SOHJO Business Event - Shaping the Luminous Future

SOHJO Business Event 2026 | March 26–27, 2026

Venue: Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel, Joensuu

It Was Luminous!

SOHJO is Eastern Finland’s biggest business event, bringing together startups, companies, investors and top speakers – along with the creative minds shaping the next wave of growth.
At SOHJO 2026, the iconic Nasdaq Closing Bell rang in Joensuu — a rare moment in the Nordics.
#SOHJO #Susicorn @businessjoensuu

SOHJO 2026 Business Event was #luminous! Thank you for participating!

Check out the luminous vibes from our photo gallery - link below!

SOHJO Business Event 2026_Nasdaq Closing Bell Ceremony_Photo by Harri Saynevirta - Business Joensuu

SOHJO 2027 | February 18-19 | Joensuu

SOHJO Business Event will return – and go to the Next Level in 2027!

Be among the first to secure your place at SOHJO 2027 Business Event (18–19 Feb) – Eastern Finland’s biggest business event, growing to 1000+ participants. We will announce more details during Spring 2026.

🔥 PARTNERS

If you’re interested in partnering in SOHJO 2027, contact us at XP Crew for partner deals. We have some very exciting opportunities for next year.

Email: hello@xpcrew.fi
Janne: +358 50 303 1470
Sam: +358 44 970 6308

Tickets sales will open on April 2026!

Photos - The Glow of SOHJO 2026

Photos from SOHJO 2026 will be continuously uploaded by our official photographers during the event and after it. Explore the gallery and download your favourite moments.

Image Usage

Images in photographer Harri Säynevirta’s gallery may only be used in social media posts related to the SOHJO 2026 event. If you are interested in purchasing usage rights for Harri Säynevirta’s photos, please contact:
harri@saynevirta.fi .
When contacting, please include:

Which image(s) you would like to license
The intended use (e.g. publication, marketing, personal use)
Any additional requests or questions.

Relive the spark and share the experience!

SOHJO Business Event 2026 Registration point

The registration point occupied by enthusiastic volunteers. Photo: Harri Säynevirta

SOHJO Business Event 2026 Luminous Hosts

Luminous Hosts Harri Kolehmainen and Preeti Jadhav. Photo: Harri Säynevirta

SOHJO Business Event 2026 hall getting crowded

The Susicorn Stage hall getting crowded with humans and humanoids. Photo: Harri Säynevirta

Photo: Harri Säynevirta

SOHJO Logo with Ina Mikkola. Photo: Risto Takala

SOHJO Business Event 2026 Kari Kola Streaming

Light Artist Kari Kola streamed his keynote speech from Australia. Photo: Risto Takala

SOHJO Business Event 2026 Panelists on Hype vs Purpose

Panel discussing the importance of emphasizing purpose over hype in branding. Photo: Harri Säynevirta

SOHJO Business Event 2026 The Nasdaq Bell

Thomas Mathews from Abloy closed the stock trading day on Susicorn Stage with Erja Retzén, Nasdaq. Photo: Harri Säynevirta

SOHJO Business Event 2026 Match Made in Joensuu

Match Made in Joensuu. Photo: Harri Säynevirta

SOHJO Business Event 2026 Studio Käpynä AI Art Installation with LuovAIn!

Real time AI Art Installation by Studio Käpynä Oy with LuovAIn! Project . Photo: Harri Säynevirta

SOHJO Business Event 2026 20260327 024 Harri Säynevirta

Breathing Coach Hermanni Hakalisto on his keynote. Photo: Harri Säynevirta

SOHJO Business Event 2026 Ronny Eriksson - ODD, Bold and Brilliant

Ronny Eriksson on his keynote about the next generation of bold entrepreneurs and visionaries. Photo: Harri Säynevirta

Photo: Harri Säynevirta

SOHJO Business Event 2026 - Stacy K Vaughn

Stacy K Vaughn finishing her keynote about doing business with U.S. Government. Photo: Verna Lukkari

Jiri Jormakka on his keynote about Kelluu. Photo: Risto Takala

SOHJO Business Event 2026 Peter Vesterbacka

Peter Vesterbacka: Impossible is Nothing. Photo: Risto Takala

Peter Vesterbacka: Impossible is Nothing. Photo: Harri Säynevirta

SOHJO Business Event 2026 - Recolth - Susicorn Startup Competition Winner 2026 - Business Joensuu

Nicholas Kosonen of Recolth Oy pitching for Susicorn Jury. Photo: Harri Säynevirta

Susicorn Startup Competition Finalists 2026 and Jury. Photo: Harri Säynevirta

SOHJO Business Event 2026 Susicorn Prizes

The Susicorn Prizes. Photo: Risto Takala

International Festival of Business, Innovation and Creativity

SOHJO 2026 Business Event brought together inspiring keynotes, expert panels, hands-on workshops and cross-sector collaboration from around the world.

SOHJO is Eastern Finland’s boldest stage for startups, innovation, technology and creativity, bringing together companies, investors and experts to spark new business, partnerships and growth - filled with pure business festival spirit.

Reflecting the theme Luminous, discussions explore photonics and light-based technologies, alongside emerging markets such as digital border security and dual-use technologies, AI and robotics, startup growth and capital markets, and the role of creativity in innovation and regional development.

The primary language of the festival was English.
Dress code: Business Festival

SOHJO Speakers

Stacy K. Vaughn

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Erja Retzén

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Thomas Mathews

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Peter Vesterbacka

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Irene Viinikkala

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Sanna Rautio

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Tiina Laisi-Puheloinen

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Arska & Dolly

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Matti Tikanmäki

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Ronny Eriksson

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Kari Kola

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Jiri Jormakka

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Ina Mikkola

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Taavi Kuisma

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Petri Lauronen

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Kaisa Rönkkö

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Hermanni Hakalisto

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Kaj Hagros

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Minna Hendolin

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Joonas Karvinen

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Tomi Haring

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Susicorn Startup Competition

Susicorn is where bold, future-shaping business ideas and startup innovations compete for the Brightest Susicorn Award, a launchpad for growth from the greater Joensuu region to the world, and the attention of investors and partners.

Companies, startups, spinoffs, students, and innovation- and business-minded individuals and teams from around the world are invited to submit their ideas between January 1 and 31, 2026.

The Susicorn final - Pitch for the Brightest Susicorn - will take place at SOHJO on March 27, 2026, where six finalists will pitch their innovations live on stage to the Susicorn jury and audience.