Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland 2026

Saku Reunanen, a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Helsinki, won the Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland 2026 pitching competition. His research-based idea focused on a new type of treatment for Parkinson’s disease, based on a molecule that affects the disease more effectively.

Second prize in the competition was awarded to Teddy Tran from Aalto University, whose innovation aims to improve the analysis of bridge conditions using an analysis device installed in a vehicle. Third prize was awarded to Fahimeh Maleki, a Doctoral Researcher at the Department of Technical Physics at the University of Eastern Finland, for her idea for monitoring cancer drugs.

The competition is intended for presenting science-based innovations by the students or early-career researchers. This time, 20 researchers from seven universities signed up for the competition. Of these, 14 participants were selected for the actual competition.

The innovations were evaluated by a jury consisting of representatives from academia, investors, public organisations and the business sector. The winner of the competition will receive a free journey and participation in the final of the Falling Walls competition in Berlin in November 2026.

2026 gallery

Photos by Jerin Thamby

Event Details

When: Tuesday, June 9^th, 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

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.

Pitch your breakthrough idea in 3 minutes.

Why You Should Apply

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.

“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

Who Can Apply

Students and early-career professionals of all disciplines.
You must be 18 years or older when submitting your application.

You must fulfill at least one of the following formal requirements:

You are currently enrolled at university as a student.
You received a Bachelor’s degree no more than 10 years ago.
You received a Master’s degree no more than 7 years ago.
You received a PhD no more than 5 years ago.

How the Process Works

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:

Thursday, May 28th – In-person at Hub Panostamo
Monday, June 1st – Online session

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:

Breakthrough pitches from researchers and students
Inspiring keynote talks
Panel discussion with experts in academia, investment, and business
Networking with innovators and ecosystem partners
Demo area visits

Agenda:

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!

Keynote speaker: Samu Lehtonen, CEO of Marginum

Samu Lehtonen

From research to Business, success story: ”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

Keynote speaker: Anssi Uimonen, Founding Partner, Nordic Science Investments

Anssi Uimonen

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