SOHJO 2026 Program

At SOHJO 2026, the University of Eastern Finland turns the UTRA cabinet into a meeting point where research, technology, talent and business come together. In UTRA you can explore new ideas, try out prototypes and talk directly with the people developing them.

Step in to see how research becomes practical solutions, new collaborations and future-ready skills. Read below to learn what you can find there. More info...

Minna will challenge us to rethink the role of universities in competitiveness and ask: How do we create more bold ideas? How do we accelerate innovation? And how do we build ecosystems where science truly drives business success? More info...

At SOHJO 2026, Jere Ruotsalainen (Fantasia Works) joins Kati Nuora (Finnish Arts and Cultural Agency) for a Fire Chat on how creative work becomes international business. We’ll talk about turning strong ideas into sellable concepts, what kinds of collaborations help projects travel across borders, and what it takes to build demand in global markets.

If you want to scale or stand out, collaborate with creative talent from day one. More info...

Is creativity a line item on a budget — or the spark that ignites entire economies?
Can Eastern Finland leverage its cultural capital to fuel broader innovation and growth?

This conversation is both a call to rethink and a roadmap for action — where creative expression, social resilience and economic courage converge. Expect bold insights, unexpected turns and a rallying argument for elevating creative industries into the mainstream of regional development. More info...

Stacy brings her radiant expertise to the Susicorn stage with a keynote: "Beyond Borders: Doing Business with the U.S. Government". This session casts light on how Nordic startups and scaleups can plug into American demand — and turn creativity into contracts. From defense to innovation, Stacy will unveil practical insights into how international companies can enter and thrive within federal supply chains. More info...

At SOHJO 2026, Kaisa steps into the spotlight in an inspiring session exploring the power dynamics that shape our collective tomorrow. Is the future molded by markets, politics, or the untamed force of creativity? With deep roots in Finnish arts and a vision tuned to the horizon, Kaisa brings clarity, courage and curiosity to the conversation. More info...

In his keynote, Jiri shares how a Joensuu-based company navigated international defence ecosystems, built trust in complex markets, and scaled a high-ambition vision from regional roots to global skies. Expect insights into dual-use innovation, long-term thinking and what it really takes to turn bold Nordic engineering into international impact. More info...

At SOHJO 2026, Tiina and Pasi take the stage in an authentic, dialog-driven session that dives into the rarely polished side of startup life. This is not a highlight reel of unicorn glory. It’s a luminous conversation about the “valley of death,” cash flow anxiety, unexpected crises — and the inner drive that keeps founders moving when everything feels stuck. More info... 

At Susicorn’s Wolf’s Den, the six finalists step into the spotlight to pitch live to a top-tier jury of founders, investors and innovation leaders — the Wolves of Susicorn. More info...

Tomi sets the tone for the two days ahead: a celebration of curiosity, connection and courageous thinking. His words remind us why we gather — to transcend boundaries, challenge old assumptions and light up new pathways for business, creativity and future-making. More info...

At SOHJO 2026, Ryszard invites us to rethink something fundamental: How important is LIGHT in our everyday lives?

In his keynote “Living in a World of Light. The hidden technology shaping our lives”, he will illuminate how photonics powers the technologies we rely on daily — from communication and healthcare to security, sensing and sustainable solutions — often without us even realising it. More info...

Matti takes the Susicorn Stage to tackle a question that's becoming increasingly relevant: what kind of relationship will we build with robots that look and move like us? With over 20 years of hands-on experience in deploying robotics in real-world settings, Matti brings a grounded perspective to the hype. Are humanoids the ultimate co-workers, efficient tools, or something we haven't quite figured out yet? He is joined on stage by Probot's charismatic robot duo: Arska the humanoid and Dolly the mobile robot. More info...

At SOHJO, Erja Retzén will host a special Nasdaq Closing Bell Ceremony, an exclusive moment where the legendary exchange bell rings not in Helsinki — but right here in Joensuu.  During the Nasdaq Closing Bell Ceremony Erja also shares insights into the future of listings, why visibility still matters, and how startups from unexpected regions — like North Karelia — can find their way to the spotlight and the stock exchange. More about Erja...

Thomas Mathews joins Erja on the Susicorn Stage for a special Q&A session exploring what it means to lead innovation in a highly trusted legacy brand with the support of ASSA ABLOY, and how a company built on more than a century of expertise continues to evolve in a fast-changing world. More about Thomas...

After the closing words, the Official SOHJO Afterparty by JOES will begin at HUB Joensuu, Rantakatu 30.

Minna will challenge us to rethink the role of universities in competitiveness and ask: How do we create more bold ideas? How do we accelerate innovation? And how do we build ecosystems where science truly drives business success? More info...

At SOHJO 2026, Jere Ruotsalainen (Fantasia Works) joins Kati Nuora (Finnish Arts and Cultural Agency) for a Fire Chat on how creative work becomes international business. We’ll talk about turning strong ideas into sellable concepts, what kinds of collaborations help projects travel across borders, and what it takes to build demand in global markets.

If you want to scale or stand out, collaborate with creative talent from day one.  More info... 

Is creativity a line item on a budget — or the spark that ignites entire economies?
Can Eastern Finland leverage its cultural capital to fuel broader innovation and growth?

This conversation is both a call to rethink and a roadmap for action — where creative expression, social resilience and economic courage converge. Expect bold insights, unexpected turns and a rallying argument for elevating creative industries into the mainstream of regional development. More info... 

Stacy brings her radiant expertise to the Susicorn stage with a keynote: "Beyond Borders: Doing Business with the U.S. Government". This session casts light on how Nordic startups and scaleups can plug into American demand — and turn creativity into contracts. From defense to innovation, Stacy will unveil practical insights into how international companies can enter and thrive within federal supply chains. More info...

In his keynote, Jiri shares how a Joensuu-based company navigated international defence ecosystems, built trust in complex markets, and scaled a high-ambition vision from regional roots to global skies. Expect insights into dual-use innovation, long-term thinking and what it really takes to turn bold Nordic engineering into international impact. More info...

In this fire chat - TRUST – The Sparkling Secret of Sales Success - we’ll dive into the real drivers of exceptional sales performance: trust, courage, discipline – and relentless execution.

This session isn’t just about selling – it’s about rethinking how we connect, commit and close in today’s luminous business world.

More info...

Sohjo Hacks — a 30-hour international hackathon — culminates on the Luminous Stage. Here, teams of developers, designers, and innovators bring their boldest ideas to life, solving real research and commercial challenges. The most impactful solutions rise to the top — and are awarded on stage. More info...

At SOHJO 2026, Tiina and Pasi take the stage in an authentic, dialog-driven session that dives into the rarely polished side of startup life. This is not a highlight reel of unicorn glory. It’s a luminous conversation about the “valley of death,” cash flow anxiety, unexpected crises — and the inner drive that keeps founders moving when everything feels stuck. More info...

Welcome to see a video replay of Kari Kola’s SOHJO Day 1 keynote - Lighting the Sound: Creative Power, Global Stage. Best seats for the fastest (the screen size is limited). Read more about the keynote: Kari Kola 

On Thursday, our showroom highlights Skilled Future Talents – the people shaping the Luminous future. Come meet our Future Talents team on-site, explore our dynamic Talent Pool and learn more about boosting business through R&D collaboration. More info...

 On Friday, we showcase Karelia AI, our research AI-environment where new technologies and digital solutions are developed in close collaboration with companies and public organizations. Join us and explore Karelia’s AI applications. More info... 

Step inside and experience how AI, movement and communal creativity fuse into a living, luminous artwork — right in the middle of SOHJO.

A brushstroke in the air or on a physical surface becomes the starting point. Your movement is interpreted by AI and instantly visualised on a large LED screen — the luminous heart of the installation. What appears on the screen then becomes the prompt for the next AI interpretation, creating a dynamic feedback loop between participants and the artwork itself.

More info...

At SOHJO 2026, the University of Eastern Finland turns the UTRA cabinet into a meeting point where research, technology, talent and business come together. In UTRA you can explore new ideas, try out prototypes and talk directly with the people developing them.

Step in to see how research becomes practical solutions, new collaborations and future-ready skills. Read below to learn what you can find there. More info... 

At SOHJO 2026, the University of Eastern Finland turns the UTRA cabinet into a meeting point where research, technology, talent and business come together. In UTRA you can explore new ideas, try out prototypes and talk directly with the people developing them.

Step in to see how research becomes practical solutions, new collaborations and future-ready skills. Read below to learn what you can find there. More info...

An entrepreneurship event aimed at the staff and students of Karelia University of Applied Sciences as well as representatives of the surrounding region at Wärtsilä Campus.

More info...

After work event at Botania, Joensuu.

More info...

A pitching and networking afternoon at Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel.

More info...