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.
Programme
What happens during the day
A focused afternoon for founders, investors, researchers, experts and ecosystem builders.
Research Commercialization Workshop
From Research to Business – Building Better PoC & R2B Applications
This practical workshop is designed for researchers and academic innovators who want to strengthen their Proof of Concept (PoC) and Research to Business (R2B) proposals. The session covers customer problems, commercial potential, credible commercialization paths and common pitfalls in funding applications.
Please note: this is a separate morning side event and is not part of the official Startup Summit Kuopio programme. Participation requires a separate registration.
View workshop programme
Doors open, registration and coffee
Arrival, check-in and coffee before the official programme begins. Take time to meet other participants and get settled before the stage programme starts.
Welcome and opening words
Opening of Startup Summit Kuopio 2026 by Minna Hendolin.
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.
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.
Partner spotlight: Business Joensuu
A short partner presentation by Business Joensuu before the startup pitching competition begins.
Startup pitching competition
Nostetta Ventures & Finnish Startup Community
Five selected startup teams pitch their ideas on stage in front of the audience, jury members, investors and partners. The session gives teams a focused opportunity to present their business and receive direct feedback.
The Startup Summit Kuopio pitching competition is part of Hub Panostamo’s Kipinä programme, co-funded by the European Union and the Development Centre of Eastern Finland.
Coffee and guided networking
Novapolis & Business Center Pohjois-Savo
A facilitated networking session for startups, investors, partners and other participants. Use the break to make new introductions and continue conversations from the first half of the programme.
How can research be commercialised?
A panel discussion on turning research, expertise and technology into scalable business, and what is needed to move from promising research to commercial impact.
Vilma Torstila
Timo Antikainen
Petri Kalliokoski
Antti Väänänen
Minna Hendolin
Partner spotlight: Business Kuopio and winner announcement
A short Business Kuopio partner spotlight followed by the announcement of the Startup Summit Kuopio 2026 pitching competition winner.
Closing words and open networking
The official stage programme closes and participants can continue networking before the event ends.
Official programme ends
The daytime programme ends and participants can transition to the afterparty.
Afterparty at Luoto
Informal networking continues at Luoto Kuopio from 18:30.
The programme is subject to small changes. Final session details may still be updated closer to the event.
Get your ticket to Startup Summit Kuopio 2026
Tickets are available for 30 €. The ticket includes the full event programme, coffee, tea, light snacks, beverages and access to facilitated matchmaking during the event.
Startup pitching competition application period is closedPartners
Startup Summit Kuopio 2026 is built together with partners who support innovation, entrepreneurship and growth.
