📍 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

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 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 • TBC: 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)

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing

TBC. Presentation, dialogue and workshop. The content is based on the themes of the Vaasa IoT and Nordic Energy Capital projects (IoT, AI, energy, traffic data and carbon footprint mitigation, citizen participation & happiness)

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

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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

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

University of Vaasa. TBC. First part of the topic. Followed by Workshop for Industry

📍 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.

📍 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)

Hanna Smith, Professor (in practice) of Resilience Studies, University of Vaasa, Petri Uusikylä, Research Director, University of Vaasa How can resilience and preparedness drive economic growth? What opportunities does it bring?

📍 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

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📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

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

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)

Vaasa University, rector Minna Martikainen, SITRA, president Atte Jääskeläinen, Vaasa University, Professor in practice Pekka Koponen

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing

Preliminary Programme: -Nordic space cooperation (TBC) -Presentation of the national SpacEconomy project, Heidi Kuusniemi, TUNI -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 -Kvarken Space Center and the University of Vaasa, Ali Arslan, UniVaasa - Results of the Nordic AuroraSpace project funded by Interreg Aurora, (TBC) - Space economy and internationalization, Mikko Punnala, Sharpnav Oy - Panel discussion on space business, ESA BIC (TBC)

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

TBC. University of Vaasa, Mika Grundström

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, TBC

📍 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.

📍 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

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Seminar + Workshop 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

📍 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!

📍 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 +TBC

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📍 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.

📍 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 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). Minna Martikainen (VY), Atte Jääskeläinen (SITRA), Pekka Koponen (VY)

-Innovative company of the year with huge export and ecosystem impact. -Grant for excellence in young entrepreneurship.

📍 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

📍 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.

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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.

📍 Barn

Members only More info to follow. Arranged by Vaasan Ekonomit and Helsingin Ekonomit

📍 Catacombs

📍 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.

📍 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

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

Full program including pm to be published 10.6. Opening words: Anne Salovaara-Kero, Chair of the Board, Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia Suvi Einola-Mikkola, Chief Strategy and Development Officer, Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia The Path Towards University Wellbeing Services County Key note Speech Iñaki Gutiérrez Ibarluzea, Director of Health Research, Innovation and Evaluation at the Basque Government's Ministry of Health Connecting Innovation Ecosystems: Basque Lessons and Future RDI Cooperation with Ostrobothnia 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 Kim Berg, Member of Parliament Greetings from Parliament on the Development of Wellbeing Services Counties Sonja Hansen, European Project Officer, Aarhus, Denmark Smart Care Innovation: Joint Technology Development for Home Care and Nursing Homes in Ostrobothnia and Aarhus TBA, Helsinki universitet, (Soc & kom) Advancing Social Work Research and Education through Collaboration

📍 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

📍 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.

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing

Nordiskt matsäkerhet och ökat horisontellt samarbet som en del av Nordic Defense. ProAgria (sköter arrangemangen och planeringen) Hushållningssällskapet i Sverige, Norsk Lantbruksrådgivning, Försörjningsberedskapscentral (Nesa), Mtk/Slc

Organizer: Vaasa University of Applied Sciences: Ostrobothnian Dual Use, Defence and Security Hub and Dual Inno-project 12:00–12:15 | Opening Remarks Marja-Riitta Vest, Director Vaasa University of Applied Sciences 12:15–12:45 | Thought-provoking keynote; Breaking the Security Illusion – How Did We Get Here? Colonel (ret.) Mika Hyytiäinen 12:45–13:15 | Keynote: 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 Sweden Rebuilds – What Works, What Doesn’t 14:00–14:30 | Keynote: Uncertain Times, Uncertain Plans – How Do We Secure Society? Minna Lundgren Senior Lecturer (Sociology) RCR Centre, Mid Sweden University 14:30–15:00 | Keynote: Household Preparedness: The First Line of Civil Security Daniel Metcalfe Founder & CEO, VIVAL Corporation Ltd 15:00–15:30 | Keynote: 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 15:30–16:00 | Panel Discussion: Are We Truly Prepared? Moderator: Colonel (ret.) Mika Hyytiäinen Panelists: · Tomi Kankainen, Program Director, Digital Defence Ecosystem (DDE) · Minna Lundgren, RCR Centre (Mid Sweden University) · Daniel Metcalfe, VIVAL Corporation Ltd · Markus Asikainen, Director, Defence&Security Business, GOFORE

📍 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

📍 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.

📍 Catacombs

📍 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.

📍 Catacombs

TBD /TBC

📍 Bock's

Parikymmentä nuorta voimistelijaa Wasa Unique -voimisteluseurasta esiintymässä. Lisätiedot myöhemmin.