📍 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

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing

Program TBC

📍 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 (Online) – Oleksandr Tolokonnikov, Deputy Head of the Kherson Regional State Administration New politics for the future of forests and forestry • Nature, climate and land use: current policy priorities – Mikko Peltonen, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Organizer: Regional Counsil of Ostrobothnia

📍 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. Program: 13.00 Welcome & a peak into the future of Vaasa, Tiina Strand, City of Vaasa 13.15 Open City Innovation Engine, Jari Kuusisto, Wapice 13.35 Smart City Dubrovnik, Stjepan Ćavar, Dubrovnik Development Agency 14.00 Dialogue session: Experiences in Smart City Development, Citiverse and Energy Data Dialogue participants: Jari Kuusisto, Wapice Stjepan Ćavar, Dubrovnik Development Agency Sebastian Valkama, City of Tampere Elham Ahmadi, University of Vaasa Simon Björkman, EPV Tiina Strand, City of Vaasa 14.50 Q&A 15.00 Bubbling & tapas Organizers: City of Vaasa, University of Vaasa and Merinova, together with the Vaasa IoT and Nordic Energy Capital projects.

How does AI truly increase productivity in the real economy? How to open up collaboration and share good practices? 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 Organizer: Wasa Innovation Center together with Wärtsilä

📍 Catacombs

This event requires separate registration: crm.uwasa.fi/Events/208/Apply 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 and other visiting times: wasafuturefestival.fi/en/TerraForms Organizers: Wasa Innovation Center and University of Vaasa

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

The session will involve short talks, and then a panel discussion between the speakers. Agentic Strategizing: A 2026 Situational Overview — What Works and What Does Not Yet, Kristian Luoma, Founder and Chief Product Officer This contribution adopts an agentic strategizing perspective while presenting it as a structured and evidence-based situational overview. The aim is to examine how agent-based artificial intelligence is currently reshaping strategic work in practice, distinguishing between demonstrated, real-world applications and areas that remain aspirational or driven by hype. The topic is intended to provide a solid conceptual and empirical foundation for the panel discussion. Agentic Systems from Procurement to Cash — Redesigning Future Organizations with Practical Examples, Joonas Kevari, Head of AI Future organizations will undergo extensive redesign to implement agentic systems across value chains, where autonomous agents handle end-to-end workflows from sourcing to payment. This shift requires rethinking structures, decision rights, accountability, and regulatory compliance embedded in systems. The result is a leaner, faster, more transparent model, demanding new roles, controls, and trust. The talk examines required capabilities and key design choices that distinguish transformation from incremental change in intelligent organizations. Agentic Research Management — How to Build Agentic Knowledge Work, Marko Kohtamäki, Professor (Full), Head of Strategic Business Development Performance Unit, University of Vaasa; Visiting Professor, Luleå University of Technology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Strategy developer, AI in strategy, Strategy processes, Strategy implementation, Service development Marko talks about agentic AI in research work – how university research are transitioning towards Agentic AI. What has been done, what is currently under implementation, and may be coming in short notice. Organizer: University of Vaasa

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing

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. Organized by GenAI Pioneers Project boosted by Business Finland

📍 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) Organizer: Vaasa Startup Ecosystem, University of Vaasa

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 Organizer: University of Vaasa

📍 Garage

The idea of this workshop 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 Arranged by the project Ports as Innovation Platforms for Clean Transition, led by the Port of Vaasa, in cooperation with VAMK and VASEK.

📍 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) Organizer: University of Vaasa

📍 Catacombs

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

The event is open to everyone. We kindly ask participants to register in advance for catering purposes. You can register for the event here link.webropolsurveys.com/EventParticipation/EventPublic/1e8316ed-15fb-4540-a5b3-26ff6327fcfb Please register by 3 August at the latest. 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 Organizer: Vaasa University of Applied Sciences / Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu

📍 Bock's

Please note that a paid summer theatre performance will start at the Bazaar square between Wasa Innovation Center and Bock's restaurant on Tuesday, August 11th, at 6 pm. The passage through the square will be closed for the duration of the performance! If you are interested in Finnish summer theater culture during your visit on Tuesday, see more information (only in Finnish): www.vaasanylioppilasteatteri.fi/portfolio/dingo-musikaali

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

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) Organizer: Merinova and EnergySAMPO

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

📍 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 Organizer: Kvarken Space Center and the University of Vaasa

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square

Program TBC. Emma Kaasinen, Sitowise – juontaja Mika Grunsdtröm, Vaasan yliopisto Sami Niiranen, Sitowise Lauri Ikonen, Polarnode Jukka-Pekka Joensuu, Trevian Mikko Heikkilä, Fingrid Organizer: University of Vaasa in co-operation with Sitowise

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 Organizer: EnergyVaasa, City of Vaasa

📍 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. Organizer: Wasa Innovation Center with Kari Enqvist and MIkael Fortelius

📍 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 Organizer: Merinova

📍 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 Organizer: University of Vaasa

📍 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! Organizers: Seamk, VAMK, Xamk

📍 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 Organizer: Photonics Finland

📍 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.

📍 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. Organizer: Wasa Innovation Center

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) Organizer: Wasa Innovation Center

-Innovative company of the year with huge export and ecosystem impact. -Grant for excellence in young entrepreneurship. Organizer: Wasa Innovation Center

📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing

Pohjanmaa on noussut puhtaan siirtymän ja energia-alan investointien eturintamaan. Alueelle suunnitellut miljardiluokan hankkeet tarjoavat ainutlaatuisen mahdollisuuden vahvistaa Suomen kilpailukykyä, luoda uusia työpaikkoja ja vauhdittaa kestävää kasvua. Pelkät investointisuunnitelmat eivät kuitenkaan riitä – ratkaisevaa on, kuinka nopeasti ne saadaan toteutumaan. Miten varmistamme, että luvitus, sääntely, sähköverkot, osaavan työvoiman saatavuus ja infrastruktuuri tukevat kasvua eivätkä muodostu sen esteiksi? Millaisia päätöksiä tarvitaan, jotta Pohjanmaa säilyttää asemansa puhtaan siirtymän edelläkävijänä ja investointien houkuttelevimpana alueena? Entä mitkä ovat paikallisen elinkeinoelämän tärkeimmät viestit päättäjille juuri nyt? Kohdeyleisö: Alueen yritysjohto, kuntapäättäjät, valtionhallinnon edustajat sekä vihreän siirtymän asiantuntijat. Puhtaan siirtymän tilannekuva (10 min) Paula Erkkilä, Pohjanmaan kauppakamarin toimitusjohtaja FIreside chat (20 min) Keskustelemassa: Stefan Damlin, toimitusjohtaja, Vaasan Sähkö Laura Rahikka, COO, Founder, Hycamite TCD Technologies Oy Robert Nyman, kaupunginjohtaja, Pietarsaaren kaupunki Keskustelua johtaa Aleksi Koivisto, Pohjanmaan kauppakamari Järjestäjä: Pohjanmaan Kauppakamari

📍 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. Organizers: Kvarken Counsil and FIN-SVE

📍 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. Organizer: Artists' Association of Finland

📍 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. Organizer: Bock's

📍 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 Organizer: Wasa Innovation Center

📍 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 Organizer: Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia

📍 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 Organizers: Wasa Innovation Center together with Jan Holmgård and Erkki Saviaro

📍 Barn

How Creative Industries Shape the Future of Vaasa and Umeå Register here: link.webropolsurveys.com/S/0A8A6C72FB276C08 Registration open until 10 August Vaasa and Umeå are strong cultural actors and creative hubs in the Kvarken region. We invite creative industry professionals, cultural actors, development organisations, and ecosystem stakeholders to join a cross-border workshop exploring how creative industries can drive innovation, talent attraction, and sustainable growth. Together, we will: Map existing initiatives and collaboration models Identify barriers and opportunities for cross-border cooperation Explore future needs and development priorities Co-create ideas for strengthening the creative ecosystem beyond 2030 Coffee, tea and light refreshments will be available during the workshop The workshop will be followed by an optional self-paid networking lunch at Bock’s Corner Brewery. In the afternoon, all participants are welcome to join an open session at the Wasa Future Festival (13:00–15:00, Mind Square), featuring case examples and a panel discussion on the role of creative industries in shaping the future of the Kvarken region. Organizers: City of Vaasa and partners

📍 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. Organizer: Wasa Innovation Center

📍 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) HUOM! Paneelin jälkeen yhteinen lounas! Järjestäjä: ProAgria Österbottens Svenska Lantbrukssällskap

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 Organizer: Vaasa University of Applied Sciences: Ostrobothnian Dual Use, Defence and Security Hub and Dual Inno-project

📍 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. Uusiyrityskeskus Startia, johtaja Tommi Virkama Vaasan Yrittäjien puheenjohtaja, Platonic Partnership Oy toimitusjohtaja Jussi Loukiainen Kvarken Film Hub , Sofia Sundholm Aurora Film Festival edustaja (tbc) Organizer: City of Vaasa

📍 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.

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

📍 Catacombs

TBD /TBC