Startup Summit Eastern Finland & Falling Walls Lab
19.09.2025
Welcome to Startup Summit Eastern Finland 2025 – a one-day, two-part event bringing together the sharpest minds and boldest innovators from across Eastern Finland.
The day kicks off with Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland, official partner of Falling Walls Science Summit. It is a pitch competition for students and early-career professionals to present their breakthrough, science-based innovative ideas.
In the afternoon, the spotlight turns into 10 chosen Startups from Eastern Finland presenting their businesses, shaping the future of business and innovation in the region, where startups seek funding and connections! There is also open networking for the startups who won’t pitch to meet investors and other stakeholders.
Whether you’re an innovator, entrepreneur, investor, business driven researcher, or ecosystem builder, this summit is your gateway to connect, pitch, and be inspired!
When: Friday 19th September
Where: Novapolis, Microkatu 1, Kuopio
Sign up for Startup Summit: Startup Summit Eastern Finland & Falling Walls Lab – Kuopio, 19.9.2025
Falling Walls Lab, apply: Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland | Falling Walls
Registration is free but seats are limited.
More info: Startup Summit Eastern Finland & Falling Walls Lab – Business Center Pohjois-Savo
Schedule
Morning Session: Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland (8:30–12:00)
Microkatu 1, Novapolis, H section, 2nd floor, Pointti conference room
8:30 – Registration and 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) 40-50 minutes
- selected participants present their 3-minute breakthrough ideas + Jury panel evaluation & feedback (5-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) 40-50 minutes
11:20 – Break (15-20 minutes) (entertainment/ music) (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)
Download the morning schedule here
Afternoon Session: Startup Summit Eastern Finland (13:00–17:15)
Microkatu 1, M-part, Novapolis Co-Work
Afternoon Session: (13:00 – 17:15) – Startup Summit Eastern Finland
13:00– Welcome & Opening Words
- Introduction by the organisers
- Overview of the day and event goals
13:15– Keynotes: Stories from the Field
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Startup founder (TBA), Early-stage investor (TBA), Ecosystem leader (TBA)
14:00– Break
14:15– Startup Pitch Competition – Startups Eastern Finland
- 10 startups, Format: 3-minute pitch + 3-minute feedback
- Winner Announcement & Award Ceremony
- Winning startup receives a ticket to Slush 2025 and glory within the ecosystem!
16:00– Investor & Startup Speed-Dating
- Networking and speed-dating session
17:00– Closing Remarks
- Summary and thank-yous
- What happens next?
Contact us:
Jalili Parastoo
+358 44 718 2034
parastoo.jalili@kuopio.fi