Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland 2025

On September 19th 2025, Kuopio became the focal point of Eastern Finland’s startup and research scene, as the Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland was organized for the first time at KPY Novapolis, followed by the Startup Summit Eastern Finland. The day brought together researchers, students, startup companies, investors, and friends of innovation. The event demonstrated the strong collaboration taking place in the region between research, businesses and ecosystem actors.

The winner of the competition was Arash Mirhashemi, a postdoctoral researcher in technical physics at UEF, whose presentation “Breaking the Wall of Non-Destructive Biomarker Imaging for Osteoarthritis Studies” impressed the jury. The analysis tool, based on spectral imaging and artificial intelligence, offers new possibilities for research on musculoskeletal diseases. Arash was awarded a ticket and a trip to the global Falling Walls Lab final, to be held in Berlin in November.

The Winners 2025:

1. Arash Mirhashemi, UEF
2. Nithin Sadeesh, UEF
3. Aleksandr Danilenko, UEF

Gallery 2025

Photos by Paula Turpeinen

Watch the Event Recording

Event Details

When: Friday, September 19^th, 2026
Time: 8:30–12:00 (Helsinki time)
Where: Novapolis, Microkatu 1, Kuopio

Language: English
Format: In-person

Not pitching? No problem!

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.

Agenda

8:30 – Registration, coffee and snacks

9:00 – Opening speech, welcome notes and introducing Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland (moderators: Parastoo Jalili & Tomi Tuovinen)

9:10 – Keynote #1: Jarmo Lumpus, Serial entrepreneur, “How AI is Rewriting the Startup Playbook”

9:25 – Pitching part 1 (5-6 presenters)

Selected participants present their 3-minute breakthrough ideas + Jury panel evaluation & feedback (3-minute Q&A per pitch)

10:15 – Keynote #2: Milla Koistinaho, Partner at Innovestor Life Science Fund, Associate Professor at UEF – ”Commercialising research results – what are investors looking for?”

10:30 – Pitching part 2 (5-6 presenters)

11:20 – Break (15-20 minutes – meanwhile the jury will decide the winner)

11:40 – Winner Announcement & Award Ceremony

• Regional winner selected to represent Finland at the Falling Walls Global Finale in Berlin on November 6th. Travel and accommodation included!
• Certificate & recognition for top 3 presenters.
• Group picture with the top 3 winners and all the partners

12:00 – Closing the morning session

12:00 – 13:00 – Lunch (self-paid)

Who should attend?

• RESEARCHERS AND STUDENTS from across Finland who are ready to pitch their breakthrough ideas.
• Investors and business angels scouting the next big thing.
• Innovation and ecosystem professionals building the future of Eastern Finland.
• Corporate innovators, mentors, and supporters of regional growth.

Not pitching? No problem! 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.

Keynote Speakers

Jarmo Lumpus

Serial entrepreneur

“How AI is Rewriting the Startup Playbook”

Milla Koistinaho

Partner at Innovestor Life Science Fund, Associate Professor at UEF

“Commercialising research results – what are investors looking for?”