Eastern Finland plays a key role in the evolving geopolitical landscape. The "BORDERLAND - Securing the Future" event, held in Helsinki ahead of Slush Week, was an excellent demonstration of both the relevance of the theme and the strengthening cooperation within Eastern Finland's rapidly developing security sector.
This year, Slush gathers over 13,000 international participants in Helsinki, most of whom represent startups or are investors. The city also hosts a wide array of side events surrounding the main conference. The BORDERLAND event, organized by the development agencies of Joensuu, Kuopio, Mikkeli, Imatra, and Lappeenranta, in collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland and LUT University, successfully attracted an international audience of around 200 people to central Helsinki on Tuesday, November 19. The event provided a platform for networking and discussions on the latest business innovations in security, border technology, and NATO cooperation.
"Tensions in the global security environment are evident, and companies play a crucial role in developing new solutions to ensure our safety," stated Jukka Kopra, Chair of the Defense Committee, in his opening remarks.
Tero Vihavainen, Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and Secretary General of the Finnish National Space Committee, emphasized the importance of space technology in disaster situations and rescue operations, such as the massive floods in Spain in October 2024. He particularly highlighted the significance of new, business-driven innovations in these contexts.
Companies played a central role at the event, with regional businesses having the opportunity to share their success stories, technological innovations, and insights on how their solutions address current security challenges. Some companies showcased their products and networked, while others sought concrete investments.
Joensuu-based airship manufacturer Kelluu presented a video in its session featuring a flight over Helsinki, filmed the same day. The video also gained attention in national media headlines.
In addition to Kelluu, the stage featured Suns, Observis, Rumble Tools, Relesoft, and Kuva Space. Professor Jyrki Saarinen from the University of Eastern Finland highlighted the role of photonics as an enabler of future solutions.
Eastern Finland is home to several emerging ecosystems in the security sector, with a focus on digital border security in Joensuu and comprehensive security in Kuopio. Mervi Huttunen, the main coordinator of the Borderland event from Business Joensuu, expressed her satisfaction with the seamless collaboration across regional borders:
"We are united by an important common cause, and this requires us to join forces. The representatives from Eastern Finland demonstrated at this event what cooperation can look like at its best! Seamless collaboration, clear division of responsibilities, and mutual trust. The event was filled with important discussions, lively conversations, and the cheerful spirit of Eastern Finland. Together, we managed to create something worth holding onto in the future—because together, we are stronger!"
Photo recap of the event:
Text and photos: Anne-Maria Kankaisto, Business Joensuu.