Welcome to Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland 2026, a pitching competition for innovative, science-based ideas. Whether you’re a student or an early-career researcher with a breakthrough concept, this is your moment to pitch it in 3 minutes to a prestigious jury. Applications are open to participants from all over Finland, so go ahead and take your shot!
When: Tuesday, June 9th, 2026
Time: 11:30–17:00 (Helsinki time)
Where: Round, A-building, Microkatu 1, Novapolis, Kuopio 70210
Application deadline: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Language: English
Format: In-person
You’re warmly welcome to join the audience, get inspired by the innovative ideas presented, and network with representatives from universities, public organisations, investment funds, and more. Registration is free, but seats are limited.
Oh, and about the prize…
The winner gets a ticket to represent Finland at the global Falling Walls Lab Finale in Berlin in November 2026.
And yes — we cover all the costs. Pretty great, right? So don’t miss out. Apply now!
”Opportunities like Falling Walls Lab matter. Publishing is important, but it doesn’t give young researchers exposure to this kind of community, motivation, or visibility.”
– Arash Mirhashemi, FWL Eastern Finland 2025 finalist.
You must fulfill at least one of the following formal requirements:
After applications close, Maximum number of 15 applicants will be selected for the June 9th finale.
Feeling nervous about pitching? No worries — we’ve got your back!
Selected participants get access to a pitch training workshop coaching by our partner, Nostetta Ventures:
On June 9th, you’ll take the stage for a 3‑minute pitch, followed by 3 minutes of questions and feedback from a jury representing academia, business, investment, and public organizations.
“Falling Walls Lab is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I would encourage everyone with an idea that could benefit the society to give it a try, you’ll leave inspired, connected, and reminded of why we do science”
– Nithin Sadeesh, FWL Eastern Finland 2025 finalist
Join us for a day full of ideas, inspiration, and connections:
11:30 – 12:00 Registration and coffee
12:00 – 12:15 Welcoming notes and Sharing experiences of last year’s FWL EF finalists
12:15 – 12:25 Opening words: Timo Antikainen, Director of Economic Development, City of Kuopio
12:25 – 12:50 Keynote speaker: Samu Lehtonen, CEO of Marginum
From research to Business, success story
12:50 – 12:55 Pitching intro and introducing the jury members
12:55 – 13:45 Pitching batch #1
13:45 – 14:00 Coffee break and networking
14:00 – 14:25 Keynote speaker: Anssi Uimonen, Founding Partner
Nordic Science Investments
14:25 – 15:10 Panel Discussion
15:10 – 15:55 Pitching batch #2
15:55 – 16:30 Networking and demo area visit
16:30 – 16:50 Winner Announcement & Award Ceremony
16:50 – 17:00 Closing words, Minna Hendolin, Director of Impact, UEF
17:00 End of event!
CEO of Marginum, From research to Business, success story
Topic: ”Aspirate tissue monitoring – a groundbreaking new surgical technique for oncological surgery”
Dr. Samu Lehtonen M.D. is a medical innovator with expertise spanning medicine, engineering, and technology, He pioneered microsurgical solutions through his research at the Microsurgery Centre of Eastern Finland. Dr. Lehtonen is the inventor behind Marginum’s core technology and a published author in peer-reviewed journals. Founded in 2020, Marginum is a Finnish medical device company advancing fluorescence-guided oncological surgery. Its CE-marked HIVEN® device enables safer, more precise tumour tissue monitoring by seamlessly integrating into surgical workflows. Marginum’s vision is to help surgeons worldwide perform safer operations and improve patient outcomes.
“Events like Falling Walls Lab create space for ideas to be tested, refined, and shared. They bring together people from different backgrounds and help turn early-stage thinking into something with real potential to grow.” – Samu Lehtonen
Founding Partner, Nordic Science Investments
Topic: ”How to attract VC investments to Deep Tech startup?”
Anssi started investing at age of fourteen and had first business up at age of fifteen, having now over 30 years of experience in both investing and entrepreneurship. He has been living in 5 countries outside Finland and in three continents. After long career in risk management and in the markets as investment banker he started to set up the Nordic Science Investments to help University spinouts to commercialize their research results. He has been working closely with variety of different business areas from medical devices, other Deep Tech areas to SaaS companies.
”I love the initiative of Falling Walls and how to raise both awareness and coach better quality Deep Tech companies to thrive especially in breakthrough science background. Thrilled to see innovations on stage.” – Anssi Uimonen
Northern Comfort 1 person + buffet breakfast 145€
Northern Comfort 2 persons + buffet breakfast 165€
Reservations: laplandhotels.com
Discount code: ALLFALLINGWALLSLAB
This room quota is valid until Monday 11th of May.
Standard room for 1 person 150€/night
Standard room for 2 people 170€/night
Reservations: sokoshotels.fi
Discount code: BFALLING
The price includes free use of the gym, a customer sauna and a rich breakfast.
Falling Walls Lab is a pitching competition and a global platform for breakthrough ideas, where early-career researchers and innovators present their pioneering solutions in a 3-minute pitch competition. In 2025, 82 FWL organizers across 60 countries received over 2,750 applications. The 100 winners of these local competitions traveled to Berlin in November for the Global Finale at the Falling Walls Science Summit, where they were introduced to leading European and German research institutions and presented their groundbreaking ideas in 3-minute pitches on stage to the distinguished and prestigious panel of judges. The event included networking opportunities, career workshops, and research institution visits.
This year, FWL Eastern Finland is coming back to Kuopio for another successful event. The event is mainly funded by the KAUTE säätiö grant and contribution of its main partners (Business Kuopio, UEF, Business Joensuu, Novapolis). Other supporting partners of the event are Nostetta Ventures, Hub Panostamo, Business Center North Savo, and FiBAN (Finnish Business Angels Network). Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland is organized by Business Kuopio and UEF.
Which wall will your research break? Pitch your innovative idea in just 3 minutes, showcasing a breakthrough that creates a positive impact on science and society.
When: June 9th, 2026
Where: Kuopio, Novapolis, Microkatu 1, Round
Application deadline: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Application link: Apply now!
For audience: Registration
