solutions and Next Steps by Moderators 20:45 Event ends

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Left Wing

FINNISH AND ENGLISH European Space Agency PhiLab, Riccardo Notarangelo 09:00 – 11:00 Educational program for school children based around satellites and rockets. Afternoon session: The purpose of this session is to create awareness of funding instruments, space strategy, and engage with existing startups to solve problems, and create pipeline for applications.

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

Organizer: Merinova The purpose of the EnergySampo innovation ecosystem is to develop system-level renewable energy solutions for the needs of a carbon-neutral society. We believe that Finland will become a green hydrogen superpower by 2030. However, this will not happen by itself, but rather requires innovation, new solutions and cooperation between actors to transform value chains into profitable business models for all companies in different industries. While the discussion has so far been production-oriented, we want to raise the role of customers as users of hydrogen and various hydrogen derivatives. 09:30 Decarbonising the maritime industry - Magdalena Granö, Director, Customer Deliveries, Wärtsilä Marine 09:45 Alternative futures for hydrogen projects on the West Coast, Sari Kola, EnergySampo EnergySampo aims to bring new perspectives to the discussion. We aim to act as a driver for national discussion – and the scenario work done during the spring will serve as an opening for the discussion. 10:00 Panel discussion: Moderator, Sari Kola, EnergySampo Who uses hydrogen, why and for what? Magdalena Granö, Director, Customer Deliveries, Wärtsilä Marine Matti Vaattovaara, Managing Director, Hitachi Energy Finland Janne Peljo, Chief Policy Adviser, Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) Jenni Borg, General Counsel, P2X Solutions 10:45 Summary, break

📍 Catacombs

Organizer: Vaasan yliopisto, The Butterfly -project Rebekah Rousi More about Butterfly educational programme: sites.uwasa.fi/butterfly/education-programme

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

Organizer: Merinova The purpose of the EnergySampo innovation ecosystem is to develop system-level renewable energy solutions for the needs of a carbon-neutral society. Public actors, especially municipal and city development companies, play a significant role in enabling cooperation. BotH2nia hydrogen valley is a great example of this. 11:00 Hydrogen technology and industry development in Finland, Ilkka Homanen, Business Finland The importance of hydrogen for the Finnish economy and Finnish companies. 11:15 Good practice: The story of BotH2nia Hydrogen Valley, Sari Kola, Merinova. How did the application for hydrogen valley funding in spring 2024 go? What is required as a basis for meaningful cooperation? How to ensure the efficient use of public funding? 11:30 – 12:15 Panel discussion, moderated by Sari Kola, Merinova Role of different actors in solving systemic problems. Ilkka Homanen, Business inland Simo Säynevirta, H2 Springboard Ecosystem, ABB Pia Karumaa, Danfoss Drives Matti Luhtanen, Prizztech

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing

Antti Kurvinen, kansanedustaja Reino Virrankoski, LSK Business Park Oy Vaasan vaalipiirin muodostavat kolme pohjalaismaakuntaa: Pohjanmaa, Etelä-Pohjanmaa ja Keski-Pohjanmaa. Niiden alueella sijaitsee mm. huomattavaa energia-, elintarvike-, metalli- ja kemianteollisuutta sekä ICT-osaamista. Läntisen Suomen pääväylät kulkevat alueen läpi, ja siellä on useita rautatieyhteydellä varustettuja satamia, sekä merkittävä Merenkurkun yli johtava vesiliikenneyhteys Suomen ja Ruotsin välillä. Merenkurkku olisi mahdollista varustaa myös kiinteällä yhteydellä. Alueella on siviililentoasemat Vaasassa, Kokkolassa ja Seinäjoella, sekä Kauhavan iso sotilaslentokenttä, joka toimii tällä hetkellä IFR-hyväksyttynä lentopaikkana. Nykyinen turvallisuustilanne sekä Suomen jäsenyys sotilasliitto Natossa edellyttää lähitulevaisuudessa suuria satsauksia puolustukseen sekä puolustuksen ja kokonaisturvallisuuden kannalta tärkeään infrastruktuuriin. Miten tämän tulisi näkyä Vaasan vaalipiirin pohjalaismaakunnissa ja mikä on sen merkitys paikalliselta tasolta aina kansainväliseen yhteistyöhön saakka?

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

Organizer: EnergyVaasa The EnergyVaasa cluster has renewed its strategy to respond to changes in the operating environment and EU and national policies. The panel brings together experts from business, research and the public sector to discuss how the cluster can act as an effective implementer and accelerator of national and EU-level strategic goals – while strengthening the competitiveness and innovation potential of Finland as a whole. The discussion will examine the following themes in particular: • Supporting startups and scale-ups as part of the cluster's renewed strategy: What can the cluster offer to support the development and internationalization of growth companies? • Strengthening research, development and innovation cooperation: How can EnergyVaasa act as a bridge builder between universities and companies? • Resilience and autonomy of companies: How can we strengthen the adaptability of companies in the region to global challenges? • Attractiveness of the investment environment: What measures will be taken to make the Vaasa region a more attractive destination for international investors? Moderator: Sabina Storbacka, Merinova. (The panelists will be confirmed during June).

Investments in the clean transition continue to gain momentum, and Finland – particularly the Vaasa region – remains one of the key players in attracting them. Actors in the battery value chain, energy storage, and data centres are seeking suitable locations close to renewable energy production. The Vaasa region offers several other competitive advantages that also draw in investments. This time, we’ll discuss those competitive advantages, the current status of investment projects, and the next steps forward. It’s that time of year again – so sit back, enjoy the dialogue, and feel free to jump in with your sharp questions and comments! Keynotes by Jenny Hasu, VTT, Manager, Relations, Microelectronics and Quantum Anders Haerland, Managing Partner, Vanir Green Industries Participating in panel discussion Janne Peljo, Chief Policy Advisor, Climate and Biodiversity, EK Markku Kivistö, Head of Industry, Cleantech, Invest in, Business Finland Moderator CEO Marko Kuokkanen, Technology Center Merinova

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing

TBA Finnish Photonics Society, Spot-it European in-door PV, Åbo Academy fibertechnology etc. printed battery solutions. Energy from Light – Photonics in the Energy Transition Photonics opens new opportunities for clean energy production, storage, and utilization. In solar cell technology, efficiency improvements are driven by advances in light management, material design, and tandem structures. Moreover, photocatalytic hydrogen production enables direct conversion of sunlight into hydrogen – without the need for electricity.

Organized by University of Vaasa Jan Segerstam, Henri Karimäki, Kimmo Kauhaniemi Join stakeholders and decision makers in evolving and sharing the vision of the Energy Transition Valley driving future energy system business models and solutions today. The Energy Transition Valley enables discovering sustainable competitive advantages together while accelerating business innovation investment returns through easy access to cost effective shared resources, all levels of the grid and world class energy innovation.

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📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

Organizer: Wasa Innovation Center & partners Productivity in order – in the public and private sectors. Director General of Statistics Finland Ville Vertanen: New facts. Minister Sakari Puisto and “How to get it right in practice - panel”: Chairman of the Board of Vaisala Ville Voipio, President of Sitra, Atte Jääskeläinen, Head of Department of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy Mikko Spolander, Expert of the Confederation of Finnish Industries Paavali Kukkonen, Minister for European Affairs Joakim Strand, Union of Technology Industries, CEO Minna Helle, University of Vaasa, Rector, Minna Martikainen, Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce, CEO Paula Erkkilä, VEHO, Vice-Chairman, Philip Aminoff, Kreab, CEO, Mikael Jungner

Wasa Future Festival 2025 Award Ceremony: – Christoffer Häggblom: Entrepreneurial Award – Wasa Innovation Center Technology Innovation Award

Presentation from Hemant H. Kotalwar , Indian Ambassador to Finland [ www.indembhelsinki.gov.in/ambassador.php ] Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio (The Finns Party) – Minister for Foreign Trade and Development is responsible for matters related to development cooperation and trade policy.

PROGRAM IN FINNISH. What is the next government program? In a HardTalk discussion with Antti Lindtman, Chaorman of the Social Democratic Party of Finland. Interviewed by Jussi Lähde.

Organizer: Kvarken Counsil Language: Swedish and Finnish (simultaneous interpretation) You are warmly welcome to join – the doors are open to everyone! If you wish to take part in the refreshments, please register by 7 August 2025: www.lyyti.in/wff-new-nordic Moderator: Sarah Väre, Growth Manager, Kvarken Council 13:00 Intro – moderator 13:05 Welcome – What does cross-border cooperation mean for Nordic and European markets? Peter Ericson, Swedish Ambassador to Finland (TBD), Kjell Skoglund, CEO, Finland-Swedish Chamber of Commerce 13:15 From model to engine – how capital, expertise and collaboration strengthen the Nordic region’s global role. Eirik Winter, CEO and Head of Corporate & Investment Banking, BNP Paribas, Nordic Region 13:35 New Nordic – the Nordic region’s renewed relevance on the global stage – Mikko Savola, Member of Parliament and Vice Chair of the Defence Committee, Vice-President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), and Board Member of the Kvarken Council EGTC 13:55 Finland’s future transport infrastructure – not too late to change course – Theo Herold, PhD candidate in economics at Hanken and the Helsinki Graduate School of Economics, associate researcher at Ratio in Stockholm, and editor of the research section of Liberal Debatt 14:15 Coffee break and networking (20 min) 14:35 Introduction: The role of infrastructure in Nordic cooperation Joakim Strand, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering 14:55 The Öresund Bridge unexpectedly created a significant amount of new trade between Sweden and Denmark – Maria Persson, Associate Professor, Lund University 15:15 Panel: Hard Talk – Infrastructure and cooperation in the Nordic region requires action now How can we strengthen Nordic cooperation and accelerate infrastructure investments? The panel will discuss concrete proposals and necessary initiatives – with a focus on acting quickly and in coordination at a time when we cannot afford to wait for decisions from Brussels. The panel gathers voices from across the Nordic region. What is needed for the Nordics to lead – and what are the specific steps forward for collaboration? Panelists: Peter Ericson, Swedish Ambassador to Finland (TBD) Geir Waage, Chair of the Municipal Council, Rana Municipality Mikko Savola, Member of Parliament and Vice Chair of the Defence Committee, Vice-President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), and Board Member of the Kvarken Council EGTC (TBC) Rickard Carstedt, Region Västerbotten, Regional Councillor for the Regional Development Board in Västerbotten and Chairman of the Kvarken Council EGTC (TBC) Maria Persson, Associate Professor, Lund University (TBC) 15:45 Summary and Closing Remarks 18:00 Dinner with cultural entertainment at Bock's Corner

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing

PROGRAM IN FINNISH/SWEDISH. Genuine and valid interest in natural sciences through Living Lab work. Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz, teacher Jan Holmgård. The program will be finalized in July.

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

Organizer: University of Vaasa Finland needs growth through investments, in which Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays a crucial role. Readily available clean energy, natural resources, functioning infrastructure, and a secure investment environment—combined with high sustainability standards—provide a strong foundation for new investments. What must be done to convert these strengths into economic growth? Is it possible to develop projects at a more rapid pace without compromising sustainability? Could we unlock more funding from domestic sources while also attracting additional financing and investments from abroad? New, innovative materials and products may require regulatory support and creative financial solutions to establish new markets. Is the facilitation of new investments through proactive infrastructure development a viable path to growth? Despite the urgent need for investment, a holistic approach to investment policy is still in its early stages in Finland. How could businesses, investors, financiers, researchers, and policymakers collaborate more effectively to design better policies that strengthen Finland’s investment environment? Organizer: Casper Herler, Borenius & Minna Martikainen, University of Vaasa Keynote: Minister Joakim Strand Panelists: Casper Herler, Olli Sipilä, Minna Martikainen more to be added .

📍 Catacombs

Butterfly: glo-cal effects of data, energy and industry sites.uwasa.fi/butterfly Presented by University of Vaasa, Deakin University, and the Wasa Innovation Center

📍 Bock's

Book your place at the WFF dinnerparty from the restaurant sales. Menu and price TBA

📍 Ball Room

Nordic Defence Industry. Chairman of the Board Panu Routila, Patria, Kristian Tornivaara, CEO of SAAB, Juha Laakso, CEO Airbus Defence, Danish Ambassador Jakob Nymann-Lindegren, former Chief Technology Officer of the Defence Forces Jyri Kosola, Rector of the Defence University Mika Kalliomaa, Representative of the Director General of the EU Commission for Defence and Space Jonas Cederlöf Dir.Gen. National Board of Trade Sweden Anders Ahnlid, member of the executive committee Kari Renko, Patria, and 40 other top experts will appear. INVITATION ONLY session. Venue : Ball Room/ Juhlasali

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

IN FINNISH/SWEDISH Hollannin sote-järjestelmä; mitä hyviä puolia ja haasteita järjestelmä tarjoaa? Mitä voimme oppia? - TBC Sirpaleinen järjestelmä ja miksi yhteistyö on tärkeää? - Anne Salovaara-Kero, hallituksen puheenjohtaja, Pohjanmaan hyvinvointialue Yhteistyön tuloksia ja digitaaliset mahdollisuudet - Sofi Nyman, Digipäällikkö, Pohjanmaan hyvinvointialue

Organizer: University of Vaasa. Occupational health games and classes in a virtual environment with VR glasses, Roosa Wingström, Finnish Institute for Occupational Health care

IN FINNISH / SWEDISH - Jukka Kero, rikoskomisario/kriminalkommissarie, Pohjanmaan poliisilaitos/Polisinrättningen i Österbotten - Elina Viitasaari, erityisnuorisoohjaaja (katuväkivaltatyö)/specialungdomsarbetare (gatuvåld), Vaasan kaupungin nuorisopalvelut/Vasa stads ungdomsservice - Niina Mäntylä, professori/professor, Vaasan yliopisto

Culture 3.0 also reaches out to corporate culture. Vaasan Yrittäjät (Vaasa Entrepreneurs) will award an entrepreneur who has created a new market through collaboration.

Starting Culture 3.0 – Strategy Manager Suvi Aho, City of Vaasa, represetants from City of Umeå and professor Luigi Sacco, Italy. - The session dives into existing impact actions, critical challenges, novel solutions for resourcing. Session includes e.g. incubators, culture directors, gaming industry