Startup Summit Kuopio

Programme 2026

Startup Summit Kuopio 2026 brings together keynotes, startup pitches, partner insights, guided networking and a panel discussion on commercialising research.

18 August 2026 Kuopio, Finland 12:00-17:30 Afterparty from 18:30

Venue Savonia UAS Kampussydän, Microkatu 1, Kuopio

Event language English

Format Keynotes, pitches, panel and guided networking

Hosted by Saara Närä

Programme

What happens during the day

A focused afternoon for founders, investors, researchers, experts and ecosystem builders.

12:00

Doors open, registration and coffee

Arrival, check-in and coffee before the official programme begins.

12:30

Welcome and opening words

Opening of Startup Summit Kuopio 2026.

12:45

Keynote 1

Keynote: Antti Väänänen

15-minute keynote followed by a 5-minute audience Q&A. Questions are collected through Mentimeter and selected live by the host.

Antti Väänänen CEO & Founder, Vireum Oy Topic and full biography to be confirmed.

13:15

Keynote 2

Keynote: Petri Kalliokoski

15-minute keynote followed by a 5-minute audience Q&A. Questions are collected through Mentimeter and selected live by the host.

Petri Kalliokoski CEO, entrepreneur, board member Topic and full biography to be confirmed.

13:45

Partner spotlight

A short partner presentation before the pitching competition begins.

14:00

Pitching competition

Startup pitching competition

Selected startups pitch their ideas on stage in front of the audience, jury and partners.

15:00

Coffee and guided networking

A facilitated networking session for startups, investors, partners and other participants.

16:00

Panel discussion

How can research be commercialised?

A panel discussion on turning research, expertise and technology into scalable business.

Vilma Torstila

Timo Antikainen

Petri Kalliokoski

Antti Väänänen

Minna Hendolin

16:45

Partner spotlight and winner announcement

The winner of the startup pitching competition will be announced after a short partner spotlight.

17:00

Closing words and open networking

The official programme closes and networking continues.

17:30

Official programme ends

Transition to the afterparty.

18:30

Afterparty at Luoto

Informal networking continues at Luoto Kuopio.

The programme is subject to small changes. Final session details, keynote topics and full speaker biographies will be confirmed closer to the event.

Get your ticket to Startup Summit Kuopio 2026

Early bird tickets are now available for 20 €. The ticket includes the full event programme, coffee, tea, light snacks, beverages and access to facilitated matchmaking during the event. The price will increase closer to the event.

Buy ticket Apply to pitch

Startup pitches

Keynote sessions

Guided networking

Coffee and snacks